5G NR Uplink MIMO Layer Expansion for mmWave Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G NR systems operating in mmWave frequencies face limitations in uplink (UL) throughput due to the use of large antenna arrays, as existing specifications only support up to 4 MIMO layers, forcing a trade-off between coverage and data rate, and do not efficiently utilize the potential of mmWave spectrum for simultaneous enhanced throughput and coverage.
Innovation Solution
Enhancements to the 5G NR system by increasing the number of spatial layers in UL transmission using multiple antenna elements, supporting up to 8 or 16 layers, and expanding the layer and codeword capabilities in both CP-OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM modes, with enhanced protocols and parameters for UE configuration and gNB communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of MIMO layers is increased to improve throughput, then data rate is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of maximum MIMO layers from 4 to 8 or more, enabling higher throughput while managing complexity through standardized protocol extensions. This parameter change allows the system to exploit additional spatial dimensions for multiplexing without requiring fundamental architectural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where the number of active MIMO layers can be adjusted based on channel conditions and device capability. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between throughput and complexity by activating only the necessary number of layers for each transmission scenario.
2Reliability
If large antenna arrays are used to increase spatial layers, then coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the spatial dimension by introducing multiple antenna elements arranged in specific geometries (e.g., circular, linear, or two-dimensional arrays). This dimensional expansion enables additional spatial layers for MIMO operation, improving coverage and throughput simultaneously through increased spatial diversity and multiplexing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs antenna array configurations that serve multiple functions: they provide coverage through spatial diversity, enable multiple MIMO layers for throughput enhancement, and maintain compatibility with existing device architectures. The same antenna structure supports both coverage and high throughput by configuring different numbers of active layers.
3Productivity
If existing 5G NR specifications are used, then backward compatibility is maintained, but uplink throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the enhancement into optional configuration parameters that can be activated independently. By dividing the MIMO layer configuration into selectable components (e.g., number of layers, codeword mapping, antenna geometry), the system maintains compatibility with existing specifications while enabling enhanced throughput through optional parameter extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of enhanced MIMO capabilities during device registration and capability negotiation. By pre-configuring the device with enhanced specification parameters and obtaining network authorization, the system prepares for high throughput operation without requiring real-time specification changes, thus maintaining backward compatibility while enabling future-proof performance.
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.