WO2018093411A2 - Station (sta), point d'accès (ap) et procédés d'affinement de faisceau et de signalisation associés - Google Patents

Station (sta), point d'accès (ap) et procédés d'affinement de faisceau et de signalisation associés Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018093411A2
WO2018093411A2 PCT/US2017/024549 US2017024549W WO2018093411A2 WO 2018093411 A2 WO2018093411 A2 WO 2018093411A2 US 2017024549 W US2017024549 W US 2017024549W WO 2018093411 A2 WO2018093411 A2 WO 2018093411A2
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sta
training
field
frame
beam refinement
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PCT/US2017/024549
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English (en)
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WO2018093411A3 (fr
Inventor
Claudio Da Silva
Artyom LOMAYEV
Carlos Cordeiro
Jonathan KOSLOFF
Michael Genossar
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Intel IP Corporation
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Publication of WO2018093411A2 publication Critical patent/WO2018093411A2/fr
Publication of WO2018093411A3 publication Critical patent/WO2018093411A3/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L27/00—Modulated-carrier systems
    • H04L27/26—Systems using multi-frequency codes
    • H04L27/2601—Multicarrier modulation systems
    • H04L27/2602—Signal structure
    • H04L27/261—Details of reference signals
    • H04L27/2613—Structure of the reference signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/02—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas
    • H04B7/04—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
    • H04B7/06—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
    • H04B7/0686—Hybrid systems, i.e. switching and simultaneous transmission
    • H04B7/0695—Hybrid systems, i.e. switching and simultaneous transmission using beam selection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L27/00—Modulated-carrier systems
    • H04L27/26—Systems using multi-frequency codes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L27/00—Modulated-carrier systems
    • H04L27/26—Systems using multi-frequency codes
    • H04L27/2601—Multicarrier modulation systems
    • H04L27/2626—Arrangements specific to the transmitter only
    • H04L27/2627—Modulators
    • H04L27/2634—Inverse fast Fourier transform [IFFT] or inverse discrete Fourier transform [IDFT] modulators in combination with other circuits for modulation
    • H04L27/2636—Inverse fast Fourier transform [IFFT] or inverse discrete Fourier transform [IDFT] modulators in combination with other circuits for modulation with FFT or DFT modulators, e.g. standard single-carrier frequency-division multiple access [SC-FDMA] transmitter or DFT spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing [DFT-SOFDM]

Definitions

  • Embodiments pertain to wireless communications. Some embodiments relate to wireless local area networks (WLANs) and Wi-Fi networks including networks operating in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. Some embodiments relate to millimeter wave (mmWave) communication, including mmWave communication in accordance with IEEE 802.1 lad, IEEE 802.1 lay and/or Fifth Generation (5G) networks. Some embodiments relate to beamforming techniques. Some embodiments relate to beam refinement.
  • WLANs wireless local area networks
  • mmWave millimeter wave
  • mmWave millimeter wave
  • beamforming techniques Some embodiments relate to beam refinement.
  • base stations and mobile devices may operate in millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies, including but not limited to frequencies at 45 GHz and above.
  • mmWave millimeter wave
  • Various challenges may arise for such operation.
  • Techniques to combat such path loss may include beamforming in the transmit direction and/or receive direction.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless network in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example machine in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a station (ST A) in accordance with some embodiments and an access point (AP) in accordance with some embodiments;
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a radio architecture in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a front-end module circuitry for use in the radio architecture of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a radio IC circuitry for use in the radio architecture of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a baseband processing circuitry for use in the radio architecture of FIG. 4 in accordance wilh some embodiments
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of a method of communication in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an example beam refinement protocol (BRP) frame in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 10 illustrates example training (TRN) fields in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 11 illustrates another example BRP frame in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the operation of another method of communication in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless network in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the network 100 may be a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a Wi-Fi network, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect. It should be noted that embodiments are not limited to the number or type of components shown in the example network 100.
  • WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
  • Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
  • Embodiments are also not limited by the example network 100 in terms of the arrangement of Ihe components or the connectivity between components as shown. In addition, some embodiments may include additional components.
  • the example network 100 may include one or more access points
  • the AP 102 may be arranged to operate in accordance with one or more IEEE 802.11 standards. These embodiments are not limiting, however, as other base station components, which may or may not be arranged to operate in accordance with a standard, may be used in some embodiments.
  • an Evolved Node- B (eNB) arranged to operate in accordance with one or more Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards, including but not limited to 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards, may be used in some cases.
  • 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • the STAs 103 may be arranged to operate in accordance with one or more IEEE 802.11 standards.
  • the STAs 103 may be configured to communicate with the AP 102 and-'or with other STAs 103. As shown in the example network 100 in FIG. 1. STA #1 may communicate with the AP 102 over the wireless link 105 and STA #2 may communicate with the AP 102 over the wireless link 110.
  • direct communication between STAs 103 may be possible, such as over the wireless link 115 between STA #1 and STA #2. These embodiments are not limiting, however, as the direction communication between STAs 103 may not necessarily be possible in some embodiments.
  • the communication between the AP 102 and the STAs 103 and/or the communication between the STAs 103 may be performed in accordance with one or more standards, such as an 802.1 1 standard (including legacy 802.1 1 standards), a 3GPP standard (including 3GPP LTE standards) and-'or other standards.
  • 802.1 1 standard including legacy 802.1 1 standards
  • 3GPP standard including 3GPP LTE standards
  • these embodiments are not limiting, however, as other communication techniques and/or protocols, which may or may be included in a standard, may be used for the communication between the AP 102 and the STAs 103 and/or the communication between the STAs 103, in some embodiments.
  • Embodiments are not limited to communication as part of a network.
  • communication between two or more STAs 103 may not necessarily involve a network.
  • at least a portion of the communication may include direct communication between the STAs 103.
  • the AP 102 may operate as an STA
  • a first STA 103 (such as
  • STA #1 may transmit one or more beam refinement protocol (BRP) frames.
  • BRP beam refinement protocol
  • a second STA 103 may receive the BRP frames from the first STA 103.
  • the second STA 103 may transmit one or more BRP frames.
  • the first STA 103 may receive the BRP frames from the second STA 103.
  • the STAs 103, the AP 102, mobile devices, base stations and'or other devices may be configured to operate in various frequency bands, including but not limited to millimeter wave (mmWave), ultra high frequency (UHF), microwave and/or other frequency bands.
  • mmWave millimeter wave
  • UHF ultra high frequency
  • beamforming, directional transmission, directional reception and/or a combination thereof may be used as part of such operation.
  • such techniques may be beneficial to overcome path loss.
  • a path loss experienced by operation in mmWave frequency bands may be significantly higher than a path loss experienced by operation in oilier frequency bands, in some cases.
  • traditional wireless systems may operate in the UHF and microwave frequency bands, in some cases.
  • the STAs 103, AP 102, other mobile devices, other base stations and'or other devices may be configured to perform operations related to contention based communication.
  • the communication between the STAs 103 and'or AP 102 and/or the communication between the STAs 103 may be performed in accordance with contention based techniques.
  • the STAs 103 and'or AP 102 may be arranged to contend for a wireless medium (e.g., during a contention period) to receive exclusive control of the medium for a transmission period.
  • the transmission period may include a transmission opportunity (TXOP), which may be included in an 802.11 standard and'or other standard.
  • TXOP transmission opportunity
  • embodiments are not limited to usage of contention based techniques, however, as some communication (such as that between mobile devices and'or communication between a mobile device and a base station) may be performed in accordance with schedule based techniques. Some embodiments may include a combination of contention based techniques and schedule based techniques. [0027] In some embodiments, the communication between mobile devices and/or between a mobile device and a base station may be performed in accordance with single carrier techniques. As an example, a protocol data unit (PDU) and/or other frame(s) may be modulated on a single carrier frequency in accordance with a single carrier modulation (SCM) technique.
  • PDU protocol data unit
  • SCM single carrier modulation
  • the communication between mobile devices and/or between a mobile device and a base station may be performed in accordance with any suitable multiple-access techniques and/or multiplexing techniques.
  • any suitable multiple-access techniques and/or multiplexing techniques may be employed in some embodiments.
  • OFDMA orthogonal frequency division multiple access
  • OFDM orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
  • CDMA code- division multiple access
  • TDMA time-division multiple access
  • FDMA frequency division multiplexing
  • SDMA space-division multiple access
  • MIMO multiple-input multiple-output
  • MU multi-user
  • MIMO multiple- input multiple-output
  • MIT-MTMO multi-user
  • ST As 103 and/or APs 102 may be 2.16 GHz, 4.32 GHz, 6.48 GHz, 8.72 GHz and/or other suitable value.
  • channels used for communication between STAs 103 and/or APs 102 may be configurable to use one of 20 MHz, 40MHz, or 80MHz contiguous bandwidths or an 80+80MHz (160MHz) non-contiguous bandwidth.
  • a 320 MHz channel width may be used.
  • subchannel bandwidths less than 20 MHz may also be used.
  • each channel or subchannel may be configured for transmiiting a number of spatial streams, in some embodiments.
  • a 2.16 GHz channel may be used in accordance with an 802.1 lad standard, and any of 2.16, 4.32, 6.48 or 8.72 GHz may be used in accordance with a channel bonding technique of an 802.1 lay standard.
  • these embodiments are not limiting, however, as other suitable bandwidths may be used in some embodiments.
  • embodiments are not limited to channel types or channel sizes that are included in a standard.
  • circuitry may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and'or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules.
  • circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware. Embodiments described herein may be implemented into a system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example machine in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the machine 200 is an example machine upon which any one or more of the techniques and/or methodologies discussed herein may be performed.
  • the machine 200 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines.
  • the machine 200 may operate in the capacity of a server machine, a client machine, or both in server-client network environments.
  • the machine 200 may act as a peer machine in peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment.
  • P2P peer-to-peer
  • the machine 200 may be an AP 102, STA 103, User Equipment (UE), Evolved Node-B (eNB), mobile device, base station, personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, a smart phone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.
  • UE User Equipment
  • eNB Evolved Node-B
  • PC personal computer
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • machine shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), other computer cluster configurations.
  • cloud computing software as a service
  • SaaS software as a service
  • Examples as described herein may include, or may operate on, logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms.
  • Modules are tangible entities (e.g., hardware) capable of performing specified operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner.
