Beam refinement for millimeter wave (MMW) system

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described for transmitting a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector with via analog beamforming, transmitting, using analog beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are phase modulated with respect to the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, a receiver receives the combined signal and from it determines a preferred refined beam for subsequent transmissions and transmits an indicator that includes the preferred refined beam, and the transmitter receives an indication from a receiver identifying one or more aspects of the combined signal, and determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

BACKGROUND

The following relates generally to wireless communication, and more specifically to beam refinement for millimeter wave (mmW) systems.

In a mmW system, a base station and a UE may communicate via one or more directional beams. A transmitter (e.g. a base station) may engage in a beam sweeping operating to establish an active beam pair with a receiver (e.g., a UE). An active beam pair may include an active transmit beam of the transmitter and a corresponding active receive beam of the receiver. The transmit beams and the receive beams in an active beam pair may be refined through, for example, beam refinement procedures. However, such beam refinement procedures may require multiple transmissions that each include multiple training symbols. Thus, the UE may remain in an awake mode expending power receiving and/or transmitting the multiple beam refinement transmissions, and the base station and UE may unnecessarily utilize resources during the refinement process, resulting in less than optimal efficiency.

SUMMARY

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses that support beam refinement for millimeter wave (mmW) systems. Generally, the described techniques provide for transmitting a first transmission, including a beam refinement symbol, via a first port, and a second transmission, including a phase shifted beam refinement symbol, via a second port such that the first transmission and the second transmission result in a combined signal with directional dependent frequency selectivity. The first transmission may be an analog beam-formed transmission which is oriented to cover a geographic sector. The second transmission may include a beam refinement symbol that is modulated (e.g., phase modulated or amplitude modulated) with respect to the first transmission such that the second transmission is beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. In some cases, the first and second transmissions may be OFDM symbols, and phase-modulating different tones of the second transmission may generate a combined signal that carries a plurality of tone beams, each one corresponding to a tone and a spatial direction.

The described techniques may further provide receiving, at a receiver, the combined signal that carries a plurality of tone beams. The receiver may measure the gain of the tone beams carried in the combined signal with respect to known values or a reference combined signal, and may identify a preferred refined beam for receiving subsequent transmissions. The receiver may transmit an indication of the determined preferred refined beam to the transmitter. Such techniques may reduce the time needed for beam refinement in a wireless communications system.

A method of for wireless communication is described. The method may include transmitting, using beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector, transmitting, using beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, receiving an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for transmitting, using beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector, means for transmitting, using beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, means for receiving an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and means for determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be operable to cause the processor to transmit, using beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector, transmit, using beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions operable to cause a processor to transmit, using beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector, transmit, using beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the symbol may be at least a portion of a reference symbol, at least a portion of a control symbol, or at least a portion of a data symbol.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a reference combined signal corresponding to a first time instance that includes a reference modulation applied to the second signal transmitted by the second port, with respect to the first signal transmitted by the first port. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, wherein aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance includes aspects that may be beam-formed in one or more directions.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the indication may be further based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal in reference to corresponding aspects of the reference combined signal. In some examples, the aspects of the combined signal comprise the relative amplitude of a subset of tones of the combined signal. In some examples, the aspects of the combined signal comprise the relative phase of a subset of tones of the combined signal.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for phase-modulating different tones of the second signal such that the combined signal includes a plurality of tone beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for amplitude modulating different tones of the second signal such that the combined signal includes a plurality of tone beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the combined signal via a single antenna panel that includes the first port and the second port. In some examples, a sub-array of the second port may be in-line with a sub-array of the first port. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for directing a component of the combined signal in a direction of interest with respect to the single antenna panel.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for processing the symbol of the first signal using at least a portion of a first transmit chain. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for processing the symbol of the second signal using at least a portion of a second transmit chain. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the combined signal via a first antenna panel using at least portions of the first transmit chain and the second transmit chain.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for directing the symbol of the second signal to the first antenna panel via a switching matrix. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for directing the symbol of the second signal to the first antenna panel by multiplexing the symbol of the second signal with the symbol of the first signal into a single stream directed to the first antenna panel. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting subsequent signals using the refined beam via multi-layer transmissions using both the first antenna panel and the second antenna panel.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for grouping the tone beams so that more than one tone beam corresponds to one of the one or more directions. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for frequency interleaving the tone beams of a same group. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for blocking interleaving the tone beams of a same group.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for repeating transmission of the first and second signals resulting in a second combined signal, wherein aspects of the second combined signal may be beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap with a second geographic sector. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving a second indication from the receiver identifying one or more aspects of the second combined signal, wherein the second indication may be based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second combined signal. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the first indication and the second indication.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting, in additional signals, the symbol via additional ports, the additional signals being modulated with respect to the first signal such that the additional signals may be digitally beam-formed in additional directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for beam-forming the refined beam by rotating an analog-formed beam based at least in part on the indication. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for beam-forming the refined beam by using digital or analog beam-forming, or combinations thereof, to increase a transmitted gain in a direction of the receiver.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the indication comprises either a direction to be used by the refined beam or a beam index corresponding to the direction to be used by the refined beam. In some examples, the beam index may be defined through either a predetermined table or via a prior message exchange with the receiver. In some examples, the indication comprises the measurements of the gain of the combined signal.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the symbol of the combined signal may be included in either the preamble, middle, or tail of respective transmission packets. In some examples, the combined signal may be located in different frequency bands. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for including a sector identification, a network identification, a panel identification, or combinations thereof, in one or both of the first signal and the second signal. In some examples, the combined signal may be associated with one or more synchronization signals or one or more reference signals of the sector sweep phase.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the combined signal during a sector sweep phase. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving the indication as part of feedback received from the receiver. In some examples, the feedback received from the receiver may be in the form of an association beamforming training (ABFT) signal, a responder transmit sector sweep (R-TXSS) signal, or a random access channel (RACH) signal. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the combined signal in response to a request from the receiver for beam refinement.

A method of for wireless communication is described. The method may include transmitting, using beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector, transmitting, using beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is retransmitted at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to the one of the one or more directions, receiving an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second signal, and determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for transmitting, using beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector, means for transmitting, using beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is retransmitted at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to the one of the one or more directions, means for receiving an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second signal, and means for determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be operable to cause the processor to transmit, using beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector, transmit, using beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is retransmitted at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to the one of the one or more directions, receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions operable to cause a processor to transmit, using beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector, transmit, using beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is retransmitted at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to the one of the one or more directions, receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a reference combined signal corresponding to a first time instance that includes a reference modulation applied to the second signal transmitted by the second port, with respect to the first signal transmitted by the first port. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, wherein aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance include aspects that may be beam-formed in one or more directions.

A method of for wireless communication is described. The method may include receiving a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector, receiving a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, measuring one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring.

An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector, means for receiving a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, means for measuring one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and means for determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring.

Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be operable to cause the processor to receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector, receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions operable to cause a processor to receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector, receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the symbol may be a beam refinement symbol, at least a portion of a control symbol, or at least a portion of a data symbol. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving a reference combined signal corresponding to a first time instance that includes a reference modulation applied to the second signal transmitted by the second port, with respect to the first signal transmitted by the first port. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving the combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, wherein aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance includes aspects that may be beam-formed in one or more directions.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter. In some examples, the indication may be further based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal in reference to corresponding aspects of the reference signal.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the first signal may be in a first orthogonal frequency-division OFDM symbol, and the second signal may be in a second OFDM symbol, wherein the combined signal includes a plurality of tone beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for measuring an aspect of the combined signal with reference to the reference combined signal comprises measuring a gain of the combined signal normalized by the gain of the reference combined signal.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, measuring the gain of the combined signal normalized by the gain of the reference combined signal comprises: determining a set of adjacent tone beams having maximum gain. In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the method further comprising measuring, for each tone beam in the set, relative gains of tone beams that may be not included in the set at directions corresponding to where the tone beams in the set may have maximum gain. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for comparing the relative gains of the tone beams that may be not included in the set with a known set of gain differences.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, determining the refined beam for subsequent transmissions further comprises: sensing an orientation of a transmit array transmitting the first signal and the second signal. In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the method further comprising determining the refined beam based at least in part on the orientation of the transmit array. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for sensing the orientation of the transmit array using an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for measuring an aspect of the combined signal with reference to the reference combined signal comprises measuring a phase of the combined signal normalized by the phase of the reference combined signal. In some examples, measuring the phase of the combined signal normalized by the phase of the reference combined signal comprises: determining a set of adjacent tone beams. In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the method further comprising measuring, for each tone beam in the set, relative phase difference of tone beams.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from the transmitter, a repeated transmission of the first and second signals resulting in a second combined signal wherein aspects of the second combined signal may be beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap with a second geographic sector. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for measuring one or more of the aspects of the second combined signal with respect to a reference combined signal. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining a different refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting an indication identifying the different refined beam for subsequent transmissions.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter, wherein the indication comprises either a direction to be used by the refined beam or a beam index corresponding to the direction to be used by the refined beam. In some examples, the beam index may be defined through either a predetermined table or via a prior message exchange with the transmitter.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the beam refinement symbol of the first signal and the beam refinement symbol of the second signal may be included in either the preamble, middle, or tail of respective transmission packets. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for identifying a sector identification, a network identification, a panel identification, or combinations thereof, in one or both of the first signal and the second signal.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving the combined signal during a sector sweep phase. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter as part of a feedback message. In some examples, the combined signal may be associated with one or more synchronization signals or one or more reference signals of the sector sweep phase. In some examples, the feedback message may be one of an ABFT signal, a R-TXSS signal, or a RACH signal.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a request for beam refinement. Some examples may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving the first signal and the second signal in response to the request.

A method of for wireless communication is described. The method may include receiving a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector, receiving a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is received at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to one of the one or more directions, measuring one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring.

An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector, means for receiving a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is received at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to one of the one or more directions, means for measuring one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and means for determining a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring.

Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be operable to cause the processor to receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector, receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is received at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to one of the one or more directions, measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions operable to cause a processor to receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector, receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is received at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to one of the one or more directions, measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving a reference combined signal corresponding to a first time instance that includes a reference modulation applied to the second signal transmitted by the second port, with respect to the first signal transmitted by the first port. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving the combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, wherein aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance includes aspects that may be beam-formed in one or more directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a millimeter wave (mmW) system, a base station and a user equipment (UE) may communicate via one or more directional beams. A transmitter (e.g. a base station) may engage in a beam sweeping operation to establish an active transmit beam with a receiver (e.g., a UE). A transmitter may also engage in beam tracking to maintain a connection with a UE. In some cases, a base station may perform a sector sweep with wide-formed, lower gain beams to establish a primary connection. Then, the base station may perform beam refinement using narrower, higher gain beams, and the UE may identify a transmit beam on which subsequent communications should be performed. The base station may perform a continuous beam tracking process by adjusting the refined beam to maintain the improved connection. However, such beam refinement procedures may require multiple transmissions including multiple training symbols, and thus the UE may remain in an awake mode expending power and the base station and UE may unnecessarily utilize resources during the refinement process, resulting in less than optimal efficiency.

Instead, a transmitter and receiver may utilize a more efficient beam refinement process to establish a connection using a preferred, high-gain directional transmit beam. The transmitter may leverage both analog and digital ports to provide a set of directional beams to be used in communications with the receiver, from which the receiver may identify a transmit beam with the highest gain. In some examples, a transmitter may use a first port to transmit a first signal, which may be a beam refinement symbol, to produce a wide beam, which may be an analog beam. In some examples, the analog beam may be transmitted at a constant elevation across all tones. The analog beam may be beamformed to create a sector in a spatial direction corresponding to a receiver (e.g., where the receiver is located), and the direction may be based on prior communications with the receiver or based on a sequential beam sweeping operation. The transmitter may use a second port to again transmit the beam refinement symbol in a second signal, but may modulate (e.g., phase modulate or amplitude modulate) the beam refinement symbol to create multiple directional beams which may spatially overlap with the first analog beam. The first symbol and the second symbol may create a combined signal. For example, the combined signal may create directional beams that correspond to different tones (e.g., beams using different tones may be transmitted in different directions). Alternatively, each directional beam may correspond to a different point in time (e.g., beams transmitted at different times may be transmitted in different directions). The receiver may receive the combined signal, and may determine which of the generated directional beams has the highest gain based on a product of the gain of the first analog beam generated by the first port and the gains of the directional beams generated by the second port. In some examples, the receiver may compare signal strengths of each directional beam against each other to determine the preferred refined beam for communication. For example, measurements of gain may be taken based on a reference combined signal, which may be received prior to the transmission and reception of the combined signal. The reference combined beam and the reference combined signal may be transmitted subsequently, at different points in time. In some examples, measurements of the phase of a combined signal with respect to a reference combined signal may be taken to determine the preferred refined beam.

In response to a receiver indicating which of the generated directional beams is the preferred directional beam, the transmitter may adjust future transmissions to correspond to the preferred directional beam. In some examples, the transmitter may rotate the analog beam to point in the spatial direction of the initially identified preferred directional beam. Alternatively, the transmitter may utilize the analog and/or digital ports to generate a higher gain beam in the direction of the initially identified preferred directional beam.

When performing the beam refinement process, the transmitter may utilize a plurality of antenna panels to transmit the beam refinement symbols. The transmitter may utilize a single antenna panel that utilizes and transmits the beam refinement symbol and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol from two ports. In some examples, a second antenna sub-array on the panel may be offset from a first antenna sub-array, wherein the first and second sub-arrays correspond to the first and second ports respectively. In other examples, the sub-arrays of both ports may be arranged in a linear manner, with a single row of antennas. In such examples, the antennas may alternate between antennas corresponding to the first port and antennas corresponding to the second port, such that an antenna in the row does not correspond to the same port as either of its adjacent antennas. In yet other examples, the second sub-array may be aligned with and parallel to the first sub-array. In some examples, a switching matrix may be utilized to direct both the beam refinement symbol and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol to the first antenna panel, while the second antenna panel remains inactive. In other examples, multiplexing may be utilized to combine both port beam refinement symbols and direct them to the first antenna panel. Subsequent data transmissions after the beam refinement process may utilize multiple panels. Such techniques may reduce the time needed for beam refinement in a wireless communications system.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Aspects of the disclosure are illustrated by examples of wireless communications systems, and process flows. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to beam refinement for mmW systems.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100includes base stations105, UEs115, and a core network130. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some cases, wireless communications system100may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (i.e., mission critical) communications, low latency communications, and communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices. Wireless communications system100may support mmW beam refinement. In some examples, a transmitter (e.g., base station105) may send a first transmission via a first port and a second transmission via a second port, that may be utilized by a receiver (e.g., UE115) to determine a preferred directional transmit beam for subsequent transmissions. For example, the first transmission may include a beam refinement symbol that generates a wide beam (e.g., an analog beam) and the second transmission may include a phase shifted (e.g., digitally phase shifted) beam refinement symbol that generates multiple candidate refined beams for subsequent transmissions.

Base stations105may wirelessly communicate with UEs115via one or more base station antennas. Each base station105may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110. Communication links125shown in wireless communications system100may include uplink transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink transmissions, from a base station105to a UE115. Control information and data may be multiplexed on an uplink channel or downlink according to various techniques. Control information and data may be multiplexed on a downlink channel, for example, using time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. In some examples, the control information transmitted during a transmission time interval (TTI) of a downlink channel may be distributed between different control regions in a cascaded manner (e.g., between a common control region and one or more UE-specific control regions).

In some cases, a UE115may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). One or more of a group of UEs115utilizing D2D communications may be within the geographic coverage area110of a cell. Other UEs115in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area110of a cell, or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station105. In some cases, groups of UEs115communicating via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE115transmits to every other UE115in the group. In some cases, a base station105facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In other cases, D2D communications are carried out independent of a base station105.

In some cases, an MTC device may operate using half-duplex (one-way) communications at a reduced peak rate. MTC devices may also be configured to enter a power saving “deep sleep” mode when not engaging in active communications. In some cases, MTC or IoT devices may be designed to support mission critical functions and wireless communications system may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communications for these functions.

The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. At least some of the network devices, such as base station105may include subcomponents such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity may communicate with a number of UEs115through a number of other access network transmission entities, each of which may be an example of a smart radio head, or a transmission/reception point (TRP). In some configurations, various functions of each access network entity or base station105may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., a base station105).

Wireless communications system100may operate in an ultra-high frequency (UHF) frequency region using frequency bands from 700 MHz to 2600 MHz (2.6 GHz), although some networks (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN)) may use frequencies as high as 4 GHz. This region may also be known as the decimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may propagate mainly by line of sight, and may be blocked by buildings and environmental features. However, the waves may penetrate walls sufficiently to provide service to UEs115located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves is characterized by smaller antennas and shorter range (e.g., less than 100 km) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies (and longer waves) of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum. In some cases, wireless communications system100may also utilize extremely high frequency (EHF) portions of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz). This region may also be known as the millimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one millimeter to one centimeter in length. Thus, EHF antennas may be even smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some cases, this may facilitate use of antenna arrays within a UE115(e.g., for directional beamforming). However, EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than UHF transmissions.

Thus, wireless communications system100may support mmW communications between UEs115and base stations105. Devices operating in mmW or EHF bands may have multiple antennas to allow beamforming. That is, a base station105may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE115. Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering or directional transmission) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitter (e.g., a base station105) to shape and/or steer an overall antenna beam in the direction of a target receiver (e.g., a UE115). This may be achieved by combining elements in an antenna array in such a way that transmitted signals at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference.

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems use a transmission scheme between a transmitter (e.g., a base station105) and a receiver (e.g., a UE115), where both transmitter and receiver are equipped with multiple antennas. Some portions of wireless communications system100may use beamforming. For example, base station105may have an antenna array with a number of rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station105may use for beamforming in its communication with UE115. Signals may be transmitted multiple times in different directions (e.g., each transmission may be beamformed differently). A mmW receiver (e.g., a UE115) may try multiple beams (e.g., antenna subarrays) while receiving the synchronization signals.

In some cases, the antennas of a base station105or UE115may be located within one or more antenna arrays, which may support beamforming or MIMO operation. One or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be collocated at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some cases, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station105may be located in diverse geographic locations. A base station105may multiple use antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE115.

Time intervals in LTE or NR may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit (which may be a sampling period of Ts=1/30,720,000 seconds). Time resources may be organized according to radio frames of length of 10 ms (Tf=307200Ts), which may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from 0 to 1023. Each frame may include ten 1 ms subframes numbered from 0 to 9. A subframe may be further divided into two 0.5 ms slots, each of which contains 6 or 7 modulation symbol periods (depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol). Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol contains 2048 sample periods. In some cases, the subframe may be the smallest scheduling unit, also known as a TTI. In other cases, a TTI may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in short TTI bursts or in selected component carriers using short TTIs).

A resource element may consist of one symbol period and one subcarrier (e.g., a 15 KHz frequency range). A resource block may contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and, for a normal cyclic prefix in each orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, 7 consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain (1 slot), or 84 resource elements. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (the configuration of symbols that may be selected during each symbol period). Thus, the more resource blocks that a UE receives and the higher the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate may be.

In some cases, wireless communications system100may utilize enhanced component carriers (eCCs). An eCC may be characterized by one or more features including: wider bandwidth, shorter symbol duration, shorter TTIs, and modified control channel configuration. In some cases, an eCC may be associated with a carrier aggregation configuration or a dual connectivity configuration (e.g., when multiple serving cells have a suboptimal or non-ideal backhaul link). An eCC may also be configured for use in unlicensed spectrum or shared spectrum (where more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum). An eCC characterized by wide bandwidth may include one or more segments that may be utilized by UEs115that are not capable of monitoring the whole bandwidth or prefer to use a limited bandwidth (e.g., to conserve power).

