Multiple Sector ID Capture (MIDC): A Novel Beamforming Technique for 60-GHz Band Multi-Gbps WLAN/PAN Systems

A novel beamforming (BF) technique (MIDC: Multiple sector-ID Capture) is proposed for 60-GHz band WLAN/PAN systems. In contrast to conventional BF techniques adopted in 60-GHz band standards, where quasi-omni (Q-omni) antenna radiation patterns are utilized, MIDC precisely detects the best link even when the Q-omni pattern is imperfect. Furthermore, it can reserve multiple antenna settings corresponding to existing communication links in the initial training by making use of the quasi-optical nature of millimeter-waves. This enables fast beam switching when link blockage occurs. The training is executed in short durations by putting together DoA/DoD-estimation and “beam-combining” techniques. The basic function of MIDC is verified experimentally in a simple multipath propagation environment by using our 60-GHz CMOS transceiver LSIs integrated with planar phased-array antennas. MIDC has been adopted in the MAC/PHY specification of the primary 60-GHz band standards: WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Alliance) and IEEE 802.11ad.