  • circuits may be arranged (e.g., internally or with respect to external entities such as other circuits) in a specified manner as a module.
  • the whole or part of one or more computer systems e.g., a standalone, client or server computer system
  • one or more hardware processors may be configured by firmware or software (e.g., instructions, an application portion, or an application) as a module that operates to perform specified operations.
  • the software may reside on a machine readable medium
  • the software when executed by the underlying hardware of the module, causes the hardware to perform the specifi ed operations.
  • module' is understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily (e.g., transitorily) configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a specified manner or to perform part or all of any operation described herein.
  • modules are temporarily a>nfigured, each of the modules need not be instantiated at any one moment in time.
  • the modules comprise a general-purpose hardware processor configured using software
  • Ihe general-purpose hardware processor may be configured as respective different modules at different times.
  • Software may accordingly configure a hardware processor, for example, to constitute a particular module at one instance of time and to constitute a different module at a different instance of time.
  • the machine 200 may include a hardware processor 202 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 204 and a static memory 206, some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., bus) 208.
  • the machine 200 may further include a display device 210, an alphanumeric input device 212 (e.g , a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 214 (e.g., a mouse).
  • the display' device 210, input device 212 and UI navigation device 214 may' be a touch screen display.
  • the machine 200 may additionally include mass storage 216 (such as a storage device, drive unit and/or other), a signal generation device 218 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 220, and one or more sensors 221, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor.
  • the machine 200 may include an output controller 228, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.).
  • a serial e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.).
  • the mass storage 216 may include a machine readable medium
  • the instructions 224 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 204. within static memory 206, or within the hardware processor 202 during execution thereof by the machine 200.
  • one or any combination of the hardware processor 202, the main memory 204, the static memory 206, or the mass storage 216 may constitute machine readable media, in some embodiments, the machine readable medium may be or may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.
  • machine readable medium 222 is illustrated as a single medium, the term “machine readable medium” may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) configured to store the one or more instructions 224.
  • the term “machine readable medium” may include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 200 and that cause the machine 200 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions.
  • Non-limiting machine readable medium examples may include solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media Specific examples of machine readable media may include: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable
  • machine readable media may include non-transitory machine readable media.
  • machine readable media may include machine readable media that is not a transitory propagating signal.
  • the instructions 224 may further be transmitted or received over a communications network 226 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 220 utilizing any one of a number of transfer protocols (e.g., frame relay, internet protocol (TP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (HDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.).
  • Example communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks), Plain Old Telephone (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g..
  • the network interface device 220 may include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or phone jacks) or one or more antennas to connect to the communications network 226.
  • the network interface device 220 may include a plurality of antennas to wirelessly communicate using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MTMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques.
  • the network interface device 220 may wirelessly communicate using Multiple User ⁇ techniques.
  • transmission medium ' ' shall be taken to include any intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 200, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitate communication of such software.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a station (STA) in accordance with some embodiments and an access point (AP) in accordance with some embodiments.
  • STA station
  • AP access point
  • an STA or other mobile device may include one or more components shown in any of FIG. 2, FIG. 3 (as in 300) or FIGs. 4-7.
  • the STA 300 may be suitable for use as an STA 103 as depicted in FIG. 1, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • an AP or other base station may include one or more components shown in any of FIG. 2, FIG. 3 (as in 350) or FIGs. 4-7.
  • the AP 350 may be suitable for use as an AP 102 as depicted in FIG. 1, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the STA 300 may include physical layer circuitry 302 and a transceiver 305, one or both of which may enable transmission and reception of signals to and from components such as Ihe AP 102 (FIG. 1), other ST As or other devices using one or more antennas 301.
  • the physical layer circuitry 302 may perform various encoding and decoding functions that may include formation of baseband signals for transmission and decoding of received signals.
  • the transceiver 305 may perform various transmission and reception functions such as conversion of signals between a baseband range and a Radio Frequency (RF) range. Accordingly, the physical layer circuitry 302 and the transceiver 305 may be separate components or may be part of a combined component.
  • RF Radio Frequency
  • the STA 300 may also include medium access control (MAC) layer circuitry 304 for controlling access to the wireless medium.
  • MAC medium access control
  • the STA 300 may also include processing circuitry 306 and memory 308 arranged to perform the operations described herein.
  • the AP 350 may include physical layer circuitry 352 and a transceiver 355, one or both of which may enable transmission and reception of signals to and from components such as the STA 103 (FIG. 1), other APs or other devices using one or more antennas 351.
  • the physical layer circuitry 352 may perform various encoding and decoding functions that may include formation of baseband signals for transmission and decoding of received signals.
  • the transceiver 355 may perform various transmission and reception functions such as conversion of signals between a baseband range and a Radio Frequency (RF) range. Accordingly, the physical layer circuitry 352 and the transceiver 355 may be separate components or may be part of a combined component.
  • RF Radio Frequency
  • the AP 350 may also include medium access control (MAC) layer circuitry 354 for controlling access to the wireless medium.
  • MAC medium access control
  • the AP 350 may also include processing circuitry 356 and memory 358 arranged to perform the operations described herein.
  • the antennas 301, 351, 230 may comprise one or more directional or omnidirectional antennas, including, for example, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, patch antennas, loop antennas, microstrip antennas or other types of antennas suitable for transmission of RF signals.
  • the antennas 301, 351, 230 may be effectively separated to take advantage of spatial diversity and the different channel characteristics that may result.
  • the STA 300 may be configured to communicate using OFDM and/or OFDMA coinmunication signals over a multicarrier communication channel.
  • the AP 350 may be configured to communicate using OFDM and/or OFDMA communication signals over a multicarrier communication channel.
  • the STA 300 and/or AP 350 may be configured to receive signals in accordance with specific communication standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards including IEEE 802.11-2012, 802.11 ⁇ - 2009, 802.1 lac-2013 standards, 802.11 ax standards (and/or proposed standards), 802.1 1 ay standards (and/or proposed standards) and/or other, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect as they may also be suitable to transmit and/or receive communications in accordance with other techniques and standards.
  • IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  • the AP 350 and/or the STA 300 may be configured to receive signals that were transmitted using one or more other modulation techniques such as spread spectrum modulation (e.g., direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) andVor frequency hopping code division multiple access (FH-CDMA)), time-division multiplexing (TDM) modulation, and/or frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) modulation, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • spread spectrum modulation e.g., direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) andVor frequency hopping code division multiple access (FH-CDMA)
  • TDM time-division multiplexing
  • FDM frequency-division multiplexing
  • the STA 300 and/or AP 350 may be a mobile device and may be a portable wireless communication device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or portable computer with wireless communication capability, a web tablet, a wireless telephone, a smartphone, a wireless headset, a pager, an instant messaging device, a digital camera, an access point, a television, a wearable device such as a medical device (e.g., a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure monitor, etc.), or other device that may receive and'or transmit information wirelessly.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the STA 300 and'or AP 350 may be configured to operate in accordance with 802.11 standards, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • Mobile devices or other devices in some embodiments may be configured to operate according to other protocols or standards, including other IEEE standards.
  • the STA 300 and'or AP 350 may include one or more of a key board, a display, a non-volatile memory port, multiple antennas, a graphics processor, an application processor, speakers, and other mobile device elements.
  • the display may be an LCD screen including a touch screen.
  • the STA 300 and the AP 350 are each illustrated as having several separate functional elements, one or more of the functional elements may be combined and may be implemented by combinations of software-configured elements, such as processing elements including digital signal processors (DSPs), and'or other hardware elements.
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • some elements may comprise one or more microprocessors, DSPs, field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) and combinations of various hardware and logic circuitry' for performing at least the functions described herein.
  • the functional elements may refer to one or more processes operating on one or more processing elements.
  • Embodiments may be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware and software. Embodiments may also be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device, which may be read and executed by at least one processor to perform the operations described herein.
  • a computer-readable storage device may include any non-transitory mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).
  • a computer-readable storage device may include readonly memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash-memory devices, and other storage devices and media.
  • Some embodiments may include one or more processors and may be configured with instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device. 10046] It should be noted that in some embodiments, an apparatus of the
  • STA 300 may include various components of the STA 300 as shown in FIG. 3 and/or the example machine 200 as shown in FIG. 2 and/or various components shown in FIGs. 4-7. Accordingly, techniques and operations described herein that refer to the STA 300 (or 103) may be applicable to an apparatus of an STA, in some embodiments. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, an apparatus of the AP 350 may include various components of the AP 350 as shown in FIG. 3 and/or the example machine 200 as shown in FIG. 2 and/or various components shown in FIGs. 4-7. Accordingly, techniques and operations described herein that refer to the AP 350 (or 102) may be applicable to an apparatus of an AP, in some embodiments.
  • an apparatus of a mobile device and/or base station may include one or more components shown in FIGs. 2-7, in some embodiments. Accordingly, techniques and operations described herein that refer to a mobile device and/or base station may be applicable to an apparatus of a mobile device and/or base station, in some embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a radio architecture 400 in accordance with some embodiments.
  • Radio architecture 400 may include radio front-end module (FEM) circuitry 404, radio IC circuitry 406 and baseband processing circuitry 408.
  • FEM radio front-end module
  • Radio architecture 400 as shown includes both Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) functionality and Bluetooth (BT) functionality although embodiments are not so limited.
  • WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
  • BT Bluetooth
  • radio architecture 400 and components shown in FIGs. 5-7 support WLAN and BT, but embodiments are not limited to
  • radio architecture 400 may or may not include WLAN or BT. Other technologies may be supported. In some embodiments, WL AN and a second technology may be supported. In some embodiments, BT and a second technology may be supported. In some embodiments, two technologies other than WLAN and BT may be supported. In addition, the radio architecture 400 may be extended to support more than two protocols, technologies and/or standards, in some embodiments. Embodiments are also not limited to the frequencies illustrated in FTGs. 4-7.
  • FEM circuitry 404 may include a WLAN or Wi-Fi FEM circuitry
  • the WLAN FEM circuitry- 404a may include a receive signal path comprising circuitry configured to operate on WLAN RF signals received from one or more antennas 401, to amplify the received signals and to provide the amplified versions of the received signals to the WLAN radio IC circuitry 406a for further processing.
