Uplink Antenna Selection Control in Fading Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna control systems in user equipment with multiple antennas face challenges in selecting the optimal uplink antenna, particularly in fading conditions and urban environments, leading to unreliable signal strength and reduced data throughput.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling uplink antenna selection in user equipment by detecting fading conditions and motion-related characteristics, transmitting detection information to a network entity, and receiving antenna selection control information based on this data to optimize antenna choice.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If antenna selection is based on DL RSSI signal strength, then antenna selection is simplified, but selection reliability deteriorates in fading conditions and urban environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna selection simplicityVSAvoidantenna selection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports uplink signal quality measurements (such as BLER, SINR, or RSRP) back to the network entity. The network entity uses this feedback to determine the optimal antenna selection, ensuring reliable uplink communication while maintaining system adaptability to changing channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/simple RSSI-based selection mechanism with a more sophisticated system that uses uplink signal quality measurements and network-side decision-making. This substitution transitions from a purely signal-strength-based approach to one that considers actual uplink transmission quality and channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a single fixed TX antenna is placed in one side mirror, then device complexity is reduced, but uplink coverage to alternate BTSs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna system complexityVSAvoiduplink coverage adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static single-antenna configuration to a dynamic multi-antenna system where the active transmit antenna can be changed based on the target base station direction. The network entity controls antenna selection dynamically, allowing the UE to adapt to different spatial configurations and serve multiple BTSs effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-antenna configuration provides universal functionality by enabling the UE to communicate with base stations in multiple directions. Each antenna can be activated depending on the spatial relationship with the target BTS, making the system versatile for various deployment scenarios including urban canyons and rural areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If TX antenna selection is controlled solely by UE based on DL conditions, then response speed is improved, but selection accuracy deteriorates due to fading conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna selection response speedVSAvoidfading condition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity acts as an intermediary that receives uplink signal quality measurements from the UE and makes the final antenna selection decision. This mediator approach combines the speed of UE-based measurements with the accuracy of network-side decision-making, leveraging the network's knowledge of downlink-uplink channel relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary uplink signal quality measurements and channel condition assessments by the UE before the network entity makes the final antenna selection decision. This preliminary action enables fast response while maintaining accuracy through subsequent network validation and decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple TX antennas are employed with switching, then uplink coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplink coverage capabilityVSAvoidantenna switching system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from uplink signal quality measurements to control antenna switching, rather than complex switching logic. The UE measures uplink quality on different antennas and reports back to the network, which then controls the switching based on this feedback, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The UE autonomously performs uplink signal quality measurements and antenna performance assessments, then reports findings to the network entity. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex network-controlled switching mechanisms while still achieving optimal antenna selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9871641B2Apparatus and method for selecting an antenna for uplink communication

Publication Date: 2018.01.16 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

Measures for controlling uplink antenna selection in a user equipment comprising at least two antennas. At the user equipment, at least two radio wave signals are received, fading conditions in relation to the received at least two radio wave signals are detected and uplink antenna selection in the user equipment is controlled at least on the basis of the detected fading conditions.