In some cases, an eCC may utilize a different symbol duration than other CCs, which may include use of a reduced symbol duration as compared with symbol durations of the other CCs. A shorter symbol duration may be associated with increased subcarrier spacing. A TTI in an eCC may consist of one or multiple symbols. In some cases, the TTI duration (that is, the number of symbols in a TTI) may be variable. In some cases, an eCC may utilize a different symbol duration than other CCs, which may include use of a reduced symbol duration as compared with symbol durations of the other CCs. A shorter symbol duration is associated with increased subcarrier spacing. A device, such as a UE115or base station105, utilizing eCCs may transmit wideband signals (e.g., 20, 40, 60, 80 MHz, etc.) at reduced symbol durations (e.g., 16.67 microseconds). A TTI in eCC may consist of one or multiple symbols. In some cases, the TTI duration (that is, the number of symbols in a TTI) may be variable.

A shared radio frequency spectrum band may be utilized in an NR shared spectrum system. For example, an NR shared spectrum may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrums, among others. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow for the use of eCC across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may increase spectrum utilization and spectral efficiency, specifically through dynamic vertical (e.g., across frequency) and horizontal (e.g., across time) sharing of resources.

FIG. 2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports mmW beam refinement in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system200may include a base station105-aand a UE115-a, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described with reference toFIG. 1. Base station105-aand UE115-amay communicate using one or more directional beams. In wireless communications system200, a transmitter (e.g., base station105-a) may engage in a beam sweeping operation to establish an active transmit beam with a receiver (e.g., UE115-a), or beam tracking to maintain a connection with the receiver (e.g., UE115-a). In some examples, a receiver (e.g., UE115-a) may engage in a beam sweeping operation to establish an active transmit beam with a transmitter (e.g., base station105-a), or beam tracking to maintain a connection with a transmitter (e.g., base station105-a). In some examples, a transmitter may be a first UE115and a receiver may be a base station105or a second UE115.

In some examples, base station105-amay engage in a beam sweeping operation to establish an active transmit beam with UE115-a. In some examples, base station105-amay also engage in a beam tracking procedure to maintain a connection with UE115-a. Base station105-amay use a first port to transmit a beam refinement symbol to produce a wide beam205-a(e.g., an analog beam205-a). The analog beam may be beamformed to correspond with a geographic sector in a spatial direction where UE115-ais located. The spatial direction may be based on prior communication with UE115-a. For example, base station105-amay have communicated previously with UE115-awhile UE115-awas located within a geographic sector corresponding to analog beam205-a. Alternatively, the spatial direction may be based on a sequential beam sweeping operation. For example, base station105-amay sequentially transmit analog beam205-b, then analog beam205-a, then analog beam205-c. In some examples, the gain across a plurality of tones corresponding to analog beam205-cmay be close to equal.

In some cases, analog beam205-cmay not be narrow enough or have a high enough gain to be a preferred directional transmit beam. Transmissions from UE115-amay be more clearly received and decoded if received via a highly directional and refined transmit beam. Therefore, it may be beneficial for base station105-ato generate a plurality of candidate refined beams. UE115-amay identify which of the candidate refined beams is received at the highest gain, and is therefore the preferred refined beam for subsequent transmissions.

FIG. 3Aillustrates an example of a wireless communications system300A that supports mmW beam refinement via directional dependent frequency selectivity in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system300A may include a base station105-band a UE115-b, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described with reference toFIGS. 1-2.

To identify a preferred refined transmit beam, a transmitter (e.g., base station105-b) may use a first port to transmit a beam refinement symbol to produce a wide beam, which may be an analog beam305, in a first transmission. The analog beam may be beamformed to create a geographic sector in a spatial direction corresponding to UE115-b(e.g., where UE115-bis geographically located). In some examples, the gain across a plurality of tones corresponding to analog beam305may be close to equal.

However, subsequent transmissions may benefit from a directional transmit beam that is more refined that analog beam305. To generate and identify a refined transmit beam, base station105-bmay modulate (e.g., phase modulate or amplitude modulate) the beam refinement symbol, and transmit the modulated beam refinement symbol via a second port in a second transmission. The transmission of the first signal and the second, phase-modulated signal may result in a combined signal such that corresponding aspects, such as tones, are beamformed in one or more directions that at least partly overlap with the geographic sector of analog beam305. In some examples, the first transmission and the second transmission may each be OFDM symbols. By transmitting the combined signal, base station105-bmay generate one or more beam-formed refined beams, such as tone-beams310. Each refined tone-beam310may correspond to a different tone and to a different spatial direction. For example, tone-beam310-amay correspond to a first tone and a first direction, whereas tone-beam310-bmay correspond to a second tone and a second direction and so forth. In such examples, each tone-beam310may vary with respect to gain at a particular geographic location. The one or more tone-beams310may completely or partially overlap with the geographic sector of analog beam305. In some examples, the first and second transmissions described above may be transmitted as a part of a sector sweep. In such examples, the first and second transmission may include additional information, such as a sector identification, a network identification, or other identifying information.

In some cases, prior to transmitting the combined signal, base station105-bmay transmit a reference combined signal. The reference combined signal may include a first signal transmitted via the first port, and a second signal transmitted via the second port. The first signal transmitted via the first port may be a wide analog beam. The second signal transmitted via the second port may be phase-modulated by some reference modulation. For example, the reference modulation may be a modulation of zero, such that the second signal is not phase-modulated at all with respect to the first signal. Alternatively, the reference modulation may be a non-zero phase-modulation, such that the second signal is modulated (e.g., phase modulated or amplitude modulated) with respect to the first signal. Base station105-bmay transmit the resulting reference combined signal at a first time instance and may transmit the combined signal at a second instance in time. UE115-bmay receive the reference combined signal, and then receive the combined signal, such that measurements of the combined signal may be made with respect to the reference combined signal.

Base station105-bmay control the direction of each tone-beam310resulting from the combined signal by altering the phase of the refinement beam symbol transmitted via the second port. The gain of a tone-beam310may correspond to the degrees of freedom of the transmitter. For example, a transmission corresponding to two degrees of freedom (e.g., two ports) may generate tone-beams that are relatively course, wide, and have a low gain. Alternatively, a transmitter that operates with higher degrees of freedom (e.g., more than two ports), may generate tone-beams310that are relatively less course, narrower, and have a higher gain. However, a transmitter operating with only two degrees of freedom may be capable of producing tone-beams310that vary sufficiently with respect to gain, such that a receiver (e.g., UE115-b) can measure a different gain value corresponding to each tone-beam310. UE115-bmay measure the gain of each tone beam310with respect to a previously received reference combined beam. In some examples, the transmitter may send groups of tones in a single direction. For example, the tones may be frequency interleaved or block interleaved. Tone-beam310-amay include multiple tones, and tone-beam310-bmay include multiple tones that are distinct form the tones included in tone-beam310-a. Such grouping may provide for improved robustness or improved noise averaging.

UE115-bmay receive a combined signal of a first and second transmission from base station105-band may utilize the received transmissions to determine a preferred tone-beam310for subsequent transmissions. UE115-bmay receive analog beam305that corresponds to a geographic sector in which UE115-bis located, and UE115-bmay utilize the received tone-beams310to determine a preferred tone-beam for subsequent transmissions. At the physical location of UE115-b, each tone-beam310received in the combined signal may also correspond to a different gain. In some examples, the tone-beams310may be relatively course, so base station105-bmay widely space the tone-beams to achieve sufficient gain variation at the receiver. Thus, UE115-bmay take measurements to determine a preferred refined beam. For example, UE115-bmay measure the relative gain of each tone-beam310and determine which is the preferred tone-beam310for subsequent transmissions. Additionally or alternatively, UE115-bmay take measurements of a phase reference of a combined signal with respect to a reference combined signal. In some examples, determining which tone beam310is the preferred tone beam may include making measurements with respect to a previously received reference combined signal. For example, given the geographic location of UE115-b, UE115-bmay determine that tone-beam310-amay have the highest received and measured gain. Base station105-bmay measure the gain of tone beam310-awith respect to a previously received reference combined signal, or base station105-bmay measure the gain of tone-beam310-awith respect to a set of known values. The resulting measurements may be sufficient to determine which refined tone-beam310has the highest gain, and is thus the preferred tone-beam. Based on one or more of these measurements, UE115-bmay identify tone-beam310-aas the preferred tone-beam310. Subsequent transmissions from base station105-bmay be sent via tone-beam310-a.

In other examples, UE115-bmay identify a set of tone-beams310that have similar maximum gain values when measured at a particular direction. In some cases, the maximum gain values at the selected direction may be difficult to differentiate between the set of adjacent tone-beams310. For example, the maximum gain of tone-beams310-aand310-bmay be difficult to differentiate at the geographic location of UE115-b, thus UE115-bmay identify refined tone-beams310-aand310-bas a set of adjacent tone-beams310. To determine whether tone-beam310-aor tone-beam310-bwill be identified as the preferred tone-beam310, UE115-bmay measure the relative gains of tone-beams310that are not adjacent to the set of tone-beams310(e.g., tone-beams310-c,310-d, or310-e). That is, the gain corresponding to refined beam310-emay be measured at the direction of refined beam310-a, and refined beam310-b. The non-maximum gain value measured at these two directions may be easier to differentiate between than the maximum gain values of refined beam310-aand refined beam310-b. The relative gains of non-adjacent tone-beams310(e.g., tone-beam310-e) may be compared with a known set of gain differences, or with values identified via a previously received reference combined signal. Based on these measurements or known values, UE115-bmay determine that, of the set of adjacent tone-beam310-aand tone-beam310-b, tone-beam310-amay be selected as the preferred tone-beam310.

In some examples, base station105-bmay utilize additional information to identify the preferred tone-beam. For example, UE115-bmay sense an orientation of a transmit array that transmitted the first transmission, and an orientation of a transmit array that transmits the second transmissions. The receiver may glean this information by leveraging sensor information (e.g., accelerometer data and gyroscopic data).

UE115-bmay identify the preferred tone-beam310-ato base station105-b, and base station105-bmay subsequently communicate with UE115-bbased on the identification. UE115-bmay send an indication regarding the identity of the preferred tone-beam310-ato base station105-ain one or more of a variety of information types. For example, the UE115-bmay identify preferred tone-beam310-ain terms of a fine beam index. Alternatively, UE115-bmay identify preferred tone-beam310-ain terms of a direction corresponding to preferred tone-beam310-a. In response to the indication, base station105-bmay alter the first and second transmission to transmit data to the receiver at a higher gain. In some examples, base station may rotate the geographic sector corresponding to the analog beam based on the preferred refined beam (e.g., the preferred tone-beam).