  • the BT FEM circuitry 404b may include a receive signal path which may include circuitry configured to operate on BT RF signals received from one or more antennas 401, to amplify the received signals and to provide the amplified versions of the received signals to the BT radio IC circuitry 406b for further processing.
  • FEM circuitry 404a may also include a transmit signal path which may include circuitry' configured to amplify WLAN signals provided by the radio IC circuitry 406a for wireless transmission by one or more of the antennas 401.
  • FEM circuitry 404b may also include a transmit signal path which may include circuitry configured to amplify BT signals provided by the radio IC circuitry 406b for wireless transmission by the one or more antennas.
  • FIG. 40 illustrates the embodiment of FIG.
  • FEM 404a and FEM 404b are shown as being distinct from one another, embodiments are not so limited, and include within their scope the use of an FEM (not shown) that includes a transmit path and/or a receive path for both WLAN and BT signals, or the use of one or more FEM circuitries where at least some of the FEM circuitries share transmit and/or receive signal paths for bom WLAN and BT signals.
  • Radio IC circuitry 406 as shown may include WLAN radio IC circuitry 406a and BT radio IC circuitry 406b.
  • the WLAN radio IC circuitry 406a may include a receive signal path which may include circuitry to down- convert WLAN RF signals received from the FEM rircuitry 404a and provide baseband signals to WLAN baseband processing circuitry 408a.
  • BT radio IC circuitry 406b may in turn include a receive signal path which may include circuitry io down-convert BT RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 404b and provide baseband signals to BT baseband processing circuitry 408b.
  • WLAN radio IC circuitry 406a may also include a transmit signal path which may include circuitry to up-convert WLAN baseband signals provided by the WLAN baseband processing circuitry 408a and provide WLAN RF output signals to the FEM circuitry 404a for subsequent wireless transmission by the one or more antennas 401.
  • BT radio IC circuitry 406b may also include a transmit signal path which may include circuitry to up-convert BT baseband signals provided by the BT baseband processing circuitry 408b and provide BT RF output signals to the FEM circuitry 404b for subsequent wireless transmission by the one or more antennas 401.
  • radio IC circuitries 406a and 406b are shown as being distinct from one another, embodiments are not so limited, and include wilhin their scope the use of a radio IC circuitry (not shown) that includes a transmit signal path and/or a receive signal path for both WL AN and BT signals, or the use of one or more radio IC circuitries where at least some of the radio IC circuitries share transmit and/or receive signal paths for both WLAN and BT signals.
  • Baseband processing circuity' 408 may include a WLAN baseband processing circuitry 408a and a BT baseband processing circuitry 408b.
  • the WLAN baseband processing circuitry 408a may include a memory, such as, for example, a set of RAM arrays in a Fast Fourier Transform or Inverse Fast Fourier Transform block (not shown) of the WLAN baseband processing circuitry 408a.
  • Each of the WLAN baseband circuitry 408a and the BT baseband circuitry' 408b may further include one or more processors and control logic to process the signals received from the corresponding WLAN or BT receive signal path of the radio IC circuitry 406, and to also generate
  • Each of the baseband processing circuitries 408a and 408b are identical to the baseband processing circuitries 408a and 408b.
  • PHY physical layer
  • MAC medium access control layer
  • WLAN-BT coexistence circuitry 413 may include logic providing an interface between the WLAN baseband circuitry 408a and the BT baseband circuitry 408b to enable use cases requiring WLAN and BT coexistence.
  • a switch 403 may be provided between the WLAN FEM circuitry 404a and the BT FEM circuitry 404b to allow switching between the WLAN and BT radios according to application needs.
  • the antennas 401 are depicted as being respectively connected to the WLAN FEM circuitry 404a and the BT FEM circuitry 404b, embodiments include within their scope Ihe sharing of one or more antennas as between the WLAN and BT FEMs, or the provision of more than one antenna connected to each of FEM 404a or 404b.
  • the front-end module circuitry * 404, the radio IC circuitry 406, and baseband processing circuitry 408 may be provided on a single radio card, such as wireless radio card 402.
  • the one or more antennas 401, the FEM circuitry 404 and the radio IC circuitry 406 may be provided on a single radio card.
  • the radio IC circuitry 406 and the baseband processing circuitry 408 may be provided on a single chip or integrated circuit (IC), such as IC 412.
  • the wireless radio card 402 may include a
  • the radio architecture 400 may be configured to receive and transmit orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication signals over a multicarrier communication channel.
  • OFDM orthogonal frequency division multiplexed
  • OFDMA orthogonal frequency division multiple access
  • the OFDM or OFDMA signals may comprise a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.
  • radio architecture 400 may be part of a Wi-Fi communication station (ST A) such as a wireless access point (AP), a base station or a mobile device including a Wi-Fi device.
  • radio architecture 400 may be configured to transmit and receive signals in accordance with specific communication standards and/or protocols, such as any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards including, 802.1 ln-2009, IEEE 802.1 1-2012, 802.1 ln-2009, 802.1 lac, and/or 802.1 lax standards and/or proposed specifications for WLANs, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • Radio architecture 400 may also be suitable to transmit an&'or receive communications in accordance with other techniques and standards.
  • the radio architecture 400 may be configured for high-efficiency (HE) Wi-Fi (HEW) communications in accordance with the IEEE 802.1 lax standard. In these embodiments, the radio architecture 400 may be configured to communicate in accordance with an
  • the radio architecture 400 may be configured to transmit and receive signals transmitted using one or more other modulation techniques such as spread spectrum modulation (e.g., direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) and/or frequency hopping code division multiple access (FH-CDMA)), time-division multiplexing (TDM) modulation, and/or frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) modulation, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • spread spectrum modulation e.g., direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) and/or frequency hopping code division multiple access (FH-CDMA)
  • TDM time-division multiplexing
  • FDM frequency-division multiplexing
  • the BT baseband circuitry 408b may be compliant with a Bluetooth (BT) connectivity standard such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth 5.0, or any otiier iteration of the Bluetooth Standard.
  • BT Bluetooth
  • the radio architecture 400 may be configured to establish a BT synchronous connection oriented (SCO) link and or a BT low energy (BT LE) link.
  • SCO BT synchronous connection oriented
  • BT LE BT low energy
  • the radio architecture 400 may be configured to establish an extended SCO (eSCO) link for BT communications, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in Hiis respect.
  • eSCO extended SCO
  • the radio architecture may be configured to engage in a BT
  • Asynchronous Connection-Less (ACL) communications although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the functions of a BT radio card and WLAN radio card may be combined on a single wireless radio card, such as single wireless radio card 402, although embodiments are not so limited, and include within their scope discrete WLAN and BT radio cards.
  • the radio-architecture 400 may include other radio cards, such as a cellular radio card configured for cellular (e.g., 3GPP such as LTE, LTE-Advanced or 5G a>mmunications).
  • a cellular radio card configured for cellular (e.g., 3GPP such as LTE, LTE-Advanced or 5G a>mmunications).
  • the radio architecture 400 may be configured for communication over various channel bandwidths including bandwidths having center frequencies of about 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz.
  • the bandwidths may be about 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 2.5 MHz, 4 MHz, 5MHz, 8 MHz, 10 MHz, 16 MHz, 20 MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz (with contiguous bandwidths) or 80+gOMHz (160MHz) (with non-contiguous bandwidths).
  • a 320 MHz channel bandwidth may be used.
  • the bandwidths may be about 2.16 GHz. 4.32 GHz, 6.48 GHz, 8.72 GHz and/or other suitable value. The scope of the embodiments is not limited with respect to the above center frequencies or bandwidths, however.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates FEM circuitry 500 in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the FEM circuitry 500 is one example of circuitry that may be suitable for use as the WLAN and/or BT FEM circuitry 404a'404b (FIG. 4), although other circuitry configurations may also be suitable.
  • the FEM circuitry 500 may include a
  • the FEM circuitry 500 may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path.
  • the receive signal path of the FEM circuitry 500 may include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 506 to amplify received RF signals 503 and provide the amplified received RF signals 507 as an output (e.g., to the radio IC circuitry 406 (FIG. 4)).
  • LNA low-noise amplifier
  • the transmit signal path of the circuitry 500 may include a power amplifier (PA) 510 to amplify input RF signals 509 (e.g., provided by the radio IC circuitry 406), and one or more filters 512, such as band-pass filters (BPFs), low-pass filters (LPFs) or other types of filters, to generate RF signals 515 for subsequent transmission (e.g., by one or more of the antennas 401 (FIG. 4)).
  • PA power amplifier
  • filters 512 such as band-pass filters (BPFs), low-pass filters (LPFs) or other types of filters
  • the FEM circuitry 500 may be conifgured to operate in either the 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum or the 5 GHz frequency spectrum.
  • the receive signal path of the FEM circuitry 500 may include a receive signal path duplexer 504 to separate the signals from each spectrum as well as provide a separate LNA 506 for each spectrum as shown.
  • the transmit signal path of the FEM circuitry 500 may also include a power amplifier 510 and a filter 512, such as a BPF, a LPF or another type of filter for each frequency spectrum and a transmit signal path duplexer 514 to provide the signals of one of the different spectrums onto a single transmit path for subsequent transmission by the one or more of the antennas 401 (FIG. 4).
  • BT communications may utilize the 2.4 GHZ signal paths and may utilize the same FEM circuitry 500 as the one used for WLAN communications.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates radio IC circuitry 600 in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the radio IC circuitry 600 is one example of circuitry that may be suitable for use as the WLAN or BT radio IC circuitry 406a/406b (FIG. 4), although other circuitry configurations may also be suitable.
  • the radio IC circuitry 600 may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path.
  • the receive signal path of the radio IC circuitry 600 may include at least mixer circuitry 602, such as, for example, down-conversion mixer circuitry, amplifier circuitry 606 and filter circuitry 608.
  • the transmit signal path of the radio IC circuitry 600 may include at least filter circuitry' 612 and mixer circuitry 614, such as, for example, up- conversion mixer circuitry.
  • Radio IC circuitry 600 may also include synthesizer circuitry 604 for synthesizing a frequency 605 for use by the mixer circuitry 602 and the mixer circuitry 614.
  • the mixer circuitry 602 and'or 614 may each, according to some embodiments, be configured to provide direct conversion functionality.
