5G NR Uplink MIMO Layer Expansion for mmWave Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR systems operating in mmWave frequencies face limitations in uplink (UL) throughput and coverage due to the restriction of up to 4 MIMO layers, which hinders the achievement of high data rates and low latency promised by mmWave spectrum.
Innovation Solution
Enhancements to the 5G NR system by increasing the number of spatial layers in UL transmission using large antenna arrays, supporting multiple layers in both CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM modes, and expanding MIMO layer capabilities through enhanced Information Elements (IEs) and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of MIMO layers is increased beyond 4 in UL transmission, then UL throughput and data rates are improved, but device complexity and protocol complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MIMO transmission by introducing separate codebook tables for different numbers of antenna ports (2, 4, 8, 16 ports), allowing the system to handle increased complexity in a modular fashion. Each table provides precoding matrix indicators (PMIs) tailored to specific antenna configurations, breaking down the overall complex MIMO problem into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing codebook tables for specific antenna port configurations (2, 4, 8, 16) rather than all possible configurations. This allows the system to support higher MIMO layers (up to 8 layers for 16 antenna ports) without implementing complete codebooks for every possible scenario, reducing overall complexity while maintaining productivity benefits.
2Reliability
If the number of antenna ports is increased to support more MIMO layers, then UL coverage and data rates are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna port configurations into discrete segments (2, 4, 8, 16 ports) with dedicated codebook tables for each. This segmentation allows the device to select appropriate complexity levels based on channel conditions and coverage requirements, rather than always operating at maximum complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of antenna port configuration to support variable MIMO layer counts. By defining codebook tables for specific port configurations, the system can dynamically adjust the number of active antenna ports and corresponding MIMO layers to match coverage needs, transforming the fixed 4-layer limitation into a flexible parameter that can be optimized for different scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If codebook tables for multiple antenna port configurations are provided, then adaptability to different device configurations is improved, but protocol complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the codebook information into distinct tables based on antenna port configurations (2, 4, 8, 16 ports). Each table is independently defined with specific precoding matrix indicators, allowing the protocol to reference only the relevant table for the current configuration rather than managing a single large complex codebook.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by defining codebook tables that follow a similar structure and format across different antenna port configurations. Each table contains precoding matrix indicators with consistent indexing and organization, allowing the system to reuse the same codebook structure template while adapting the specific content for different port numbers, thereby reducing protocol complexity through pattern repetition.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for increasing throughput in wireless systems and networks. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced performance to 5G millimeter-wave user devices via expanded use of spatial multiplexing layers in various uplink (UL) operating modes, including transform precode and non-transform precode modes. In one implementation, the methods and apparatus described herein can be utilized with respect to a 3GPP 5G NR UE scheduled dynamically in UL transmission. In another implementation, the methods and apparatus described herein can be utilized with respect to the UE scheduled with a Configured Grant (CG) UL transmission.