FIG. 3Billustrates an example of a first and second transmissions300B that support beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. First and second transmissions300may be examples of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-3A.

A transmitter (e.g., base station105-b) may use a first port to transmit a beam refinement symbol to produce a wide beam, such as an analog beam in a first signal. A base station105may modulate (e.g., phase modulate or amplitude modulate) the beam refinement symbol, and transmit the modulated beam refinement symbol via a second port, resulting in a combined signal with directional dependent frequency selectivity. In some cases, a base station105-bmay transmit a reference combined signal315at a first time instance, and combined signal320at a second time instance. Reference combined signal315and combined signal320may be beamformed to create a geographic sector in a spatial direction corresponding to a UE115(e.g., where UE115is geographically located). In some examples, the gain across a plurality of tones corresponding to reference combined signal315may be close to equal. Base station105-bmay phase modulate the beam refinement symbol with a phase modulation that is different from that of reference combined signal315, such that the gains of tone-beams generated by combined signal320may be distinct with respect to the gain across tones corresponding to reference combined signal315. Thus, UE115-bmay measure the gain of tone-beams generated by the transmission of combined signal320with respect to reference combined signal315, and thereby select a preferred tone-beam310.

Reference combined signal315and combined signal320may be transmitted in the preamble, middle, or tail of a data packet. In some examples, reference combined signal315and combined signal320may be transmitted with every data packet in a series of data packets. Alternatively, reference combined signal315and combined signal320may be transmitted preceding each data packet in a series of data packets. Such examples provide an opportunity to base station105and UE115to engage in a re-training procedure.

In some examples, reference combined signal315and combined signal320may be transmitted in pairs as a part of a sector sweeping procedure. In such examples, reference combined signal315and combined signal320may include information such as sector identifiers and network identifiers, which may be incorporated into additional symbols.

InFIGS. 3A and 3B, combined signals are utilized by UE115-bto identify a preferred refined beam, such as preferred tone-beam310-a. Having identified preferred tone-beam310-a, it may be beneficial for base station105-bto alter subsequent transmissions. For example, preferred tone-beam310-amay be located on the edge of the geographic sector covered by analog beam305. In such cases, analog beam305may not be oriented in the optimal position for future transmissions. Alternatively or additionally, UE115-bmay identify the preferred direction of tone-beam310-a. However, subsequent transmissions may be more successful if base station105-bcasts preferred tone-beam310-aat a higher gain.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of a wireless communications system400that supports mmW beam refinement in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system400may include a base station105-cand a UE115-c, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described with reference toFIGS. 1-3B.

As described with reference toFIG. 3A, a transmitter (e.g., base station105-c) may send a first transmission that generates a course analog beam405-aand a second transmission that generates a modulated (e.g., phase modulated or amplitude modulated) beam refinement symbol, resulting in a combined signal with directional dependent frequency selectivity. UE115-cmay identify and indicate to base station105-ca tone-beam associated with a spatial direction, based on the measurable differences between the gains of tone-beams generated by the combined signal. However, base station105-cmay adjust future analog and digital beamforming based on the identified tone-beam and spatial direction.

As described above, base station105-cmay use a first port to transmit a first signal, such as a beam refinement symbol, to produce a first analog beam405-ain a first transmission. First analog beam405-amay be beamformed to create a geographic sector in a spatial direction corresponding to UE115-c(e.g., where UE115-cis geographically located). Base station105-cmay phase modulate the first signal (e.g., the beam refinement symbol), and transmit the phase modulated beam refinement symbol via a second port in a second transmission. The transmission of the first signal and the second signal may result in a combined signal, with directional dependent frequency selectivity. UE115-cmay receive the combined signal. UE115-cmay utilize the received combined signal to identify a preferred transmit tone-beam for use in subsequent transmissions. For example, the preferred tone-beam may be located at the edge of the geographic sector corresponding to first analog beam405-a. In response to the indication, base station105-cmay adjust subsequent transmissions to correspond to the preferred tone-beam. For example, base station105-cmay rotate the direction of first analog beam405-aand instead transmit second analog beam405-bin a different direction. Second analog beam405-bmay be pointed in the direction of the initially identified preferred tone-beam, such that UE115-creceives subsequent transmissions at a maximum gain.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of a wireless communications system500that supports mmW beam refinement in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system500may include a base station105-dand a UE115-d, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described with reference toFIGS. 1-4.

As described with reference toFIG. 3A, a transmitter (e.g., base station105-d) may send a first transmission that generates a course beam, such as an analog beam, and a second transmission that generates a modulated (e.g., phase modulated or amplitude modulated) beam refinement symbol, resulting in a combined signal of the first and second signal, with directional dependent frequency selectivity. A receiver (e.g. UE115-d) may identify and indicate to base station105-ca tone-beam associated with a spatial direction. However, base station105-dmay adjust future analog and digital beamforming based on the identified tone-beam and spatial direction. As described with reference toFIG. 4, base station105-dmay rotate the analog beam for subsequent transmissions. However, in some situations base station105-dmay instead alter the gain of a beam-refined transmit beam.

UE115-dmay receive the combined signal. UE115-dmay utilize the received combined signal to identify a preferred transmit tone-beam510for use in subsequent transmissions. UE115-dmay transmit an indication of preferred transmit tone-beam510to base station105-d. Base station105-dmay leverage available degrees of freedom (e.g., number of ports) to cast a higher gain beam515in the same direction as preferred tone-beam510. In some examples, base station105-dmay cast higher gain beam515in the indicated direction by adjusting the digital phase modulation of the modulated beam refinement symbol transmitted via the second port.

To provide the necessary support for the method described with respect toFIGS. 2-6, various apparatuses may be incorporated at base station105-d. For example, beam refinement symbols and phase shifted beam refinement symbols may require transformation and conversion from digital to analog. Weights may be applied at a plurality of antennas to generate the beam refinement symbol and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol. Additionally, refined beams may be generated that correspond to tones, or times.

FIG. 6illustrates an example of a wireless communications system600that supports mmW beam refinement in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system600may include a base station105and a UE115-e, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-5.

A transmitter (e.g., a base station105) may have a plurality of subarrays. For example, a first subarray615-amay correspond to a first port, and a second subarray615-bmay correspond to a second port. The transmitter may send a plurality of signals620to a receiver (e.g., UE115-e). For example, first subarray615-amay transmit signals620-a,620-b, and620-c. The plurality of signals620may be transformed by a first inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT)625-aand converted from digital signals to analog signals at digital-to-analog converter (DAC)630-a. Then, the signals may be transmitted by a plurality of antennas640. Each antenna640may be weighted or directed by a weight635. For example, first antenna640-amay be weighted by weight635-a, second antenna640-bmay be weighted by weight635-b, and third640-cantenna may be weighted by weight635-c. It should be understood that more than three antennas640may be utilized by first sub-array615-aand second subarray615-b, and more than three signals620may be transformed, converted, and sent by subarrays615-aand615-b. By weighting antennas640with weights635, first subarray615-amay transmit a beam refinement signal via analog beam605. Analog beam605may be oriented in a geographic sector that corresponds to the geographic location of UE115-e.

Second subarray615-bmay phase modulate signals620. That is, signal620-dmay be equivalent to signal620-a, but may be phase shifted. For example, if signal620-ais represented by B, then signal620-dmay be phase shifted such that signal620-dis represented by Bejα. IFFT2625-bmay transform the phase modulated signals620and DAC630-bmay convert them from digital to analog form. Phase modulated signals620may then be transmitted to UE115-eby a plurality of antennas640. Antennas640corresponding to the second subarray615-bmay be weighted identically to antennas640corresponding to the first subarray615-a. For example, antenna640-dmay be weighted similarly by weight635-aas described for first subarray615-a. By weighting antennas640with weights635, second subarray615-bmay transmit a phase shifted beam refinement signal. The transmission of signals620-a,620-b, and620-cin combination with the transmission of phase modulated signals620-d,620-e, and620-fmay result in a combined signal represented by the combination of analog beam605and refined beams610. Thus, the combined signal may generate a plurality of refined beams610, which may overlap with the geographic sector of analog beam605. In some examples, each refined beam610may be a tone-beam that corresponds to a tone and a spatial direction. Each refined beam610may also have measurably distinct gain to a receiving UE115-e. In some examples, UE115-emay receive a reference combined signal and may measure a received combined signal with respect to the reference combined signal to measure the gain and/or phase of each refined beam610. UE115-emay receive analog beam605and refined beams610from first subarray615-aand second subarray615-band may utilize the received combined signal to determine a preferred refined beam (e.g., preferred tone-beam)610-afor subsequent transmissions.

In some examples, the phase shifted beam refinement symbol may be transmitted at multiple, different times. For example, as discussed above, a transmitter (e.g., base station105) may transmit a single phase shifted beam refinement symbol and generate a plurality of refined beams610that vary in both tone and direction carried on a single combined signal at a certain time instance. Instead, a transmitter may transmit a series of individual phase combined signals, each of the multiple combined signals carrying phase modulated beam refinement symbols, which may generate multiple refined beams610that vary in both time and direction. For example, second subarray615-bmay utilize antennas640with weights635to transmit a first phase shifted beam refinement symbol. The first phase shifted beam refinement symbol may be transmitted at a first point in time in combination with a first analog beam605, and may generate a first combined signal which carries a first refined beam610-a. Then, second subarray615-bmay utilize antennas640with weights635to transmit a second phase shifted beam refinement symbol in combination with a second analog beam605at a second point in time, generating a second combined signal which carries a second refined beam610-b. The procedure may consecutively create third refined beam610-cat a third point in time, refined beam610-dat a fourth point in time, and refined beam610-fat a fifth point in time. Thus, each transmission at a specific time, may correspond to a different direction. In such examples, the transmitter may modulate successive symbols or successive chips on the first and second port and may vary the phase difference. This procedure may emulate a beam sweeping procedure, where each beam is transmitted at a different time in concurrent order to successively sweep through a geographic sector. In response to receiving analog beam605and time-specific refined beams610, UE115-emay utilize the received transmissions to determine a preferred refined beam610-afor subsequent transmissions.