  • the latter type of circuitry presents a much simpler architecture as compared with standard super-heterodyne mixer circuitries, and any flicker noise brought about by the same may be alleviated for example through the use of
  • Fig. 6 illustrates only a simplified version of a radio IC circuitry, and may include, although not shown, embodiments where each of the depicted circuitries may include more than one component.
  • mixer circuitry 602 and/or 614 may each include one or more mixers
  • filter circuitries 608 and/or 612 may each include one or more filters, such as one or more BPFs and/or LPFs according to application needs.
  • mixer circuitries when mixer circuitries are of the direct-conversion type, they may each include two or more mixers.
  • mixer circuitry 602 may be configured to down-converi RF signals 507 received from the FEM circuitry 404 (FTG. 4) based on Ihe synthesized frequency 605 provided by synthesizer circuitry 604.
  • the amplifier circuitry 606 may be configured to amplify the down-converted signals and the filter circuitry 608 may include a LPF configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signals to generate output baseband signals 607.
  • Output baseband signals 607 may be provided to the baseband processing circuitry 408 (FIG. 4) for further processing.
  • the output baseband signals 607 may be zero-frequency baseband signals, although this is not a requirement.
  • mixer circuitry 602 may comprise passive mixers, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the mixer circuitry 614 may be configured to up-convert input baseband signals 611 based on the synthesized frequency 605 provided by the synthesizer circuitry 604 to generate RF output signals 509 for the FEM circuitry 404.
  • the baseband signals 611 may be provided by the baseband processing circuitry 408 and may be filtered by filter circuitry 612.
  • the filter circuitry' 612 may include a LPF or a BPF, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the mixer circuitry 602 and the mixer circuitry 614 may each include two or more mixers and may be arranged for quadrature down-conversion and/or up-conversion respectively with the help of synthesizer 604.
  • the mixer circuitry 602 and the mixer circuitry 614 may each include two or more mixers each configured for image rejection (e.g., Hartley image rejection).
  • the mixer circuitry 602 and the mixer circuitry 614 may be arranged for direct down- conversion and/or direct up-conversion, respectively.
  • the mixer circuitry 602 and the mixer circuitry 614 may be configured for superheterodyne operation, although this is not a requirement.
  • Mixer circuitry 602 may comprise, according to one embodiment: quadrature passive mixers (e.g., for the in-phase (I) and quadrature phase (Q) paths).
  • RF input signal 507 from Fig. 6 may be down- converted to provide I and Q baseband output signals to be sent to the baseband processor.
  • Quadrature passive mixers may be driven by zero and ninety degree time-varying LO switching signals provided by a quadrature circuitry which may be configured to receive a LO frequency (flo) from a local oscillator or a synlhesizer, such as LO frequency 605 of synthesizer 604 (FIG. 6).
  • the LO frequency may be the carrier frequency, while in other embodiments, the LO frequency may be a fraction of the carrier frequency (e.g., one-half the carrier frequency, one-third the carrier frequency).
  • the zero and ninety degree time-varying switching signals may be generated by the synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the LO signals may differ in duty cycle
  • each branch of the mixer circuitry e.g., the in-phase (1) and quadrature phase (Q) path
  • the RF input signal 507 may comprise a balanced signal, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the I and Q baseband output signals may be provided to low-nose amplifier, such as amplifier circuitry 606 (FIG. 6) or to filter circuitry 608 (FIG. 6).
  • the output baseband signals 607 and the input baseband signals 611 may be analog baseband signals, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In some alternate
  • the output baseband signals 607 and the input baseband signals are embodiments, the output baseband signals 607 and the input baseband signals
  • the radio IC circuitry may include analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry.
  • ADC analog-to-digital converter
  • DAC digital-to-analog converter
  • a separate radio 1C circuitry may be provided for processing signals for each spectrum, or for oilier spectrums not mentioned here, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the synthesizer circuitry 604 may be a fractional-N synthesizer or a fractional N/N+l synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect as other types of frequency synthesizers may be suitable.
  • synthesizer circuitry 604 may be a delta-sigma synthesizer, a frequency multiplier, or a synthesizer comprising a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider.
  • the synthesizer circuitry 604 may include digital synthesizer circuitry.
  • frequency input into synthesizer circuity 604 may be provided by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), although that is not a requirement.
  • VCO voltage controlled oscillator
  • a divider control input may further be provided by either the baseband processing circuitry 408 (FIG. 4) or the application processor 410 (FIG. 4) depending on the desired output frequency 605.
  • a divider control input (e.g., N) may be determined from a look-up table (e.g., within a Wi-Fi card) based on a channel number and a channel center frequency as determined or indicated by the application processor 410.
  • synthesizer circuitry 604 may be configured to generate a carrier frequency as the output frequency' 605, while in other embodiments, the output frequency 605 may be a fraction of the carrier frequency (e.g., one-half the carrier frequency, one-third the carrier frequency). In some embodiments, the output frequency 605 may be a LO frequency (fix)).
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a functional block diagram of baseband processing circuitry 700 in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the baseband processing circuitry 700 is one example of circuitry that may be suitable for use as the baseband processing circuitry 408 (FIG 4), although other circuitry configurations may also be suitable.
  • the baseband processing circuitry 700 may include a receive baseband processor (RX BBP) 702 for processing receive baseband signals 609 provided by the radio 1C circuitry 406 (FIG. 4) and a transmit baseband processor (TX BBP) 704 for generating transmit baseband signals 61 1 for the radio IC circuitry 406.
  • the baseband processing circuitry 700 may also include control logic 706 for coordinating the operations of the baseband processing circuitry 700.
  • the baseband processing circuitry 700 may include ADC 710 to convert analog baseband signals received from Ihe radio IC circuitry 406 to digital baseband signals for processing by the RX BBP 702. In these embodiments,
  • the baseband processing circuitry 700 may also include DAC 712 to convert digital baseband signals from the TX BBP 704 to analog baseband signals.
  • the transmit baseband processor 704 may be configured to generate OFDM or OFDMA signals as appropriate for transmission by performing an inverse fast Fourier transform (TFFT).
  • TFFT inverse fast Fourier transform
  • the receive baseband processor 702 may be configured to process received OFDM signals or OFDMA signals by performing an FFT.
  • the receive baseband processor 702 may be configured to detect the presence of an OFDM signal or OFDMA signal by performing an autocorrelation, to detect a preamble, such as a short preamble, and by performing a cross-correlation, to detect a long preamble.
  • the preambles may be part of a predetermined frame structure for Wi-Fi communication.
  • the antennas 401 are identical to the antennas 401 .
  • FIG. 4 may each comprise one or more directional or omnidirectional antennas, including, for example, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, patch antennas, loop antennas, microstrip antennas or other types of antennas suitable for transmission of RF signals.
  • MIMO multiple-input multiple-output
  • the antennas may be effectively separated to take advantage of spatial diversity and the different channel characteristics that may result.
  • Antennas 401 may each include a set of phased-array antennas, although embodiments are not so limited.
  • radio-archiiecture 400 is illustrated as having several separate functional elements, one or more of the functional elements may be combined and may be implemented by combinations of software-configured elements, such as processing elements including digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or other hardware elements.
  • processing elements including digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or other hardware elements.
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • some elements may comprise one or more microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASTCs), radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFTCs) and combinations of various hardware and logic circuitry for performing at least Ihe functions described herein.
  • the functional elements may refer to one or more processes operating on one or more processing elements.
  • Embodiments may be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware and software. Embodiments may also be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device, which may be read and executed by at least one processor to perform the operations described herein.
  • a computer-readable storage device may include any non-transitory mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).
  • a computer-readable storage device may include readonly memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash-memory devices, and other storage devices and media.
  • Some embodiments may include one or more processors and may be configured with instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device.
  • the STA 103 may transmit a beam refinement protocol (BRP) frame for a beam refinement of a first transmit direction to a second transmit direction by a responding STA 103. At least a portion of the BRP frame may be transmitted in the first transmit direction.
  • the STA 103 may receive a response frame from the responding STA 103 that indicates the second transmit direction.
  • the BRP frame may include an enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) Header-A field, a data portion, and at least one training unit.
  • the training unit may comprise a configurable first number of training sequences for channel estimation by the responding STA 103 followed by a configurable second number of training sequences for the beam refinement.
  • the EDMG Header- A field may indicate the first and second numbers of training sequences of the training unit.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of a method of communication in accordance with some embodiments. It is important to note that embodiments of the method 800 may include additional or even fewer operations or processes in comparison to what is illustrated in FIG. 8. In addition, embodiments of the method 800 are not necessarily limited to the chronological order that is shown in FIG. 8. In describing the method 800, reference may be made to FIGs. 1-7 and 9-12, although it is understood that the method 800 may be practiced with any other suitable systems, interfaces and components.
  • an STA 103 may perform one or more operations of the method 800, but embodiments are not limited to performance of the method 800 and-'or operations of it by the STA 103. In some embodiments,
  • the AP 102 may perform one or more operations of the method 800 (and'or similar operations). Accordingly, although references may be made to performance of one or more operations of the method 800 by the STA 103 in descriptions herein, it is understood that the AP 102 may perform the same operation(s), similar operation(s) and/or reciprocal operation(s), in some embodiments.
  • the method 800 and other methods described herein may refer to ST As 103 or APs 102 operating in accordance with an 802.11 standard, protocol and/or specification and'or WLAN standard, protocol and/or specification, in some cases. Embodiments of those methods are not limited to just those ST As 103 or APs 102 and may also be practiced on other devices, such as a User Equipment (UE), an Evolved Node-B (eNB) and/or other device.
  • UE User Equipment
  • eNB Evolved Node-B
  • the method 800 and other methods described herein may be practiced by wireless devices configured to operate in other suitable types of wireless communication systems, including systems configured to operate according to various Third Generation Partnership Protocol (3GPP) standards, including but not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE).
  • the method 800 may also be practiced by an apparatus for an STA 103 and/or AP 102 and/or other device, in some embodiments.
  • embodiments are not limited by references herein (such as in descriptions of the methods 800 and 1200 and/or other descriptions herein) to transmission, reception and/or exchanging of elements such as frames, messages, requests, indicators, signals or other elements.
  • an element may be generated, encoded or otherwise processed by processing circuitry (such as by a baseband processor included in the processing circuitry) for transmission.
  • the transmission may be performed by a transceiver or other component, in some cases.
