Virtual Sector Beam Training for mmWave Path Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently establishing communication links at mmWave frequencies due to high path loss and the complexity of finding optimal antenna beam combinations, especially with large antenna arrays in Hybrid MIMO configurations.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that reduce computational complexity by using antenna circuitry to form beams of variable width and perform beam training through a dynamic codebook tree, where the second stage beams are selected based on a virtual best sector formed by evaluating metrics from the first stage, allowing for a more efficient beam training process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam training is performed using exhaustive search of all discrete spatial beams, then the optimal beam can be found, but the computational complexity increases exponentially with the number of antenna elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the exhaustive beam search into two stages: a first stage that evaluates a subset of discrete spatial beams, and a second stage that performs refined search only in the virtual sector formed by the best beam from the first stage. This segmentation reduces the total number of beams that need to be evaluated, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining beam selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary beam evaluation in the first stage to identify the best beam and form a virtual sector before conducting the detailed beam training in the second stage. This preliminary action narrows down the search space, avoiding the need to evaluate all possible beams and thus reducing computational complexity.
2Device complexity
If the number of beam training iterations is reduced, then computational complexity decreases, but the accuracy of finding the optimal beam may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the beam search strategy by forming a virtual sector based on the best beam from the first stage and concentrating the second stage search within this virtual sector. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to focus computational resources on the most promising directions, maintaining accuracy while reducing the total number of iterations needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual sector as an intermediary construct that bridges the coarse beam evaluation of the first stage and the fine beam training of the second stage. This virtual sector serves as a mediator that guides the second stage search, ensuring that the reduced number of iterations still covers the optimal beam direction.
3Power
If large antenna arrays are used to overcome path loss, then communication range and data rate improve, but the number of discrete spatial beams increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam search process into two stages, where the first stage evaluates a limited set of discrete spatial beams to identify a virtual sector, and the second stage performs refined search within this virtual sector. This segmentation allows large antenna arrays to be used for overcoming path loss while avoiding the exponential complexity of evaluating all possible beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of discrete spatial beams to form a virtual sector before conducting detailed beam training. This preliminary action with large antenna arrays establishes a focused search region, reducing the effective number of beams that need to be evaluated in subsequent stages.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device for RF-based communication with another communication device comprises antenna circuitry configured to transmit and receive RF signals, and beamforming circuitry configured to perform beamforming and to carry out a beam training procedure for finding a beam for use in transmitting and/or receiving RF signals and/or for channel estimation. The beamforming training procedure comprises at least two stages during which training signals are transmitted using different beams, wherein first beams used in a first stage have a larger beam sector than second beams used in a second stage and wherein the second beams are selected by forming a virtual best sector based on an evaluation of a predetermined metric obtained for the first beams in the first stage.