FIG. 7illustrates an example of a wireless communications system700that supports mmW beam refinement in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system600may include a base station105and a UE115, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-6. A transmitter (e.g., a base station) may perform the beam refinement procedure utilizing a single antenna panel840. In some examples, the transmitter may have multiple antenna panels facing multiple directions. Antenna panel740may represent an example of various embodiments of an antenna panel on the transmitter.

First subarray715-aand second subarray715-bmay represent aspects of sub-arrays regardingFIG. 6. Additionally, a plurality of signals720, IFFTs725, DACs720, and weights735may represent similar features with respect toFIG. 6. The first subarray715-amay correspond to a first port, and the second subarray715-bmay correspond to a second port. Antennas745may be connected to the first port of the transmitter, wherein the signals from antennas745may include a beam refinement symbol on an analog beam. Antennas750may be connected to the second port of the transmitter, wherein the signals from antennas750may include a phase modulated beam refinement symbol. The two signals may be joined in a combined signal when transmitted.

The sub-arrays of both antennas may be arranged in a linear manner, resulting in a single row of antennas. The antennas may be grouped together with antennas745being connected to the first port and antennas750being connected to the second port. In some examples, antennas745may correspond to one or more analog ports, and antennas750may correspond to a digital port. By utilizing this configuration, the tone-beams may be scanned in a direction of interest (e.g., an azimuthal direction) with relation to the panel740. The direction of the scan may travel from left to right. This configuration may be utilized during the beam refinement procedure. The distance755between two of the antennas may be less than λ/2, where λ describes the shortest working wavelength of the transmitter. WhileFIG. 7shows a first group of antennas connected to the first port and a second group connected to the second port, the antennas may be arranged in different configurations, such that transmissions via a first port may be transmitted via any one of antennas745or antennas750.

FIG. 8illustrates an example of an apparatus800that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Apparatus800may be an example of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-7. A transmitter (e.g., a base station) may perform the beam refinement procedure utilizing a single antenna panel840. In some examples, the transmitter may have multiple antenna panels facing multiple directions. Antenna panel840may represent an example of various embodiments of an antenna panel on the transmitter similar toFIG. 7.

Antenna panel840may include a number of analog ports805and a number of digital ports810. While two digital ports are shown inFIG. 8, the number of digital ports810on antenna panel840may be greater than or equal to two. The number of digital ports810may correspond to the number of different sub-arrays of antennas on antenna panel840.

The first sub-array of the digital ports810may include antennas845. Antennas845may be connected to the first port of the transmitter, wherein the signals from antennas845may include a beam refinement symbol via an analog beam. The second sub-array of the digital ports810may include antennas850. Antennas850may be connected to the second port of the transmitter, wherein the signals from antennas850may include a phase modulated beam refinement symbol. The two signals may be joined in a combined signal when transmitted.

The second sub-array of antennas850may be offset from the first sub-array of antennas845. By utilizing this configuration, the transmitter may generate both the analog beams associated with the first port on antennas845and the digital beams associated with the second port on antennas850in a direction of interest with relation to the panel840. The direction of the scan may travel from left to right. The transmitter may utilize this configuration during the beam refinement procedure.

The diagonal distance815between the two sub-arrays may be less than λ/2, where λ describes the shortest working wavelength of the transmitter. Similarly, the horizontal distance820may be less than λ/2. In some examples, distances815and820may be equal, resulting in a configuration wherein the lines connecting adjacent elements create an equilateral triangle

FIG. 9illustrates an example of an apparatus900that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Apparatus900may be an example of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-8. A transmitter (e.g., a base station) may perform the beam refinement procedure utilizing a single antenna panel940. Antenna panel940may represent an example of various embodiments of an antenna panel on the transmitter similar toFIG. 7-8.

Antennas945may be connected to the first port of the transmitter, wherein the signals from antennas945may include a beam refinement symbol on the analog beam. Antennas950may be connected to the second port of the transmitter, wherein the signals from antennas950may include a phase modulated beam refinement symbol. The two signals may be joined in a combined signal when transmitted.

The sub-arrays of both antennas may be arranged in a linear manner, resulting in a single row of antennas. The antennas may alternate between antennas945connected to the first port and antennas950connected to the second port, such that an antenna in the row does not correspond to the same port as either of its adjacent antennas. By utilizing this configuration, the tone-beams may be scanned in a direction of interest with relation to the panel940. The direction of the scan may travel from left to right. This configuration may be utilized during the beam refinement procedure. The distance905between two of the antennas945may be less than λ/2, where λ describes the shortest working wavelength of the transmitter. Similarly, the distance910between two of the antennas950may be less than λ/2.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of an apparatus1000that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Apparatus1000may be an example of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-9. A transmitter (e.g., a base station) may perform the beam refinement procedure utilizing a single antenna panel1040. Antenna panel1040may represent an example of various embodiments of an antenna panel on the transmitter, similar toFIGS. 7-9.

Antenna panel1040may include a number of analog ports1005and a number of digital ports1010. While two digital ports are shown inFIG. 10, the number of digital ports1010on antenna panel1040may be greater than or equal to two. The number of digital ports1010may correspond to the number of different sub-arrays of antennas on antenna panel1040.

The first sub-array of the digital ports1010may include antennas1045. Antennas1045may be connected to the first port of the transmitter, wherein the signals from antennas1045may include a beam refinement symbol via an analog beam. The second sub-array of the digital ports1010may include antennas1050. Antennas1050may be connected to the second port of the transmitter, wherein the signals from antennas1050may include a phase modulated beam refinement symbol. The two signals may be joined in a combined signal when transmitted.

The second sub-array of antennas1050may be aligned with and parallel to the first sub-array antennas1045. By utilizing this configuration, the transmitter may synthesize the tone-beams in elevation and the analog beam gain in a direction of interest with respect to the antenna panel1040. The direction of the scan may travel from left to right. This configuration may be utilized during the beam refinement procedure. The distance1015between the two sub-arrays may be less than λ/2, where λ describes the shortest working wavelength of the transmitter. Similarly, the horizontal distance1020may be less than λ/2.

FIG. 11illustrates an example of an apparatus1100that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Apparatus1100may be an example of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-10. Antenna panel1140-amay perform a beam refinement procedure using antennas1145and antennas1150, corresponding to the first and second ports, respectively, of the transmitter (e.g., a base station), as described inFIGS. 7-10. While antenna panels1140depict the panel configuration as described inFIG. 7, any of the panel configurations described inFIGS. 7-10may be utilized for transmitting the beam refinement signals. As antenna panel1140-aperforms the beam refinement procedure, antenna panel1140-bmay include inactive antennas1155.

An apparatus for performing the beam refinement method (as described above inFIGS. 2-6and using the hardware implementations illustrated inFIGS. 6-10) may include one or more transmit chains, as described above inFIG. 6. The transmit chain may include IFFT component1125. IFFT component1125may perform an inverse fast Fourier transform on the beam refinement symbol corresponding to the first and second port. IFFT component1125-amay transform the beam refinement symbol from the first port, and IFFT component1125-bmay transform the phase shifted beam refinement symbol from the second port. DAC1130-aand DAC1130-bmay convert the signals from the first and second ports, respectively. Multiplexer1105may combine the beam refinement symbol from the first port and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol from the second port. intermediate frequency (IF)/radio frequency (RF) splitter1110may split the multiplexed signal and direct it to the first and second sub-arrays of antenna panel1140-a, wherein the first sub-array may include antennas1145and the second sub-array may include antennas1150. The signals from both antennas1145and1150may be transmitted on a combined signal.

Alternatively, a switching matrix may be utilized to direct both the beam refinement symbol and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol to antenna panel1140-a, while antenna panel1140-bremains inactive. The switching matrix may be a front-end component or a back-end component of the first transmit chain and the second transmit chain.

FIG. 12illustrates an example of an apparatus1200that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. for utilizing multiple antenna panels for the beam refinement procedure as described inFIGS. 2-6. Apparatus1200may be an example of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-11. After the initial beam refinement procedure described inFIG. 11, subsequent transmissions may utilize multiple antenna panels1240. Antenna panel1240-amay transmit a beam refinement symbol from the first port on antennas1245. Antenna panel1240-bmay transmit phase shifted beam refinement symbols from the second port on antennas1250. While antenna panels1240depict the panel configuration as described inFIG. 7, any of the panel configurations described inFIGS. 7-10may be utilized for transmitting the beam refinement signals.

Similar toFIG. 11, an apparatus for performing the beam refinement method (as described above inFIGS. 2-6and using the hardware implementations illustrated inFIGS. 6-11) may include one or more transmit chains, as described above inFIG. 6. The transmit chain may include IFFT component1225may perform inverse fast Fourier transforms on the signals for each of the ports, and DAC1230may convert the signals for each of the ports. Multiplexer1205may combine the beam refinement symbol from the first port and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol from the second port. IF/RF splitter1210may split the multiplexed signal and direct it to antenna panels1240-aand1240-b, wherein antenna panel1240-amay include antennas1245and antenna panel1240-bmay include antennas1250. Alternatively, a switching matrix may direct the beam refinement symbol to antenna panel1240-aand the phase shifted beam refinement symbols to antenna panel1240-b. The signals from both antennas1145and1150may be transmitted on a combined signal using both antenna panels.

FIG. 13is an example of a measurement scheme1300that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Measurement scheme1300may include examples of or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-12.

Once the base station has transmitted a first and second transmission in a beam refinement procedure (as described above inFIGS. 3A and 3Band using the hardware implementations illustrated inFIGS. 6-12), a receiver (e.g., a UE115) may engage in one or more measurements to identify a preferred tone-beam. The UE115may identify a set of tone-beams that have similar maximum gain values when measured at a particular direction. For example, the receiver may receive signals from various directions which may range from negative 80 degrees to positive 80 degrees. A first tone-beam may have a maximum gain value at X1 (e.g., −55 degrees). A second tone-beam may have a maximum gain value at X2 (e.g., −40 degrees). A UE115may be located in a region between X1 and X2. However, it may be difficult for UE115to determine which of the first tone-beam and the second tone-beam has a higher maximum gain value at the UE's geographic location.

