UE Beamforming Architecture with RF, IF, and BB Combining

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing beamforming architectures for directional signal transmission and reception, particularly in high path loss and short-range scenarios, where beam combining techniques are not optimally adapted to user equipment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

User equipment (UE) transmits Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state information to the network entity, indicating its capability for radio frequency (RF), intermediate frequency (IF), or baseband (BB) beam combining, allowing the network entity to select appropriate TCI states for downlink transmissions based on UE beamforming architecture, enabling switching between different beam combining types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beamforming is used to compensate for high path loss and short range, then signal transmission quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple antenna modules and beam combining architectures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidantenna module configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam combining selection where the UE can switch between RF combining, IF combining, and BB combining modes based on current communication conditions and capability indications. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize signal quality while managing device complexity by selecting the most appropriate combining architecture for each transmission scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the beamforming system by introducing TCI state information that indicates UE capability to support different combining types (RF, IF, BB). The network entity uses this information to select appropriate TCI states for downlink transmissions, effectively changing the system parameters to match UE capabilities and optimize performance without permanently increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple TCI states are supported for different beam combining types, then adaptability is improved, but information management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam combining capabilityVSAvoidcapability indication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE indicate its beam combining capabilities (RF, IF, or BB combining support) to the network entity before actual downlink transmissions occur. This advance capability indication allows the network entity to pre-select appropriate TCI states that match the UE's supported combining types, ensuring accurate information management and avoiding capability mismatches during transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE provides capability information about supported beam combining types to the network entity. The network entity uses this feedback to select appropriate TCI states for downlink transmissions, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate information about UE capabilities and adapts transmissions accordingly, preventing information loss or mismatches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the efficiency and adaptability of beamforming by optimizing signal reception and transmission based on UE capabilities, improving communication quality and coverage in challenging environments.

Implementation Method 1

Each antenna in the antenna array module transmits a signal that is combined with other signals of other antennas of the same array in such a way that signals at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstructive interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDestructive interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS20250280464A1Beam combining selection based on beamforming architecture

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Aspects relate to mechanisms for a UE to indicate the supported beam combining types to the network based on the beamforming architecture of the UE. In some examples, the UE may be configured to transmit transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state information to a network entity. The TCI state information may include, for example, a single TCI state or multiple TCI states based on a UE capability to support RF beam combining, IF beam combining, and/or BB beam combining of beamformed signals across one or more antenna modules of the UE. The UE may further receive a downlink transmission from the network entity using one or more selected TCI states based on the TCI state information.