Flexible Beamforming for Millimeter-Wave UAV Communications with Power Distribution

Abstract

In the realm of future air-to-ground networks, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications hold immense promise, offering numerous advantages such as high capacity, extended transmission distance, and expansive coverage range. The dynamic nature of UAV operations, necessitating frequent changes in target coverage areas, underscores the need for flexible beamforming techniques. In this context, millimeter-wave (mmWave) beamforming employing phased-array systems emerges as the optimal choice for UAV communications, given its compact form factor and efficient power utilization. This paper delves into the exploration of a flexible beamforming technique tailored specifically for mmWave UAV communications. The primary objective is to achieve coverage over arbitrary areas with varying power distribution to cater to diverse user requirements. To expand the design possibilities for beam shape, an additional phase component is introduced, enabling the realization of flexible coverage. Through extensive simulations, we validate the efficacy of our proposed approach, showcasing its ability to deliver adaptable beam coverage for a wide array of target areas.