To determine whether the first tone-beam or the second tone-beam will be the preferred tone-beam, the UE115may measure the relative gains corresponding to tone-beams that are not the first tone-beam or the second tone-beam. For example, UE115may measure non-maximum gain values for a third tone-beam (e.g., the tone-beam having a maximum gain value at about −10 degrees) and a fourth tone-beam (e.g., the tone-beam having a maximum gain value at about 10 degrees). The non-maximum gain values measured at X1 and X2 may be easier to differentiate between than the maximum or near maximum gain values of the first tone-beam and the second tone-beam at X1 and X2. In some examples, a UE115may compare these measured values to a set of known values. Based on these measurements and known values, the UE115may determine which of the candidate preferred tone-beams will be the preferred tone-beam for subsequent transmissions.

FIG. 14illustrates an example of a wireless communications system1400that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless communications system1400may include a base station105and a UE115-e, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described or may represent aspects of techniques performed by UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1-13.

As described inFIGS. 2-6above, a transmitter (e.g., base station105-e) may perform an initial search for a target receiver (e.g., a UE115). The initial search may be a first step in a beam refinement procedure, resulting in the selection of a preferred refined beam for subsequent transmissions. In some examples, base station105-emay periodically transmit a sector sweep waveform (e.g., a synchronization signal, a reference signal, or a beacon). Base station105-emay transmit a first sector sweep waveform in first sector1415-a, a second sector sweep waveform in second sector1415-b, and so on through all corresponding sectors (e.g., sectors1415-c,1415-d,1415-e, and1415-f). Sector sweep wave forms may be identified with certain parameters. For example, parameters may include beam identification, base station identification, and panel identification. A UE115may receive the sector sweeping wave form and subsequently respond. For example, a UE115may respond with association signaling or a random access channel (RACH) signal, or some other feedback signaling. The above described beam sweeping procedure may be included in such sequential sector sweeping. For example, base station105-emay incorporate into the sector sweep waveform a beam refinement symbol that generates a beam, such as analog beam1405, via a first port, and a phase shifted beam refinement symbol that generates a plurality of refined beams1410via a second port. UE115may receive the beam refinement symbol and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol, may select a preferred refined beam (e.g., preferred tone-beam)1410, and may transmit an indication of the selected preferred refined beam1410to base station105-e. The beam refinement symbol and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol maybe included in sector sweep waveforms for each of the sectors1415. The analog beam1405and refined beams1410may be transmitted on a combined signal for each sector1415.

Alternatively or additionally, base station105-emay perform sector sweeping in an on-demand mode. That is, a UE115may transmit a request an immediate beam-refinement procedure that is separate from a periodic beam refinement procedure corresponding to a sequential sector sweep. In response, base station105-emay incorporate into the sector sweep waveform a beam refinement symbol that generates an analog beam1405via a first port, and a phase shifted beam refinement symbol that generates a plurality of refined beams1410via a second port. UE115may receive the beam refinement symbol and the phase shifted beam refinement symbol, may select a preferred refined beam1410, and may transmit an indication of the selected preferred refined beam1410to base station105-e.

In some examples, base station105-emay repeat the above described procedure, by transmitting a third transmission which includes a beam refinement symbol via a first port, and a fourth transmission which includes a phase modulated beam refinement symbol via second port. For example, base station105-emay determine that the preferred refined beam1410is located on one of the edges of the geographic sector1415. For example, the preferred beam1410may lie on the border of sector1415-athat corresponds to the border of sector1415-b. In such cases, it may be possible that a superior beam for the located receiver might be identified in sector1415-b. Base station105-emay perform the method provided above in the second geographic sector1415-b. In some examples, the transmitter may store the information gained from the initial procedure performed in geographic sector1415-afor use and comparison for future beam refinement procedures. Base station105-emay compare the preferred tone-beam from the first and second transmissions to the preferred refined beam1410from the third and fourth transmissions to determine the superior preferred refined beam1410. Additionally or alternatively, the above described procedure may be incorporated into a standard sector sweep phase. Such sector sweeps may be on demand or periodic. The indication received by the transmitter at each geographic sector may be stored at the transmitter and incorporated into subsequent sector sweeps and subsequent beam refinement procedures.

FIG. 15illustrates an example of a process flow1500that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Process flow1500may include the transmission of beam refinement symbols, feedback from UE115-f, and adjustments made by base station105-f.

Initially, base station105-fmay send a first transmission1505. The first transmission1505may include a first signal corresponding to a symbol (e.g., a beam refinement symbol) sent through a first port, wherein the symbol may be at least a portion of a reference symbol, at least a portion of a control symbol, or at least a portion of a data symbol. The symbol may form a beam to cover a geographic sector. Base station105-fmay send the first signal as part of a beam sector sweep. Alternatively, base station105-fmay send the first signal in response to a request from the receiver for beam refinement.

Base station105-fmay send a second transmission1510. The second transmission1510may include a second signal corresponding to the symbol sent through a second port, wherein the symbol may be modulated with respect to the first signal such that the second signal is digitally beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector formed by the first signal. The second signal may include different tones phase-modulated such that the second signal includes a plurality of tone-beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions. The tone beams may be phase-modulated or amplitude modulated. The tone-beams may be grouped together through frequency or block interleaving. Alternatively, base station105-fmay send the second signal at different times, wherein each of the second signals correspond to the one or more directions. Base station105-fmay send the second signal as part of a beam sector sweep. Alternatively or additionally, base station105-fmay send the second signal in response to a request from the receiver for beam refinement. Base station105-fmay transmit the first and second signals on a combined signal. The combined signal may be located in different frequency bands.

Base station105-fmay transmit the combined signal utilizing a single antenna panel that includes the first port and the second port, wherein each port includes the respective transmission signal. In some examples, a second sub-array of antennas corresponding to the second port may be in-line with a first sub-array of antennas corresponding to the first port. Base station105-fmay utilize a switching matrix or multiplexing to direct the beam refinement symbols from the first signal and the second signal to the single antenna panel.

Base station105-fmay send a third transmission and a fourth transmission with the beam refinement symbols. In some cases, base station105-fmay utilize more than two ports for the transmissions. The first signal and the second signal may include additional information, such as a sector identification, a network identification, a panel identification, or other identifying information.

At1515, UE115-fmay receive the first signal from base station105-f. For example, UE115-fmay receive the first signal during a sector sweep phase. The first signal may have a gain that is substantially constant across at least a portion of a geographic sector. At1520, UE115-fmay receive the second signal from base station105-fduring a sector sweep phase. UE115-fmay receive the second signal from one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. UE115-fmay receive the first signal and the second signal concurrently, where the signals are part of the combined signal. Alternatively, UE115-fmay receive multiple second signals at different times, wherein each of the second signals correspond to the one or more directions.

At1525, UE115-fmay measure a gain associated with each signal and identify a preferred refined beam (e.g., preferred tone-beam) for subsequent transmissions based on the measurement. UE115-fmay measure the gain of a phase of the combined signal normalized by the phase of a reference combined signal. UE115-fmay measure the gain of a subset of tones from the combined signal with the gain of the reference combined signal from base station105-fUE115-fmay determine a set of adjacent tone-beams having maximum gain. UE115-fmay compare the relative gains of the tone-beams in the set to determine the preferred refined beam. Additionally, UE115-fmay determine the preferred refined beam based at least in part on the orientation of the first and second signal. UE115-fmay determine the preferred refined beam based on more than the two signals.

UE115-fmay transmit an indication1530to base station105-fIndication1530may include an indication of the preferred refined beam. Additionally, indication1530may include the gain measurement of1525corresponding to the second signal.

At block1535, base station105-fmay rotate the beam covering a geographic sector based at least in part of the indication1530. Base station105-fmay rotate the beam covering a geographic sector in the direction of UE115-f. At block1540, base station105-fmay generate a higher gain beam based at least in part of the indication1530. Base station105-fmay generate the higher gain beam in the direction of UE115-fSubsequent transmissions from base station105-fmay be sent via the rotated beam covering a geographic sector and/or the higher gain beam.

FIG. 16shows a block diagram1600of a wireless device1605that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device1605may be an example of aspects of a user equipment (UE)115or base station105as described with reference toFIG. 1. Wireless device1605may include receiver1610, communications manager1615, and transmitter1620. Wireless device1605may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver1610may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to beam refinement for mmW systems, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver1610may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1935described with reference toFIG. 19. The receiver1610may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

Communications manager1615may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1915described with reference toFIG. 19.

Communications manager1615and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager1615and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure. The communications manager1615and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations by one or more physical devices.

In some examples, communications manager1615and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In other examples, communications manager1615and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an I/O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

Communications manager1615may transmit, using beamforming (e.g., analog beamforming) and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector. Communications manager1615may further transmit, using analog beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Communications manager1615may receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, where the indication is based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal. Communications manager1615may then determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the indication.

The communications manager1615may also transmit, using analog beamforming and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector. Communications manager1615may transmit, using analog beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Communications manager1615may retransmit the combined signal at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to the one of the one or more directions. Communications manager1615may receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, where the indication is based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second signal. Communications manager may then determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the indication.

The communications manager1615may also receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector. Communications manager1615may further receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Communications manager1615may measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the measuring.

The communications manager1615may also receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector. Communications manager1615may receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Communications manager1615may receive the combined signal at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to one of the one or more directions, measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, and determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the measuring.

Transmitter1620may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter1620may be collocated with a receiver1610in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1620may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1935described with reference toFIG. 19. The transmitter1620may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG. 17shows a block diagram1700of a wireless device1705that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device1705may be an example of aspects of a wireless device1605or a UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 16. Wireless device1705may include receiver1710, communications manager1715, and transmitter1720. Wireless device1705may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses). Wireless device1705may act as a transmitter (e.g. base station105) in some instances. For example, combined signal component1725, indication component1735, and refined beam component1740may be activated when wireless device1705is acts as a transmitter. Wireless device1705may also act as a receiver (e.g., UE115) in some instances. For example, indication component1735, refined beam component1740, and measuring component1745may be activated when wireless device1705acts as a receiver.