  • such an element may be decoded, detected or otherwise processed by the processing circuitry (such as by the baseband processor).
  • the element may be received by a transceiver or other component, in some cases.
  • the processing circuitry and the transceiver may be included in a same apparatus. The scope of embodiments is not limited in mis respect, however, as the transceiver may be separate from the apparatus that comprises the processing circuitry, in some embodiments.
  • an STA 103 may perform operations of an originating STA 103 and may also perform operations of a responding STA 103. In some embodiments, an STA 103 may perform one or more operations described herein without explicit operation as an originating STA 103 or explicit operation as a responding STA 103.
  • the STA 103 may contend for access to channel resources.
  • the STA 103 may contend for access to the channel resources multiple times. For instance, a first contention may be performed before a first transmission and a second contention may be performed before a second transmission.
  • a first contention may be performed before a first transmission and a second contention may be performed before a second transmission.
  • Embodiments are not limited to contention based transmissions, however.
  • the STA 103 may transmit one or more frames
  • the first transmit direction may be a direction from the STA 103 to the responding STA 103, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in mis respect.
  • the first transmit direction may be determined by a sector-level sweep (SLS), in which typically (coarse) transmit beamforming training is performed.
  • SLS sector-level sweep
  • the first transmit direction may have resulted from an SLS and may have been refined one or more times subsequently.
  • transmission in a transmit direction may be performed in accordance with a plurality of transmit antenna weight vectors (AWVs), wherein the transmit AWVs may be used to weight the outputs of a plurality- of antennas during transmission.
  • AAVs transmit antenna weight vectors
  • Embodiments are not limited to this technique, however, as any suitable technique for directional transmission maybe used.
  • reception in a receive direction be performed in accordance with a plurality of receive AWVs, wherein the receive AWVs may be used to weight the outputs of a plurality of antennas during reception.
  • Hiis technique however, as any suitable technique for directional reception may be used.
  • the STA 103 may receive a management frame from the responding STA 103.
  • the STA 103 may determine first and second numbers of training sequences for a training unit of a beam refinement protocol (BRP) frame to be transmitted.
  • the management frame may be received as part of a beam refinement, such as for initiation of the beam refinement or for communication of information related to beam refinement.
  • the first transmit direction used for a directional transmission to the responding STA 103 may be replaced by a second transmit direction for me directional transmission.
  • the second transmit direction may be a direction from the STA 103 to the responding STA 103, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the management frame may be received from the responding STA 103 prior to transmission of the BRP frame.
  • the STA 103 may determine the first and second numbers of training sequences of the training unit based at least partly on a requested configuration of the training unit indicated in the management frame. For instance, when a beam refinement of a receive direction (of Ihe responding STA 103) is performed, Ihe STA 103 may determine the first and second values based at least partly on the management frame received at operation 815. Tt should be noted mat the management frame may not necessarily be dedicated for the beam refinement. In some embodiments, the information related to the beam refinement may be included in a management frame used for one or more other purposes.
  • Ihe first and second values may not necessarily be requested in the management frame.
  • the STA 103 may determine the first and second numbers (and/or configuration information of the training unit) based on one or more other factors. For example, default values may be used or values selected by the STA 103 in any suitable manner may be used.
  • all operations of the method 800 may not necessarily be performed. For instance, for a beam refinement of the transmit direction, the STA 103 may not necessarily receive the management frame at operation 815.
  • the training unit may comprise a configurable first number of training sequences for channel estimation by the responding STA 103 followed by a configurable second number of training sequences for a beam refinement.
  • the STA 103 may determine the first and second numbers based at least partly on the received management frame of operation 815.
  • the management frame may include requested first and/or second numbers from the responding STA 103. It should be noted lhat embodiments are not limited to determination of the first and second numbers or to inclusion of the first and second numbers in the management frame.
  • the management frame may use any suitable technique to communication configuration information for the training unit.
  • embodiments are not limited to management frames, as the STA 103 may receive a management frame, control frame, extension frame and/or other frame at operation 820.
  • the STA 103 may transmit a BRP frame for the beam refinement.
  • the STA 103 may be arranged to operate in accordance with a WLAN protocol.
  • the BRP frame may be transmitted at a millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency.
  • the EDMG Header-A field, the data portion, and the training devis(s) may be transmitted in accordance with a single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) transmission, in some embodiments.
  • SC-FDM single carrier frequency division multiplexing
  • Other techniques including but not limited to OFDM may be used, in some embodiments.
  • the beam refinement may be performed and/or initiated for refinement, modification, updating and/or changing of the transmit direction (such as replacing of the first direction with a second direction).
  • Some of the operations of the method 800 may be described below for a beam refinement for the transmit direction, but embodiments are not limited as such.
  • One or more operations of the method 800 (and'or similar operations) may be performed for a beam refinement of the receive direction.
  • beam refinement for the receive direction will also be described in the description of method 1200 below.
  • the BRP frame may include an enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) Header-A field, a data portion, and at least one training unit.
  • the EDMG Header-A field may indicate the first and second numbers of training sequences of the training unit, in some embodiments.
  • the BRP frame may be configurable to include one or more training units and the EDMG Header-A field may further indicate a number of training units included in the BRP frame, in some embodiments.
  • the data payload may include a physical layer service data unit (PSDU) and the EDMG Header-A field may include a PSDU length field that indicates a length of the PSDU, in some embodiments.
  • PSDU and the EDMG Header-A field may be encoded into separate portions of the BRP frame, in some embodiments.
  • the EDMG Header-A field may include a first field of one or more bits that indicates the first number of training sequences, and may further include a second field of one or more bits that indicates the second number of training sequences.
  • the first field may include two bits mapped to values of 0, 1, 2, and 4 training sequences
  • the second field may include four bits mapped to a range of 1-16 training sequences.
  • Embodiments are not limited to the number of bits of the first and second fields in the example above and are also not limited to the example mappings given above.
  • Embodiments are also not limited to indication of the first and second numbers, as the EDMG Header-A field may include any suitable information to indicate a configuration of the training unit(s) of the BRP frame, in some embodiments.
  • the BRP frame may be transmitted in the first transmit direction.
  • the ST A 103 may transmit the EDMG Header-A field in the first transmit direction and may transmit the training sequences for beam refinement (the second number described above) in one or more candidate transmit directions.
  • other fields of the BRP frame such as the training sequences for channel estimation (the first number described above), data payload and'or others, may also be transmitted in the first transmit direction.
  • the candidate transmit directions may be different from the first transmit direction.
  • the candidate transmit directions may be based on the first transmit direction, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the first transmit direction may be modified by incremental angles.
  • the first transmit directions may be based on a plurality of AWVs. and the A WVs may be modified by incremental values (such as complex numbers).
  • the first transmit direction may or may not be included in the candidate transmit directions.
  • the STA 103 may transmit the training sequences for the beam refinement in the first transmit direction.
  • the responding STA 103 may receive those training sequences in different candidate receive directions and select one of them as a second received direction.
  • the EDMG Header-A field, data payload, and the training sequences for channel estimation may be transmitted in the first transmit direction.
  • the entire BRP frame may be transmitted in the first transmit direction.
  • the STA 103 may receive a response frame from the responding STA 103 that indicates a second transmit direction.
  • the second transmit direction may be determined by the responding STA 103.
  • the responding STA 103 may measure SNRs of the training sequences for the beam refinement. A corresponding candidate transmit direction with a highest SNR of the measured SNRs may be selected as the second transmit direction.
  • the response frame may be any suitable type of frame.
  • the response frame may be a management frame, control frame and/or extension frame, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the response frame may be dedicated for communication of information such as the second transmit direction, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the response frame may be sent to the STA 103 for any purpose, which may or may not be related to the second transmit direction and/or beam refinement.
  • the STA 103 may transmit a physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data units (PPDU) in the second transmit direction based on the beam refinement. For instance, the STA 103 may transmit a first PPDU in the first transmit direction before the transmission of the BRP frame and may transmit a second PPDU in the second transmit direction based on the beam refinement. The second PPDU may be transmitted after reception, by the STA 103, of the response frame from the responding STA 103 that includes the second transmit direction.
  • PLCP physical layer convergence procedure
  • PPDU protocol data units
  • beam refinement may be performed for a transmit direction and/or receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may perform operation(s) for beam refinement of either direction, in some embodiments. For instance, an originating STA 103 may transmit to a responding STA 103 in a first transmit direction and the responding STA 103 may receive from the originating STA 103 in a first receive direction.
  • a first beam refinement (for the transmit direction) may be performed to replace the first transmit direction with a second transmit direction.
  • a second beam refinement (for the receive direction) may be performed to replace the first receive direction with a second receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may receive PPDUs from the originating STA 103 in a particular receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may perform operations for a beam refinement of the receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may receive a second BRP frame from the responding STA 103 in the particular receive direction.
  • the second BRP frame may include a second EDMG Header- A field and at least a second training unit.
  • the STA 103 may determine, based at least partly on the second EDMG Header- A field, a number of training sequences of Ihe second framing unit (of the second BRP frame) that are for the beam refinement of the particular receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may determine, from a plurality of candidate receive directions, a refined receive direction based at least partly on reception, at the STA 103, of the training sequences of the second training unit that are for Ihe beam refinement of the particular receive direction.
  • an apparatus of a STA 103 may comprise memory.
  • the memory may be configurable to store the first and second numbers of the training sequences for usage in the generation of the BRP frame.
  • the memory may store one or more other elements and the apparatus may use them for performance of one or more operations.
  • the apparatus of the STA 103 may include a transceiver to transmit the BRP frame and to receive the frame from the responding STA that indicates the first and second numbers.
  • the transceiver may transmit and/or receive other frames, PPDUs and/or other elements.
  • the apparatus may include processing circuitry, which may perform one or more operations (including but not limited to operations ) of the method 800 and/or other methods described herein).
  • the processing circuitry may include a baseband processor to generate the BRP frame and/or to perform other operations.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates an example beam refinement protocol (BRP) frame in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates example framing (TRN) fields in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates another example BRP frame in accordance with some embodiments.
  • the examples shown in FIGs. 9-11 may illustrate some or all of the concepts and techniques described herein in some cases, but embodiments are not limited by the examples. For instance, embodiments are not limited by the name, number, type, size, ordering, arrangement and/or other aspects of the operations, packets, headers, data portions, fields and other elements as shown in FTGs. 9-11.
