Wireless Reference Signal Distribution for Massive MIMO Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Massive MIMO systems face challenges in synchronizing hundreds of radio carriers due to size and cost constraints of coaxial cable-based clock distribution, which is not viable for commercial implementation, especially as antenna arrays require larger spacings and higher frequencies, leading to increased complexity and degradation of synchronization signals.
Innovation Solution
A wireless reference signal distribution system that uses a synchronization signal generator to transmit phase-coherent signals wirelessly to each transceiver, eliminating the need for cables and connectors, and utilizing down-conversion for improved phase resolution, allowing for reliable and robust synchronization without physical dimension limitations, and enabling the use of existing millimetre-wave transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial cables are used to distribute clock signals to synchronize transceivers, then synchronization can be achieved, but the system becomes impractical due to size and cost restrictions for large antenna arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based clock distribution system with a wireless electromagnetic signal transmission system. The synchronization signal generator transmits clock signals wirelessly to all transceivers, eliminating the need for physical coaxial cables, connectors, and splitters that would be required in a cable-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless synchronization signal generator as an intermediary that broadcasts clock signals to all transceivers. This intermediary enables synchronization without requiring direct physical connections between the clock source and each transceiver, solving the scalability problem of cable-based distributions.
2Productivity
If the antenna array aperture is increased to accommodate more transceivers, then Massive MIMO performance is improved, but the physical dimensions make cable-based synchronization impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless synchronization approach replaces the mechanical cable infrastructure with electromagnetic wave transmission, allowing the system to scale to large antenna array dimensions without the physical constraints of cable length, connectors, and signal degradation that would limit array size in a cable-based system.
3Reliability
If cable-based clock distribution is used, then synchronization is possible, but signal degradation and delays occur over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cable-based signal transmission with wireless electromagnetic transmission, eliminating signal degradation and delays associated with long cable runs. Wireless transmission maintains signal integrity over the distances required for large antenna arrays without the attenuation and phase distortion that occur in cable-based systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides well-defined phase references in an inexpensive and power-efficient manner, reducing signal degradation and delays, and scales favorably with antenna array size, ensuring reliable synchronization for phase-coherent wavefront generation across the array.
Implementation Method 1
a synchronization signal generator arranged to transmit wirelessly at least one synchronization signal
Implementation Method 2
Each transceiver is connected to a respective synchronization signal receiver arranged to receive the at least one synchronization signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system (100) for wireless reference signal distribution. The system (100) comprises an antenna array (135) comprising a plurality of transceivers (140a, 140b). The antenna array (135) is arranged to transmit and receive a in radio signal via the plurality of transceivers (140a, 140b). The system (100) further comprises a synchronization signal generator (110) arranged to transmit wirelessly at least one synchronization signal. Each synchronization signal comprises at least one time-dependent signal component, wherein the at least one synchronization signal has at least one time-dependent signal component with an amplitude above a predetermined threshold during a total duration of the at least one synchronization signal. Each transceiver (140a, 140b) is connected to a respective synchronization signal receiver (130a, 130b) arranged to receive the at least one synchronization signal. The synchronization signal receiver (130a, 130b) is arranged to generate a reference signal for the respective transceiver (140a, 140b) based on the received at least one synchronization signal. The present disclosure also relates to corresponding methods and computer programs.