Receiver1710may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to beam refinement for mmW systems, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver1710may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1935described with reference toFIG. 19. The receiver1710may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

Communications manager1715may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1915described with reference toFIG. 19.

Communications manager1715may also include combined signal component1725, indication component1735, refined beam component1740, and measuring component1745.

In some instances, wireless device1705may act as a transmitter. In such cases, combined signal component1725may transmit, using beamforming (e.g., analog beamforming) and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector. Combined signal component1725may transmit, using analog beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Combined signal component1725may retransmit the combined signal at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to the one of the one or more directions.

Additionally, combined signal component1725may direct a component of the combined signal in a direction of interest with respect to the single antenna panel. Combined signal component1725may transmit the combined signal via a first antenna panel using at least portions of the first transmit chain and the second transmit chain. Combined signal component1725may further transmit, in additional signals, the symbol via additional ports, the additional signals being modulated with respect to the first signal such that the additional signals are digitally beam-formed in additional directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. The symbol may include a sector identification, a network identification, a panel identification, or combinations thereof, in one or both of the first signal and the second signal.

In some cases, combined signal component1725may transmit the combined signal during a sector sweep phase. Combined signal component1725may transmit the combined signal in response to a request from the receiver for beam refinement. Combined signal component1725may transmit the combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, where aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance include aspects that are beam-formed in one or more directions.

In some cases, the aspects of the combined signal include the relative amplitude of a subset of tones of the combined signal. In some cases, the aspects of the combined signal include the relative phase of a subset of tones of the combined signal. In some cases, the symbol of the combined signal is included in either the preamble, middle, or tail of respective transmission packets. In some cases, the combined signal is associated with one or more synchronization signals or one or more reference signals of the sector sweep phase. In some cases, the symbol is at least a portion of a reference symbol, at least a portion of a control symbol, or at least a portion of a data symbol. In some cases, the first signal is in a first OFDM symbol, and the second signal is in a second OFDM symbol, where the combined signal includes a set of tone beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions. In some cases, the beam refinement symbol of the first signal and the beam refinement symbol of the second signal are included in either the preamble, middle, or tail of respective transmission packets. In some cases, the combined signal is associated with one or more synchronization signals or one or more reference signals of the sector sweep phase.

Indication component1735may be activated when the wireless device1705is acting as a transmitter. Indication component1735may receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, where the indication is based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal. Indication component1735may receive a second indication from the receiver identifying one or more aspects of the second combined signal after transmitting a second combined signal, where the second indication is based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second combined signal. Indication component1735may receive the indication as part of feedback received from the receiver, determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the indication. Indication component1735may receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, where the indication is based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second signal.

In some cases, the feedback message is one of an association beamforming training (ABFT) signal, a responder transmit sector sweep (R-TXSS) signal, or a RACH signal. In some cases, the indication is further based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal in reference to corresponding aspects of the reference combined signal. In some cases, the indication includes either a direction to be used by the refined beam or a beam index corresponding to the direction to be used by the refined beam. In some cases, the beam index is defined through either a predetermined table or via a prior message exchange with the receiver. In some cases, the indication includes the measurements of the gain of the combined signal.

In some cases, the feedback received from the receiver is in the form of an ABFT signal, an R-TXSS signal, or a RACH signal. In some cases, the indication is further based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal in reference to corresponding aspects of the reference signal. The beam index may be defined through either a predetermined table or via a prior message exchange with the transmitter. The indication may include measurements of a gain of the combined signal.

When wireless device1705is acting as a transmitter, refined beam component1740may phase-modulate or amplitude modulate different tones of the second signal such that the combined signal includes a set of tone beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions. Refined beam component1740may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on an indication received from the receiver. Refined beam component1740may group the tone beams of a combined signal so that more than one tone beam corresponds to one of the one or more directions, wherein the grouping may include frequency interleaving the tone beams of a same group or block interleaving the tone beams of a same group. Refined beam component1740may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the first indication and the second indication. Additionally, refined beam component1740may beam-form the refined beam by rotating an analog-formed beam based on the indication, beam-form the refined beam by using digital or analog beam-forming, or combinations thereof, to increase a transmitted gain in a direction of the receiver.

In some cases, the symbol corresponding to the first signal or the second signal is at least a portion of a reference symbol, at least a portion of a control symbol, or at least a portion of a data symbol.

In some instances, wireless device1705may act as a receiver. In such instances, combined signal component1725may receive the combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, where aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance includes aspects that are beam-formed in one or more directions. Combined signal component1725may receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector. Combined signal component1725may further receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Combined signal component1725may receive, from the transmitter, a repeated transmission of the first and second signals resulting in a second combined signal where aspects of the second combined signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap with a second geographic sector. Combined signal component1725may identify a sector identification, a network identification, a panel identification, or combinations thereof, in one or both of the first signal and the second signal. Combined signal component1725may receive the combined signal during a sector sweep phase. In some cases, combined signal component1725may receive the first signal and the second signal in response to the request. Combined signal component1725may receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Combined signal component1725may receive the combined signal at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to one of the one or more directions.

In instances where wireless device1705acts as a receiver, indication component1735may transmit an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter. Indication component1735may transmit an indication identifying the different refined beam for subsequent transmissions. Indication component1735may transmit an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter, where the indication includes either a direction to be used by the refined beam or a beam index corresponding to the direction to be used by the refined beam. Indication component1735may transmit an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter as part of a feedback message.

When wireless device1705is acting as a receiver, refined beam component1740may transmit a request for beam refinement, refined beam component1740may determine a different refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the measuring of one or more received combined signals. In some cases, determining the refined beam for subsequent transmissions further includes: sensing an orientation of a transmit array transmitting the first signal and the second signal. In some cases, the method further including determining the refined beam based on the orientation of the transmit array.

Measuring component1745may be activated when the wireless device1705acts as a receiver. Measuring component1745may measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal. Measuring component1745may measure an aspect of the combined signal with reference to the reference combined signal includes measuring a gain of the combined signal normalized by the gain of the reference combined signal. Measuring component1745may compare the relative gains of the tone beams that are not included in the set with a known set of gain differences, sense the orientation of the transmit array using an accelerometer or a gyroscope, and measure one or more of the aspects of the second combined signal with respect to a reference combined signal. In some cases, measuring the gain of the combined signal normalized by the gain of the reference combined signal includes: determining a set of adjacent tone beams having maximum gain. In some cases, the method further including measuring, for each tone beam in the set, relative gains of tone beams that are not included in the set at directions corresponding to where the tone beams in the set have maximum gain.

Transmitter1720may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter1720may be collocated with a receiver1710in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1720may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1935described with reference toFIG. 19. The transmitter1720may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG. 18shows a block diagram1800of a communications manager1815that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager1815may be an example of aspects of a communications manager1615, a communications manager1715, or a communications manager1915described with reference toFIGS. 16, 17, and 19. The communications manager1815may include combined signal component1820, indication component1830, refined beam component1835, measuring component1840, reference combined signal component1845, antenna array component1850, transmit chain component1855, switching component1860, and multiplexing component1865. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses). Communications manager1815may be active as part of a transmitter (e.g. base station105) in some instances. In such cases, combined signal component1820, indication component1830, refined beam component1835, reference combined signal component1845, antenna array component1850, transmit chain component1855, switching component1860, and multiplexing component1865may be used when communications manager1815is active as a part of a transmitter. Alternatively, communications manager1815may be active as part of a receiver. In such cases, combined signal component1820, indication component1830, refined beam component1835, and measuring component1840, may be used when communications manager1815is active as a part of a receiver.

In some instances, communications manager1815may be used as part of a transmitter. In such instances, combined signal component1820may transmit, using beamforming (e.g., analog beamforming) and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector. Combined signal component1820may direct a component of the combined signal in a direction of interest with respect to a single antenna panel and transmit the combined signal via a first antenna panel using at least portions of the first transmit chain and the second transmit chain. Combined signal component1820may transmit, in additional signals, the symbol via additional ports, the additional signals being modulated with respect to the first signal such that the additional signals are digitally beam-formed in additional directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Combined signal component1820may include a sector identification, a network identification, a panel identification, or combinations thereof, in one or both of the first signal and the second signal.

Combined signal component1820may transmit the combined signal during a sector sweep phase. Combined signal component1820may transmit the combined signal in response to a request from the receiver for beam refinement. Additionally, combined signal component1820may transmit, using analog beamforming and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated or amplitude modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Alternatively, the combined signal is retransmitted at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to the one of the one or more directions.

Combined signal component1820may transmit the combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, where aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance include aspects that are beam-formed in one or more directions. In some cases, the aspects of the combined signal include the relative amplitude or the relative phase of a subset of tones of the combined signal. In some cases, the symbol of the combined signal is included in either the preamble, middle, or tail of respective transmission packets. In some cases, the combined signal is associated with one or more synchronization signals or one or more reference signals of the sector sweep phase. In some cases, the symbol is at least a portion of a reference symbol, at least a portion of a control symbol, or at least a portion of a data symbol. In some cases, the first signal is in a first OFDM symbol, and the second signal is in a second OFDM symbol, where the combined signal includes a set of tone beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions. In some cases, the beam refinement symbol of the first signal and the beam refinement symbol of the second signal are included in either the preamble, middle, or tail of respective transmission packets. In some cases, the combined signal is associated with one or more synchronization signals or one or more reference signals of the sector sweep phase.

When communications manager1815is active as a part of a transmitter, indication component1830may receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, where the indication is based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal. Indication component1830may receive a second indication from the receiver identifying one or more aspects of the second combined signal, where the second indication is based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second combined signal, receive the indication as part of feedback received from the receiver. Indication component1830may receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, where the indication is based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second signal.

In some cases, the feedback message is one of an ABFT signal, an R-TXSS signal, or a RACH signal. In some cases, the indication is further based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal in reference to corresponding aspects of the reference combined signal. In some cases, the indication includes either a direction to be used by the refined beam or a beam index corresponding to the direction to be used by the refined beam. In some cases, the beam index is defined through either a predetermined table or via a prior message exchange with the receiver. In some cases, the indication includes the measurements of the gain of the combined signal.