  • some of the elements shown in the examples of FIGs. 9- 11 may be included in a standard, such as 802.11 , 802.11 ay, WLAN and/or other, embodiments are not limited to usage of such elements that are included in standards.
  • the example BRP frame 900 may be included in an 802.1 lad standard, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the example BRP frame 900 may be included in a legacy standard, including but not limited to an 802.11 ad standard.
  • a data portion 920, an automatic gain control (AGC) field 925 and a training (TRN) field 930 are included in the BRP frame 900.
  • the BRP frame may also include a short training field (STF) 905, a channel estimation (CE) portion 910, and a header 915.
  • STF short training field
  • CE channel estimation
  • Some embodiments may not necessarily include all elements shown in FIG. 9.
  • Some embodiments may include one or more elements in addition to those shown in FIG. 9.
  • the TRN field 930 includes one or more training units 932.
  • the training unit 932 includes a channel estimation (CE) field 934 (which may be used for purposes such as frequency offset estimation, SNR estimation, determination of a best path of a multi-path channel and/or other purpose) and four TRN subfields 936.
  • CE channel estimation
  • the number of subfields 936 is fixed at four.
  • the example TRN unit 1010 includes a configurable (and/or variable) number of TRN sequences 1022 ('"P" in this case, as indicated by 1020) for channel estimation and a configurable (and/or variable) number of TRN sequences 1032 ("M" in this case, as indicated by 1030) for beam refinement.
  • each TRN unit 1010 may have the same format ( as in this example), although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • the example BRP frame 1100 may be included in an 802.11 ay standard, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • a data portion 1130, and a training (TRN) field 1 135 are included in the BRP frame 1100.
  • the BRP frame may also include an EDMG Header-A field 1125.
  • the BRP frame may include a non- EDMG portion 1105 (which may include legacy fields) and an EDMG portion 1110.
  • the EDMG Header-A field 1125 and the non-EDMG portion 1 105 may be included in pre-EDMG modulated fields 1 1 15, while the data 1130, TRN 1135 and other fields may be included in EDMG modulated fields 1120.
  • the EDMG Header-A field 1125 may be encoded separately from the data 1130.
  • the TRN 1135 may include a first number (one or more) of training sequences for channel estimation (which may be used for purposes such as frequency offset estimation, SNR estimation, determination of a best path of a multi-path channel and/or other purpose) and a second number (one or more) of training sequences for beam refinement.
  • the first and second numbers may be configurable, in some embodiments.
  • the EDMG Header-A field 1 125 may indicate information of the TRN, such as first and second numbers of training sequences (used for channel estimation and beam refinement, in some embodiments) and'or other configuration information for the TRN 1135.
  • Some embodiments may not necessarily include all elements shown in FIG. 11. Some embodiments may include one or more elements in addition to those shown in FIG. 11.
  • a first STA 103 may communicate one or more PPDUs, frames, packets and/or other elements to a second STA 103.
  • the first STA 103 may perform directional transmission of the PPDUs, frames, packets and'or other elements to the second STA 103.
  • the second STA 103 may perform directional reception of the PPDUs, frames, packets and'or other elements as part of the communication.
  • a first transmit direction may be used by the first STA 103 and a first receive direction may be used by the second STA 103 as part of the communication.
  • the first transmit direction and first receive direction may result from an SLS sweep, may have been further refined and/or other.
  • the description will focus on the communication from the first STA 103 to die second STA 103, although it is understood that the first and second STAs 103 may also communicate in the opposite direction (such as a directional transmission from the second STA 103 to the first STA 103 in addition to directional reception by the first STA 103).
  • the first STA 103 or the second STA 103 may perform operation(s) for a beam refinement, in which either the transmit direction or the receive direction may be refined, updated, modified and/or changed.
  • the transmit direction may be refined, updated, modified and/or changed for usage in directional transmission of subsequent PPDUs, frames, packets and/or other elements by the first STA 103, in some cases.
  • the receive direction may be refined, updated, modified and/or changed for usage in directional reception of subsequent PPDUs, frames, packets and/or other elements by Ihe second STA 103, in some cases.
  • a BRP packet may be transmitted from the first STA 103 to the second STA 103.
  • Directional transmission and/or reception of the BRP packet may be performed.
  • the first STA 103 may transmit at least a portion of the BRP packet in the first transmit direction (from the first STA 103 to the second STA 103).
  • the second STA 103 may receive at least a portion of the BRP packet in the first receive direction (from the second STA 103 to the first STA 103).
  • the BRP packet may include an EDMO Header-A, a data portion and at least one training unit.
  • the training unit may include a first number of training sequences (TRN) for channel estimation by the recipient of the BRP packet and may include a second number of training sequences for beam refinement.
  • TRN training sequences
  • the EDMG Header-A may indicate the first and second numbers.
  • the EDMG Header-A may indicate a total number of training sequences and one of the first or second numbers.
  • an index included in the EDMG Header-A may indicate the configuration (in terms of the numbers of training sequences for channel estimation and for the beam refinement), such as by a predetermined mapping between values of the index and different candidate configurations.
  • an STA 103 may be configurable to perform operations for a beam refinement of its transmit direction for directional transmission to another STA 103 and for a beam refinement of its receive direction for directional reception from another STA 103 (although not necessarily in a same beam refinement), in some cases.
  • the first STA 103 may transmit at least a portion of the BRP packet to the second STA 103 in the first transmit direction. For instance, in a beam refinement of the transmit direction, one or more headers, a data portion, and one or more training sequences may be transmitted in the first transmit direction, and one or more training sequences may be transmitted in other directions (such as candidate transmit directions for evaluation by the second STA 103). In a beam refinement of the receive direction, one or more headers, a data portion, and one or more training sequences may be transmitted in the first transmit direction (and the second STA 103 may receive one or more of the training sequences in different receive directions for evaluation).
  • BRP may be an "on demand"
  • an STA 103 may wish to update its receive direction (AWVs, for instance) and may initiate a receive BRP procedure.
  • the STA 103 may wish to update its transmit direction (AWVs, for instance), and may initiate a transmit BRP procedure.
  • a BRP packet may be used to update the transmit direction or the receive direction, depending on which STA 103 of a directional communication initiates the BRP process.
  • a BRP procedure may be used to improve transmit or receive beamforming, in some cases.
  • STA A may transmit a BRP frame with a training field, and the TRN subfields (or groups of them) that compose the training field will be sent using different candidate transmit directions.
  • STA B could, for example, measure SNRs in each of the candidate transmit directions used, and let STA A know which one worked best (by any- suitable measure(s), including but not limited to the SNRs).
  • STA B may receive all TRN subfields using the same direction (which is the one that has been used so far). After STA A receives the feedback from STA B, it may start using the updated transmit direction for the next transmission of packet(s).
  • STA B (for any suitable reason(s)) wishes to improve, update, modify, refine and'or change its receive direction.
  • STA B may then send a BRP frame to STA A asking for its help (for instance, a request to help STA B to improve its receive
  • STA A may men send a BRP frame with a training field. Different from transmitter training, all TRN subfields sent by STA A may be transmitted in the same direction (the same direction as the other fields in the packet).
  • STA B may vary its "'receive directions" and determine which one works best (using SNRs and/or other criteria). STA B may start using an updated receive direction for reception of a next received packet and/or subsequent received packet(s).
  • a BRP packet may be used for simultaneous transmit and receive beamforming training.
  • STA A may send a packet in multiple directions, but may repeat the TRN subfield (or groups of) sent in each direction multiple times. This may enable STA A to perform transmit training and may' enable STA B to perform receive training simultaneously.
  • a standard may not necessarily define which "directions " ' should be used.
  • any size of increments may be used, such as one degree, 15 degrees or any suitable value. The value may be based on a particular implementation, in some embodiments.
  • different types of feedback may be used (such as from STA B to STA A in the above example).
  • Non-limiting examples include a best sector/direction in terms of SNR (and'or other measurement(s)), a list of best sectors/directions in terms of SNR (and/or other measurements)), and an estimated channel impulse response.
  • an STA 103 that wishes to improve, modify, change, update and/or refine its receive direction from a peer STA 103 may request that the peer STA 103 initiate and'or participate in the process.
  • the peer STA 103 may send TRN fields using the same direction.
  • Ihe STA 103 may change its receive directions and may evaluate in terms of SNR and/or other
  • all TRN subfields may be transmitted in the same direction (the same direction in which the preamble and data field are transmitted). All (or at least some) of the fields in the packet may be transmitted in the same direction, in some cases.
  • a device such as an STA 103, AP 102 and/or other may operate in license-exempt bands above 45 GHz.
  • a maximum throughput of at least 20 Gbps may be realized, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • Embodiments are also not limited to license-exempt bands or to the frequency range above 45 GHz.
  • a Beam Refinement Protocol (BRP) packet structure used for beamforming training in 802.11 ay may use a training field for beamfonning training.
  • a training field may be based on a training field from a standard such as an IEEE 802.11 ad standard and/or other.
  • a training field for 802.1 lay may be configurable and, in some cases, may be more efficient than the one defined in 802.1 lad. The scope of embodiments is not limited by this example.
  • enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) operation may be supported by STAs 103 and/or APs 102.
  • the EDMG operation may be in accordance with an IEEE 802.1 lay standard and/or other standard, in some cases. Embodiments are not limited to EDMG operation or to IEEE 802.1 lay operation, however.
  • a training field (including but not limited to a training field of an EDMG/1 lay BRP frame) may include one or more TRN-
  • signaling procedures may enable an STA 103 to request a desired TRN-Unit configuration of the BRP packets it receives. In some embodiments, signaling procedures may enable the STA 103 to indicate the TRN-Unit configuration of the BRP packets it transmits.
  • wireless systems operating in frequencies above 45 GHz may use beamforming (that is, directional transmission and reception). Beamforming may be used to offset Ihe large free-space path loss (Friis Law) of millimeter- wave transmissions, in some cases.
  • beamforming (BF) training mechanisms may be used by a pair of STAs 103 to determine antenna settings for transmission and reception.
  • Beamforming training may be divided into sector-level sweep (SLS), in which typically (coarse) transmit beamforming training is performed, and an optional Beam Refinement Protocol (BRP) phase which enables receive beamforming training and the iterative refinement of the antenna weight vectors (AWVs) of both transmitter and receiver at both stations.
