Large scale antenna system with hybrid digital and analog beamforming structure

Abstract

Large scale antenna systems (LSAS) are expected to significantly enhance the energy efficiency (EE) and spectrum efficiency (SE) of wireless communication systems. However, there are many open issues regarding the implementation of digital beamforming (BF) structures: calibration, complexity, and cost. In a practical LSAS deployment, hybrid digital and analog BF structures with active antennas can be an alternative choice. In this paper, an N (the number of transceivers) by M (the number of active antennas per transceiver) hybrid BF structure is investigated, where the analog BF is performed per transceiver and digital BF is performed across N transceivers. Analysis of the N by M BF structure includes: the optimal analog and digital BF design, EE-SE relationship at the green point (i.e. the point with highest EE) in EE-SE curve, impact of N on EE performance at a given SE value, and impact of N on the green point EE. Numerical simulations are provided to support the analysis.