Uplink Downlink Beamforming Weight Mapping for 5G Reciprocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving directional reciprocity between uplink and downlink channels, especially in scenarios where the channel is not reciprocal or when reception and transmission circuitry are not symmetric, which affects signal quality and mobility in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines and applies sets of reception weights based on predefined beam parameters to generate matching transmission weights, ensuring that the properties of the transmission beam configuration match the best reception beam configuration, even in non-reciprocal scenarios, using techniques such as mapping, look-up tables, or iterative processes to achieve spatial diversity and improved signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If beamforming is applied using multiple antenna elements to focus radiated energy in specific directions, then coverage and data rates are improved, but the dimensions of the antenna array become impractically large at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna elements by applying complex weights (amplitude and phase) to each element. This allows the antenna array to form directional beams without physically increasing the array dimensions, as the beamforming is achieved through signal processing rather than physical geometry alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The same antenna array is used for both transmission and reception functions. The patent applies beamforming weights during reception to achieve directional sensitivity, and determines transmission weights based on reception beam parameters, allowing the same hardware to perform multiple functions without requiring separate antenna arrays.
2Reliability
If directional beamforming is applied to improve signal quality in specific directions, then signal quality is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple beam configurations and weight sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines multiple sets of reception weights, each associated with specific beam parameters (direction, width, etc.). This preliminary configuration allows the system to quickly select appropriate beam settings without real-time optimization, reducing the computational complexity during operation while maintaining signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines transmission weights based on reception beam parameters obtained from uplink signals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt transmission beamforming based on actual channel conditions observed during reception, improving signal quality while using information already available from the uplink.
3Ease of operation
If the same reception weights are used for transmission in reciprocal channels, then implementation is simplified, but this approach fails when the channel is not reciprocal or when reception and transmission circuitry are not symmetric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly handles asymmetric scenarios by determining transmission weights based on reception beam parameters rather than simply reusing reception weights. This asymmetric approach allows the system to adapt to non-reciprocal channels and different circuitry characteristics while maintaining a systematic method for weight determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines transmission weights based on observed reception beam parameters from uplink signals. Rather than using fixed or static weight configurations, the system adapts transmission weights in response to actual channel conditions, making the beamforming approach versatile across different channel scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to devices, methods, and computer programs in mobile communications in order to enhance signal transmission. Specifically, it relates to methods in a network node. The method comprises receiving S1 a signal with at least a partly known content and applying S2 to the received signal at least one set of reception weights out of a plurality predefined sets of reception weights, wherein each set of reception weights is associated with at least one reception beam parameter describing a reception beam configuration. The method further comprises determining S3, based on one or more predetermined criteria, at least one set of reception weights out of the applied predefined sets of reception weights and generating S4 at least one set of transmission weights. Said at least one set of transmission weights is based on the at least one reception beam parameter The method further comprise transmitting S5 a signal using the generated at least one set of transmission weights.