  • BRP packets may include a training (TRN) field that includes a configurable number of TON- Units, which in turn consist of a single CE sequence followed by 4 TRN subfields.
  • TRN training
  • the structure of a TRN-Unit may not necessarily be configurable in 802.11 ad embodiments, however.
  • a structure different from that of FIG. 9 may be used for Ihe TRN field of EDMG (1 lay) BRP packets.
  • a packet may include a configurable (and/or variable) number of TRN suhfi elds/sequences for channel estimation (denoted by P) and a configurable (and/or variable) number of TRN subfields/sequences for BF training (denoted by M) in a TRN-Unit.
  • Signaling procedures may be used to enable an STA 103 to request the desired TRN-Unit configuration of the BRP packets it receives and/or to indicate the TRN-Unit configuration of the BRP packets it transmits.
  • information may be exchanged by a signaling procedure.
  • the total length of a TRN unit 1010 is
  • T P+M TRN sequences. In some embodiments, one or two of the three values
  • T, P, ⁇ may be configurable and may be signaled to define the TRN-Unit structure.
  • a station may define the values of P and M of the BRP packets it receives and may indicate the values of P and M of the BRP packets it transmits.
  • a standard, protocol and/or specification may indicate limits for the possible values of P and M, although the scope of embodiments is not limited in this respect.
  • a total length of a TRN unit may be obtained by the two requested/indicated values.
  • one of the values may be configurable and may be signaled. In this case, if P was requested'indicated, M may be obtained by T-P.
  • one or more parameters that together may define the TRN-Unit structure (for instance, a number of TRN subfields/sequences used for channel estimation (P) and for BF training 0V0 that form the TRN-Unit) of an EDMG BRP packet.
  • TRN-Unit structure for instance, a number of TRN subfields/sequences used for channel estimation (P) and for BF training 0V0 that form the TRN-Unit
  • the STA 103 may know the number of TRN subfields/sequences used for channel estimation (P) and for BF training (Nf) that form the received TRN- Unit.
  • P channel estimation
  • Nf BF training
  • a TRN-Unit configuration used in a given EDMG PPDU may be defined/indicated in either its EDMG-Header-A or its control trailer.
  • the indication may be performed, for example, by sending the binary representation equivalent of P and/or M in a sub-field (such as TRN- UNIT config CE and/or TR-UNIT config BF, for example) that may be defined in the EDMG-Header-A and/or control trailer of EDMG BRP frames.
  • a sub-field such as TRN- UNIT config CE and/or TR-UNIT config BF, for example
  • the BRP frame 1 100 (and/or similar BRP frame) shown in FIG. 11 may be used.
  • Other possible representations and definitions may be used, in some embodiments.
  • an STA 103 may indicate a desired configuration in a frame. For instance, the STA 103 may indicate, for a TRN- Unit, a number of TRN subfields/sequences for channel estimation and/or a number of TRN subfields/sequences for BF training. Any suitable frame, including but not limited to a Management Frame, Extension Frame and/or Control Frame may be used by Ihe STA 103. For instance, the STA 103 may exchange one or more frames with a peer STA 103).
  • the STA 103 may request the number of TRN- Units it receives in the BRP Request field.
  • the desired TRN-Unit configuration may be signaled in the same field (mat is, for EDMG/802.1 1 ay operation, the BRP Request field may be extended to include the desired TRN-Unit configuration).
  • a binary representation of P and/or Ai requested by the STA 103 may be included in a sub-field (such as TRN-UNIT_config_CE and TR-UNIT_config_BF, for example) in the BRP Request field.
  • One or more other frame(s) including but not limited to Management Frame(s), Extension Frame(s) and/or Control Frame(s) may also be used.
  • the configuration(s) supported by a given STA 103 (thai is, the different configurations of the number of TRN
  • subfields/sequences for channel estimation and/or for BF training that it can support may be sent by the STA 103 to a peer STA 103 and/or AP 102 through a capabilities exchange.
  • a standard may define one or more configurations as mandators'. For instance, STAs 103 may be required (such as for compliance with the standard) to perform beamforming training with BRP frames with a particular TRN-Unit configuration, in some cases. Embodiments are not limited as such, however, as the standard may not necessarily mandate support of any particular TRN-Unit configuration(s), in some cases.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the operation of another method of communication in accordance with some embodiments.
  • embodiments of the method 1200 may include additional or even fewer operations or processes in comparison to what is illustrated in FIG. 8 and embodiments of the method 1200 are not necessarily- limited to the chronological order that is shown in FIG. 12.
  • FIGs. 1-11 reference may be made to FIGs. 1-11, although it is understood that the method 1200 may be practiced with any other suitable systems, interfaces and components.
  • embodiments of the method 1200 may be applicable to STAs 103, APs 102, UEs, eNBs and/or other wireless or mobile devices.
  • the method 1200 may also be applicable to an apparatus for an STA 103, AP 102 and/or other device, in some embodiments.
  • a method may include one or more operations.
  • the melhod may include one or more (or none) of the operations of the method 800.
  • the method may include one or more (or none) of the operations of the method 1200.
  • the method may include one or more operations that may be similar to and/or reciprocal to any of the operation(s) of the method 800 or the method 1200.
  • the method may include one or more (or zero) additional operation(s) not shown in FIGs. 8 and/or 12.
  • the method 1200 may be practiced by a first STA 103 and may include exchanging of elements, such as frames, signals, messages and/or other elements, with a second STA 103.
  • operations and techniques described as part of the method 800 may be relevant to the method 1200.
  • embodiments of the method 1200 may include one or more operations that may be the same as, similar to or reciprocal to one or more operations of the method 800 (and/or other operation(s) described herein).
  • Descriptions of the method 1200 may refer to an originating STA 103, but Ihese references are not limiting. For instance, operations of Ihe melhod 1200 may' be described as being performed by an STA 103 communicating with an originating STA 103, in which case the STA 103 may operate as a responding STA 103. As described previously, an STA 103 may be configured to perform operations of either a responding STA 103, originating STA 103 or both.
  • the STA 103 may receive one or more frames (including but not limited to data frames) from an originating STA 103 in a first receive direction.
  • the receive direction may have been determined through SLS and may have been refined subsequent to the SLS. Other techniques may be used.
  • the STA 103 may determine requests for first and second numbers of training sequences for a training unit.
  • the first number of training sequences may be for channel estimation and the second number of training sequences may be for beam refinement. Any suitable technique may be used to determine the first and second numbers. For instance, the STA 103 may determine that at least a particular number of training sequences are to be used for satisfactory results for the beam refinement.
  • the STA 103 may transmit a management frame to the originating STA 103.
  • the STA 103 may transmit to the originating STA 103 (prior to the reception of a BRP frame as in operation 1220 to be described below), a management frame that indicates requested first and second numbers of the training sequences for the BRP frame.
  • the management frame may include the determined first and second numbers of operation 1210 and/or other information related to a requested configuration of training sequences for a BRP frame.
  • Embodiments are not limited to management frames, as control frames, extension frames and/or other frames may be used.
  • the frame that includes the information related to the training sequences may not necessarily be dedicated for beam refinement.
  • One or more of operations 1220-1235 may be performed as part of a beam refinement of a transmit direction from the originating STA 103 to the STA 103.
  • the STA 103 may receive a BRP frame for a beam refinement of a transmit direction used by the originating STA 103.
  • the STA 103 may determine, based on an EDMGHeader-A field of the BRP frame, a number of training sequences in a training unit that are for the beam refinement of the transmit direction.
  • the STA 103 may determine, based on the training sequences of the BRP frame that are for the beam refinement of the transmit direction, a second transmit direction.
  • the STA 103 may determine, based on the training sequences of the BRP frame that are for the beam refinement of the transmit direction, a second transmit direction.
  • the STA 103 may transmit a response frame (management, control, extension and/or other) to the originating STA 103 that indicates the second transmit direction.
  • One or more of operations 1240-1250 may be performed as part of a beam refinement of a receive direction from the STA 103 to the originating STA 103.
  • the STA 103 may receive a BRP frame for a beam refinement of a first receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may determine, based on an EDMG Header-A field of the BRP frame that are for the beam refinement of the receive direction, a number of training sequences in a training unit that are for the beam refinement of the receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may determine, based on Ihe training sequences of the BRP frame that are for the beam refinement of the receive direction, a second receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may receive one or more frames from the originating STA 103 in the second receive direction. The usage of the second receive direction may be based on the beam refinement of the first receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may decode an EDMG Header-A field included in a BRP frame, the BRP frame received from an originating STA 103 for a beam refinement of a first receive direction. At least the EDMG Header-A field may be received in the first receive direction.
  • the STA 103 may determine a second receive direction based on reception, in different candidate receive directions, of one or more training sequences included in the BRP frame for the beam refinement.
  • the BRP frame may include the EDMG Header-A field, a data portion, and at least one training unit.
  • the training unit may comprise a configurable first number of training sequences for channel estimation by the STA 103 followed by a configurable second number of training sequences for the beam refinement.
  • the EDMG Header-A field may indicate the first and second numbers of training sequences of the training unit.
  • the EDMG Header-A field may include a first field of one or more bits to indicate the first number of training sequences, and a second field of one or more bits to indicate the second number of training sequences.
  • the STA 103 may transmit, to an originating STA 103, a management frame that indicates a requested
  • the 103 may determine, based on an indicator included in the BRP frame, a used configuration of training sequences in the BRP frame.
  • the ST A 103 may determine a second receive direction based at least partly on reception, in different candidate receive directions, of one or more training sequences included in a training unit of the BRP frame for the beam refinement.
  • the training unit may include a first number of training sequences that are for channel estimation by the STA 103 and may further include a second number of training sequences that are for the beam refinement.
  • the used configuration of training sequences may indicate the first and second numbers of training sequences.
  • the STA 103 may decode a PPDU from the originating STA 103.
  • the PPDU may be received in the second receive direction based on the beam refinement.
  • Hie STA 103 may be arranged to operate in accordance with a wireless local area network (WLAN) protocol.
  • the indicator included in the BRP frame may be included in an EDMG Header-A field of the BRP
  • an apparatus of a station may comprise memory.
  • the apparatus may further comprise processing circuitry.
