Virtual Antenna Array Signaling for Multipath Angle Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The multipath effect in MIMO systems causes signal fading, which affects communication quality in 5G NR networks, particularly in microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A communication method involving a terminal device reporting motion and time information to a network device to configure a reference signal, enabling accurate multipath angle estimation and improving communication quality by constructing a virtual antenna array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MIMO technology is used to improve communication quality, then reliability and throughput are enhanced, but signal fading caused by multipath effect occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful multipath effect into a beneficial tool by using the motion information of the terminal device to construct a virtual antenna array. The multipath signals that would normally cause fading are instead exploited to estimate multipath angles and improve communication quality through beam management and channel estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for signal processing by constructing a virtual antenna array in the spatial domain based on terminal motion information. This virtual array extends the physical antenna array's capabilities, enabling multipath angle estimation and beamforming without adding physical antennas.
2Productivity
If multiple antennas are used in MIMO system, then transmission range and throughput are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the antenna array by using motion information to simulate additional antenna positions. Instead of deploying more physical antennas, the system generates a virtual antenna array that replicates the spatial sampling capabilities of physical antennas, thereby maintaining throughput while avoiding the complexity of hardware expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing antenna system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a physical antenna array for signal transmission and as a virtual antenna array for multipath angle estimation. The same hardware infrastructure is utilized for multiple purposes, avoiding the need for separate systems.
3Reliability
If beam management is implemented for multipath angle estimation, then communication quality is improved, but power consumption and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the terminal device to self-determine its motion information (velocity, acceleration, position) using its own sensors and processing capabilities. This self-generated motion information is then used to construct the virtual antenna array, eliminating the need for complex beam management procedures and reducing power consumption associated with traditional beam sweeping and training.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and a communication apparatus are provided. The method includes: sending motion information of a terminal device and sending time information of a first antenna in a first virtual antenna array to a network device; receiving first configuration information from the network device, where the first configuration information is used to configure a first reference signal corresponding to the motion information and the sending time information; sending the first reference signal to the network device based on the first configuration information; and receiving a first multipath angle from the network device, where the first multipath angle indicates a multipath angle at which the first reference signal reaches the network device. The first antenna is any antenna in the first virtual antenna array.