Uplink Transmission Resource Selection for mmWave Antenna Panel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards do not support antenna panel switching, which is necessary for effective operation in higher frequency bands like Millimeter Wave (mmWave) due to large path loss and blockage, limiting the effectiveness of multiple antenna panels in New Radio (NR) systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission where the user equipment (UE) selects or is designated a transmission resource by the base station, based on received resource selection information, to optimize uplink transmission using multiple antenna resources with different directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple antenna panels are equipped in UE for mmWave operation, then coverage and capacity are improved, but path loss and blockage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna panel switching where the UE can switch between different antenna panels based on channel conditions. The base station receives SRS from different panels and determines which panel provides better uplink quality, then sends indication information to switch panels dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by making the antenna system adaptive rather than static, allowing the system to overcome path loss and blockage by selecting the best panel in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of antenna panel selection based on channel conditions. Different antenna panels are activated depending on the measured channel quality, effectively changing which physical antenna configuration is in use. This allows the system to adapt to varying path loss and blockage conditions by selecting panels with optimal directivity toward the base station.
2Reliability
If antenna panel switching is implemented for effective mmWave operation, then communication reliability is improved, but LTE standards compatibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces new signaling mechanisms as intermediaries between the UE and base station to enable antenna panel switching. The base station sends indication information (via DCI or MAC CE) to the UE to switch panels, and the UE feeds back SRS from different panels for evaluation. These intermediary signaling elements allow the antenna switching function to be integrated into the existing LTE framework without requiring complete standards redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing LTE signaling mechanisms universal by extending their functionality. The same uplink channels (PUSCH, PUCCH) and downlink control channels (DCI, MAC CE) used for常规 communication are also used to carry antenna panel switching commands and indicators. This multi-functional use of existing signaling preserves standards compatibility while enabling new antenna switching capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If SRS transmission is used for channel sounding, then channel quality information is obtained, but transmission resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the UE transmit SRS only from the currently active antenna panel rather than continuously from all panels. The base station receives SRS, evaluates channel quality, and only switches panels when necessary based on measured quality thresholds. This partial measurement approach obtains sufficient channel quality information while minimizing the overhead of frequent multi-panel SRS transmissions.
Data Source
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Figure 2C
AI summary
A method for uplink (UL) transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station (BS) includes selecting, with the UE, a transmission resource used for the UL transmission from multiple transmission resources of the UE, based on selection information or determination in the UE, and transmitting, from the UE to the BS, a UL signal or a UL channel using the selected transmission resource. The selection information indicates a transmission resource designated by the BS. The selecting selects a plurality of transmission resources used for the UL transmission. The transmitting transmits a plurality of UL signals or a plurality of UL channels using the plurality of transmission resources. A method of transmit power control (TPC), the method comprising: performing, with a user equipment (UE), different TPC for each transmission resources of the UE.