In some cases, the feedback received from the receiver is in the form of an ABFT signal, an R-TXSS signal, or a RACH signal. In some cases, the indication is further based on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal in reference to corresponding aspects of the reference signal. In some cases, the beam index is defined through either a predetermined table or via a prior message exchange with the transmitter. In some cases, the indication includes measurements of a gain of the combined signal.

When communications manager1815is active as a part of a transmitter, refined beam component1835may phase-modulate different tones of the second signal such that the combined signal includes a set of tone beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions. Refined beam component1835may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on a received indication, group the tone beams so that more than one tone beam corresponds to one of the one or more directions, wherein the grouping may include frequency interleaving the tone beams of a same group or block interleaving the tone beams of a same group. Refined beam component1835may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on a first indication and a second indication. Refined beam component1835may beam-form the refined beam by rotating an analog-formed beam based on the indication or beam-form the refined beam by using digital or analog beam-forming, or combinations thereof, to increase a transmitted gain in a direction of the receiver. Refined beam component1835may amplitude modulate different tones of the second signal such that the combined signal includes a set of tone beams each corresponding to one of the one or more directions. Refined beam component1835may transmit a request for beam refinement. In some cases, the symbol is at least a portion of a reference symbol, at least a portion of a control symbol, or at least a portion of a data symbol.

In instances where communications manager1815acts as a transmitter, reference combined signal component1845may transmit a reference combined signal corresponding to a first time instance that includes a reference modulation applied to the second signal transmitted by the second port, with respect to the first signal transmitted by the first port, transmit the combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, where aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance include aspects that are beam-formed in one or more directions. Reference combined signal component1845may repeat transmission of the first and second signals resulting in a second combined signal, where aspects of the second combined signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap with a second geographic sector, and receive a reference combined signal corresponding to a first time instance that includes a reference modulation applied to the second signal transmitted by the second port, with respect to the first signal transmitted by the first port.

When communications manager1815acts as part of a transmitter, antenna array component1850may transmit the combined signal via a single antenna panel that includes the first port and the second port and transmit subsequent signals using the refined beam via multi-layer transmissions using both the first antenna panel and the second antenna panel. In some cases, a sub-array of the second port is in-line with a sub-array of the first port.

Transmit chain component1855may process the symbol of the first signal using at least a portion of a first transmit chain and process the symbol of the second signal using at least a portion of a second transmit chain.

Switching component1860may direct the symbol of the second signal to the first antenna panel via a switching matrix.

Multiplexing component1865may direct the symbol of the second signal to the first antenna panel by multiplexing the symbol of the second signal with the symbol of the first signal into a single stream directed to the first antenna panel.

In some instances, communications manager1820may act as a receiver. In such instances, combined signal component1820may receive the combined signal corresponding to a first time instance, and a combined signal corresponding to a second time instance, where aspects of the combined signal transmitted in the second time instance includes aspects that are beam-formed in one or more directions. Combined signal component1820may receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector. Combined signal component1820may further receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. Combined signal component1820may receive, from the transmitter, a repeated transmission of the first and second signals resulting in a second combined signal where aspects of the second combined signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap with a second geographic sector. Combined signal component1820may identify a sector identification, a network identification, a panel identification, or combinations thereof, in one or both of the first signal and the second signal.

Combined signal component1820may receive the combined signal during a sector sweep phase, wherein combined signal component1820may receive the first signal and the second signal in response to a request. Combined signal component1820may receive a first signal and a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, where aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. The combined signal is received at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to one of the one or more directions.

In cases where communications manager1815is active as a part of a receiver, indication component1830may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the indication and transmit an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter. Indication component1830may transmit an indication identifying the different refined beam for subsequent transmissions. Indication component1830may transmit an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter, where the indication includes either a direction to be used by the refined beam or a beam index corresponding to the direction to be used by the refined beam. Indication component1830may transmit an indication of the refined beam to the transmitter as part of a feedback message.

When communications manager1815acts as a part of a receiver, refined beam component1835may determine a refined beam or a different refined beam for subsequent transmissions based on the measuring of received combined signals. In some cases, determining the refined beam for subsequent transmissions further includes: sensing an orientation of a transmit array transmitting the first signal and the second signal. In some cases, the method further including determining the refined beam based on the orientation of the transmit array.

When acting as part of a receiver, measuring component1840may measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, measure an aspect of the combined signal with reference to the reference combined signal includes measuring a gain of the combined signal normalized by the gain of the reference combined signal, compare the relative gains of the tone beams that are not included in the set with a known set of gain differences, sense the orientation of the transmit array using an accelerometer or a gyroscope, and measure one or more of the aspects of the second combined signal with respect to a reference combined signal. In some cases, measuring the gain of the combined signal normalized by the gain of the reference combined signal includes: determining a set of adjacent tone beams having maximum gain. In some cases, the method further including measuring, for each tone beam in the set, relative gains of tone beams that are not included in the set at directions corresponding to where the tone beams in the set have maximum gain.

FIG. 19shows a diagram of a system1900including a device1905that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Device1905may be an example of or include the components of wireless device1605, wireless device1705, or a UE115as described above, e.g., with reference toFIGS. 1, 16 and 17. Device1905may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including UE communications manager1915, processor1920, memory1925, software1930, transceiver1935, antenna1940, and I/O controller1945. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more busses (e.g., bus1910). Device1905may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations105.

Memory1925may include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The memory1925may store computer-readable, computer-executable software1930including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1925may contain, among other things, a basic input/output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Software1930may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support beam refinement for mmW systems. Software1930may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software1930may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna1940. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna1940, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

I/O controller1945may manage input and output signals for device1905. I/O controller1945may also manage peripherals not integrated into device1905. In some cases, I/O controller1945may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, I/O controller1945may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, I/O controller1945may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, I/O controller1945may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with device1905via I/O controller1945or via hardware components controlled by I/O controller1945.

FIG. 20shows a diagram of a system2000including a device2005that supports beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Device2005may be an example of or include the components of wireless device1705, wireless device1805, or a base station105as described above, e.g., with reference toFIGS. 1, 17 and 18. Device2005may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including base station communications manager2015, processor2020, memory2025, software2030, transceiver2035, antenna2040, network communications manager2045, and inter-station communications manager2050. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more busses (e.g., bus2010). Device2005may communicate wirelessly with one or more UEs115.

Memory2025may include RAM and ROM. The memory2025may store computer-readable, computer-executable software2030including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory2025may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Software2030may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support beam refinement for mmW systems. Software2030may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software2030may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna2040. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna2040, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

Network communications manager2045may manage communications with the core network (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager2045may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs115.

FIG. 21shows a flowchart illustrating a method2100for beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2100may be implemented by a UE115or base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2100may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18. In some examples, a UE115or base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115or base station105may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2105the UE115or base station105may transmit, using beamforming (e.g., analog beamforming) and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector. The operations of block2105may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2105may be performed by a combined signal component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2110the UE115or base station105may transmit, using beamforming (e.g., analog beamforming) and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. The operations of block2110may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2110may be performed by a combined signal component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2115the UE115or base station105may receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the combined signal. The operations of block2115may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2115may be performed by an indication component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2120the UE115or base station105may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication. The operations of block2120may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1through15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2120may be performed by an indication component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

FIG. 22shows a flowchart illustrating a method2200for beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2200may be implemented by a UE115or base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2200may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18. In some examples, a UE115or base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115or base station105may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2205the UE115or base station105may transmit, using beamforming (e.g., analog beamforming) and a first port, a first signal corresponding to a symbol so as to cover a geographic sector. The operations of block2205may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2205may be performed by a combined signal component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2210the UE115or base station105may transmit, using beamforming (e.g., analog beamforming) and a second port, a second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during the transmitting of the second signal with respect to the transmitting of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is retransmitted at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to the one of the one or more directions. The operations of block2210may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2210may be performed by a combined signal component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2215the UE115or base station105may receive an indication from a receiver identifying one or more of the aspects of the combined signal, wherein the indication is based at least in part on measurements of the one or more of the aspects of the second signal. The operations of block2215may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2215may be performed by an indication component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2220the UE115or base station105may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the indication. The operations of block2220may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2220may be performed by a refined beam component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

FIG. 23shows a flowchart illustrating a method2300for beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2300may be implemented by a UE115or base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2300may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18. In some examples, a UE115or base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115or base station105may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2305the UE115or base station105may receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector. The operations of block2305may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2305may be performed by a combined signal component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2310the UE115or base station105may receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector. The operations of block2310may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2310may be performed by a combined signal component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2315the UE115or base station105may measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal. The operations of block2315may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2315may be performed by a measuring component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2320the UE115or base station105may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring. The operations of block2320may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2320may be performed by a refined beam component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

FIG. 24shows a flowchart illustrating a method2400for beam refinement for mmW systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2400may be implemented by a UE115or base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2400may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18. In some examples, a UE115or base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115or base station105may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2405the UE115or base station105may receive a first signal from a transmitter, the first signal corresponding to a symbol and transmitted so as to cover a geographic sector. The operations of block2405may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2405may be performed by a combined signal component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2410the UE115or base station105may receive a second signal from the transmitter, the second signal corresponding to the symbol, wherein aspects of the symbol are additionally modulated during transmission of the second signal with respect to a transmission of the first signal such that corresponding aspects of a combined signal of the first signal and the second signal are beam-formed in one or more directions that at least partially overlap the geographic sector, and the combined signal is received at different times such that each transmission of the combined signal at different times corresponds to one of the one or more directions. The operations of block2410may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2410may be performed by a combined signal component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2415the UE115or base station105may measure one or more of the aspects of the combined signal. The operations of block2415may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2415may be performed by a measuring component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

At block2420the UE115or base station105may determine a refined beam for subsequent transmissions based at least in part on the measuring. The operations of block2420may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 15. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2420may be performed by a refined beam component as described with reference toFIGS. 16 through 18.

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: A, B, or C” is intended to cover A, B, C, A-B, A-C, B-C, and A-B-C, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., A-A, A-A-A, A-A-B, A-A-C, A-B-B, A-C-C, B-B, B-B-B, B-B-C, C-C, and C-C-C or any other ordering of A, B, and C).

Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”