  • the processing circuitry may be configured to generate, for transmission, a beam refinement protocol (BRP) frame for a beam refinement in which a first transmit direction used for a directional transmission to a responding STA is to be replaced by a second transmit direction for the directional transmission. At least a portion of the BRP frame may be transmitted in the first transmit direction.
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to decode a response frame from the responding STA that indicates the second transmit direction.
  • the BRP frame may include an enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) Header-A field, a data portion, and at least one training unit.
  • EDMG enhanced directional multi-gigabit
  • the training unit may comprise a configurable first number of training sequences for channel estimation by the responding STA followed by a configurable second number of training sequences for the beam refinement.
  • the EDMG Header-A field may indicate the first and second numbers of training sequences of the training unit.
  • Example 2 the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the processing circuitry may be further configured to decode a management frame from the responding STA.
  • the management frame may be received prior to a transmission of the BRP frame.
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to determine Hie first and second numbers of training sequences of the training unit based at least partly on a requested configuration of the training unit indicated in the management frame.
  • Example 3 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1 -2, wherein the processing circuitry may be further configured to generate the BRP frame to include one or more training units.
  • the EDMG Header-A field may further indicate a number of training units included in the BRP frame.
  • Example 4 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-3, wherein the processing circuitry may be further configured to encode the data payload to include a physical layer service data unit (PSDU).
  • PSDU physical layer service data unit
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to encode the EDMG Header-A field to include a PSDU length field that indicates a length of the PSD Li.
  • Example 5 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-4, wherein the processing circuitry may be further configured to encode the PSDU and the EDMG Header-A field into separate portions of the BRP frame.
  • Example 6 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1 -5, wherein the processing circuitry may be further configured to encode the EDMG Header-A field to include a first field of one or more bits to indicate the first number of training sequences, and a second field of one or more bits to indicate the second number of training sequences.
  • Example 7 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-6, wherein the first field may include two bits mapped to values of
  • the second field may include four bits mapped to a range of 1-16 training sequences.
  • Example 8 the subject matter of one or any combination of
  • processing circuitry may be further configured to encode the BRP frame for transmission, in the first transmit direction, of the
  • EDMG Header-A field transmission, in the first transmit direction, of the training sequences for channel estimation; and transmission, in one or more candidate transmit directions, of the training sequences for the beam refinement. At least one of the candidate transmit directions may be different from Ihe first transmit direction.
  • Example 9 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-8, wherein the first and second transmit directions may be from the STA to the responding STA.
  • Example 10 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-9, wherein the processing circuitry may be further configured to generate a first physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data units (PPDU) for transmission in the first transmit direction before the transmission of the BRP frame.
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to generate a second PPDU for transmission in the second transmit direction based on Ihe beam refinement.
  • PLCP physical layer convergence procedure
  • PPDU protocol data units
  • Example 11 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-10, wherein the beam refinement is a first beam refinement, the BRP frame is a first BRP frame, the EDMG Header-A field is a first EDMG Header-A field, the training unit is a first training unit.
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to decode a second BRP frame received from the responding STA in a first receive direction, wherein the second BRP frame is for a second beam refinement of the first receive direction.
  • the second BRP frame may include a second EDMG Header-A field and at least a second training unit.
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to determine, based at least partly on the second EDMG Header-A field, a number of training sequences of the second training unit that are for the second beam refinement.
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to determine, from a plurality of candidate receive directions, a refined second receive direction based at least partly on reception, at the STA, of the training sequences of the second training unit that are for the second beam refinement.
  • Example 12 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-11, wherein the STA may be arranged to operate in accordance with a wireless local area network (WLAN) protocol.
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to generate the BRP frame for transmission at a millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency.
  • the processing circuitry may be further configured to encode the EDMG Header-A field, the data portion, and the training unit for directional transmission in accordance with a single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) transmission.
  • SC-FDM single carrier frequency division multiplexing
  • Example 13 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-12, wherein the memory may be configurable to store the first and second numbers of the training sequences for usage in the generation of the BRP frame.
  • Example 14 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-13, wherein the apparatus may further include a transceiver to transmit the BRP frame and to receive the response frame from the responding ST A.
  • Example 15 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-14, wherein the processing circuitry may include a baseband processor to generate the BRP frame.
  • a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors to perform operations for communication by a station (STA).
  • the operations may configure the one or more processors to decode an enhanced directional mulii-gigabii (EDMG) Header-A field included in a beam refinement protocol (BRP) frame.
  • the BRP frame may be received from an originating STA for a beam refinement of a first receive direction.
  • At least the EDMG Header-A field may be received in the first receive direction.
  • the operations may configure the one or more processors to determine a second receive direction based on reception, in different candidate receive directions, of one or more training sequences included in the BRP frame for the beam refinement.
  • the BRP frame may include the EDMG Header-A field, a data portion, and at least one training unit.
  • the framing unit may comprise a configurable first number of training sequences for channel estimation by the STA followed by a a>nfigurable second number of training sequences for the beam refinement.
  • the EDMG Header-A field may indicate the first and second numbers of framing sequences of the framing unit.
  • Example 17 the subj ect matter of Exampl e 16, wherein the operations may further configure the one or more processors to encode, for transmission to the originating STA prior to the reception of the BRP frame, a management frame that indicates requested first and second numbers of the training sequences for the BRP frame.
  • Example 18 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 16-17, wherein the operations may further configure the one or more processors to encode the EDMG Header-A field to include: a first field of one or more bits to indicate the first number of training sequences, and a second field of one or more bits to indicate the second number of training sequences.
  • a method of communication at a station may comprise encoding, for transmission to an originating STA, a management frame that indicates a requested configuration of training sequences to be included in a beam refinement protocol (BRP) frame from Ihe originating STA for a beam refinement of a first receive direction.
  • the method may further comprise determining, based on an indicator included in the BRP frame, a used configuration of training sequences in the BRP frame.
  • the method may further comprise determining a second receive direction based at least partly on reception, in different candidate receive directions, of one or more training sequences included in a training unit of the BRP frame for the beam refinement.
  • the training unit may include a first number of training sequences that are for channel estimation by the STA and further includes a second number of training sequences that are for the beam refinement
  • the used configuration of training sequences may indicate the first and second numbers of training sequences.
  • Example 20 the subject matter of Example 19, wherein the method may further comprise decoding a physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data units (PPDU) from the originating STA.
  • the PPDU may be received in the second receive direction based on the beam refinement.
  • PLCP physical layer convergence procedure
  • PPDU protocol data units
  • Example 21 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 19-20, wherein the STA may be arranged to operate in accordance with a wireless local area network (WLAN) protocol.
  • the indicator included in the BRP frame may be included in an enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) Header-A field of the BRP frame.
  • EDMG enhanced directional multi-gigabit
  • an apparatus of a station may comprise means for decoding an enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) Header-A field included in a beam refinement protocol (BRP) frame.
  • the BRP frame may' be received from an originating STA for a beam refinement of a first receive direction. At least the EDMG Header-A field may be received in the first receive direction.
  • the apparatus may further comprise means for determining a second receive direction based on reception, in different candidate receive directions, of one or more training sequences included in the BRP frame for the beam refinement.
  • the BRP frame may include the EDMG Header-A field, a data portion, and at least one training unit.
  • the training unit may comprise a configurable first number of training sequences for channel estimation by the STA followed by a configurable second number of training sequences for the beam refinement.
  • the EDMG Header-A field may indicate the first and second numbers of training sequences of the training unit.
  • Example 23 the subject matter of Example 22, wherein the apparatus may further comprise means for encoding, for transmission to the originating STA prior to the reception of the BRP frame, a management frame that indicates requested first and second numbers of the training sequences for the BRP frame.
  • Example 24 the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 22-23, wherein Ihe apparatus may further comprising means for encoding the EDMG Header-A field to include: a first field of one or more bits to indicate the first number of training sequences, and a second field of one or more bits to indicate the second number of training sequences.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention, selon certains modes de réalisation, concerne globalement une station (STA) et un procédé d'affinement de faisceau. La STA peut transmettre une trame de protocole d'affinement de faisceau (BRP) permettant à une STA répondante d'affiner un faisceau d'une première direction d'émission vers une seconde direction d'émission. Au moins une partie de la trame de BRP peut être transmise dans la première direction de transmission. La STA peut recevoir une trame de réponse de la STA répondante qui indique la seconde direction d'émission. La trame de BRP peut comprendre un champ d'en-tête A multi-gigabit directionnel amélioré (EDMG) et au moins une unité d'apprentissage. L'unité d'apprentissage peut comprendre un premier nombre configurable de séquences d'apprentissage d'estimation de canal par la STA répondante suivi d'un second nombre configurable de séquences d'apprentissage d'affinement de faisceau. Le champ d'en-tête A d'EDMG peut indiquer les premier et second nombres.
PCT/US2017/024549 2016-11-16 2017-03-28 Station (sta), point d'accès (ap) et procédés d'affinement de faisceau et de signalisation associés WO2018093411A2 (fr)

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CN110099016A (zh) * 2019-05-14 2019-08-06 东南大学 一种基于深度学习网络的毫米波稀疏阵面信道估计方法
CN110740457A (zh) * 2018-07-20 2020-01-31 华为技术有限公司 信息传输方法、发起节点及响应节点

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US20130089000A1 (en) * 2011-10-11 2013-04-11 Broadcom Corporation Beamforming training within a wireless communication system utilizing a directional antenna
CN108777589B (zh) * 2013-09-09 2021-08-13 华为技术有限公司 一种波束追踪的方法、装置和系统
WO2016018168A1 (fr) * 2014-07-28 2016-02-04 Intel Corporation Procédé et système d'alignement de faisceau sur des liaisons sans fil directionnelles
WO2016164060A1 (fr) * 2015-04-09 2016-10-13 Intel Corporation Appareil, système et procédé de formation de faisceau
US9749087B2 (en) * 2015-04-30 2017-08-29 Intel IP Corporation Apparatus, system and method of multi-user wireless communication

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110740457A (zh) * 2018-07-20 2020-01-31 华为技术有限公司 信息传输方法、发起节点及响应节点
CN110099016A (zh) * 2019-05-14 2019-08-06 东南大学 一种基于深度学习网络的毫米波稀疏阵面信道估计方法
CN110099016B (zh) * 2019-05-14 2022-05-31 东南大学 一种基于深度学习网络的毫米波稀疏阵面信道估计方法

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