UE Sub-Chain Beam Codebook for Flexible 5G Beamforming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing beamforming and antenna operations, particularly in 5G and beyond, due to hardware constraints and limited flexibility in beam management, which affect data transmission rates and coverage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of site-specific and dynamic UE beam codebook designs, including sub-chain beam codebook designs, to optimize beamforming and antenna operations, allowing for more flexible and efficient communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full-chain beam codebook is used for downlink reception, then beamforming performance and coverage are improved, but device complexity and hardware resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamforming performanceVSAvoidhardware resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna chains into multiple sub-chains, allowing the UE to activate only the necessary number of sub-chains for uplink transmission based on current communication needs. This segmentation enables flexible resource allocation where the full-chain beam codebook can be used for downlink reception when maximum performance is required, while sub-chain operation reduces hardware consumption when fewer chains are needed for uplink transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic UE beam codebook design is implemented, then adaptability to different communication scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in beam managementVSAvoidcodebook management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic UE beam codebook design where the number of activated chains for uplink transmission can be dynamically adjusted based on communication requirements. The processor determines the number of activated chains and selects appropriate sub-chain beam codebooks dynamically, allowing the system to adapt between full-chain and sub-chain operations as needed while managing the complexity through structured codebook organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If sub-chain beam codebook is used for uplink transmission, then power consumption is reduced, but beamforming capability may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidbeamforming capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of sub-chains for uplink transmission rather than always using the full chain. The processor determines the optimal number of activated chains based on current communication needs, allowing the system to use fewer chains when sufficient for the task (reducing power consumption) while maintaining adequate beamforming capability through the sub-chain beam codebook design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4154417B1Method and apparatus for a user equipment sub-chain beam codebook design and operation
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4154417B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4154417B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4154417B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a

AI summary

A user equipment (UE) is configured to vary a number of chains in uplink or downlink communications with a base station (BS). The UE includes a processor coupled to a transceiver. The processor is configured to: identify a full-chain beam for a downlink reception based on a beam sweeping; determine a number of activated chains for an uplink transmission; and determine a sub-chain uplink transmission beam.