Terminal device, base station device and communication method

Abstract

A terminal device of the present disclosure is provided with a wireless transceiver and a processor that transmits and receives a signal via the wireless transceiver. The processor transmits UE capability information including a capability indicating a period of a handover gap for dynamic uplink (UL) transmission handover over three or more frequency bands. The processor receives setting information on the dynamic UL transmission handover. And the processor performs the dynamic UL transmission switching based on the setting information. The capability is set for each band group including the three or more bands. When the processor performs the dynamic UL transmission handover, the processor does not perform UL transmission on any carrier within a period indicated by the capability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, a base station device, and a communication method. Background Art

[0002] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)) Rels. 16 and 17, uplink (UL) Tx switching was newly introduced. UL Tx switching is a function of switching between inter-band carrier aggregation (CA) and UL multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) in a terminal device that supports transmission through two ports. Here, inter-band CA is carrier aggregation using a time-division duplex (TDD) band and a frequency-division duplex (FDD) band. In addition, UL MIMO is performed in one band.

[0003] In 3GPP Rel. 18, discussions have begun to expand the two (band pairs) of the UL Tx switching bands envisioned in the above Rel. 16 and 17 to three or four bands (multi-band). By expanding to multi-band, the opportunity to perform UL transmission in an actual field environment can be increased more than ever, and thus, an increase in UL throughput is expected.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Non-Patent Literature

[0006] Non-Patent Literature 1: "Draft Report of 3GPP TSG RAN WG1#110v0.2.0", Toulouse, France, August 22 - 26, 2022, [Online], [Searched on September 28, 2022], Internet <https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / tsg_ran / WG1_RL1 / TSGR1_110 / Report / Draft_Minutes_report_RAN1%23110_v020.zip> Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] Currently, it is not clear how to perform UL Tx switching across three or more bands. Therefore, a mechanism for performing UL Tx switching across three or more bands is needed.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism capable of performing UL Tx switching across three or more bands.

[0010] Note that the above problems or objectives are only one of the multiple problems or objectives that can be solved or achieved by the multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] The terminal device of the present disclosure includes a wireless transceiver and a processor that transmits and receives signals via the wireless transceiver. The processor transmits UE capability information, and the UE capability information includes the capability indicating the period of a switching gap for dynamic UL transmission switching across three or more frequency bands. The processor receives setting information regarding the dynamic UL transmission switching. The processor performs the dynamic UL transmission switching based on the setting information. The capability is set for each frequency band group including three or more frequency bands. When the processor performs the dynamic UL transmission switching, the processor does not perform UL transmission on any carrier within the period indicated by the capability. Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the outline of 2Tx ULCA operation.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the outline of UL-MIMO operation.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the outline of Tx switching.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a diagram illustrating an example of a switching mode of inter-band CA.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a diagram illustrating an example of Option 1 of inter-band CA.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a diagram illustrating an example of Option 2 of inter-band CA.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a radio unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a diagram illustrating an example of UL Tx switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a diagram illustrating an example of UL Tx switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a radio unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 14 It is a diagram illustrating another example of UL Tx switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 15 It is a diagram illustrating another example of UL Tx switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 16 It is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of a radio unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 17 It is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process of setting processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 18 It is a diagram illustrating an example of a VCO.

[0031] Figure 19 It is a diagram illustrating an example of a PLL circuit.

[0032] Figure 20 It is a diagram illustrating an example of a low-pass filter.

[0033] Figure 21 It is a graph illustrating the relationship between the damping coefficient and the ringing frequency.

[0034] Figure 22 It is a graph illustrating the KVCO characteristics of a VCO using a varactor diode.

[0035] Figure 23 It is a diagram illustrating an example of a VCO circuit according to the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 24 It is a diagram for explaining a method of reducing the power consumption of an amplifier.

[0037] Figure 25 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an on-chip VCO according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 26 It is a graph illustrating the relationship between the oscillation frequency of an on-chip VCO and the control voltage of a varactor diode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 27 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the theoretical value of the FcDAC.

[0040] Figure 28 It is a table illustrating an example of the "FcDAC" selected by the automatic tuning circuit according to this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 29 It is a diagram illustrating an example of a frequency band group in MB-OFDM.

[0042] Figure 30 It is a diagram illustrating an example of a frequency band group in MB-OFDM.

[0043] Figure 31 It is a block diagram illustrating an example of a local oscillator mounted on an RF chip for MB-OFDM according to this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 32 It is a diagram illustrating an example of a phase jump occurring in the local oscillator according to this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 33 It is a diagram for explaining an example of the frequency set in the VCO circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 34 It is a diagram illustrating an example of an inductor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0048] In addition, in this specification and the drawings, similar components in the embodiments may be distinguished by adding different letters or numbers after the same reference numeral. However, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish each similar component, only the same reference numeral is given.

[0049] One or more of the embodiments described below (including examples, modifications, and application examples) can be implemented independently. On the other hand, at least some of the multiple embodiments described below can be appropriately combined with at least some of the other embodiments. These multiple embodiments can include novel features different from each other. Therefore, these multiple embodiments can contribute to solving different purposes or problems and can exhibit different effects.

[0050] <<1. Introduction>>

[0051] <1.1. UL Tx Switching in 2 Frequency Bands

[0052] First, an overview of UL Tx switching introduced in 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17 will be described. A terminal device (User Equipment (UE)) that performs UL Tx switching includes two transmission units (2Tx) and transmits signals from each transmission unit. The terminal device performs UL Tx switching by switching between 2Tx ULCA operation and UL-MIMO operation.

[0053] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the overview of 2Tx ULCA operation. In Figure 1 , one of the transmission units of the terminal device transmits in the FDD band, and the other transmission unit transmits in the TDD band.

[0054] In the FDD band, transmission and reception are performed by frequency division. Therefore, signals with different frequencies can be transmitted and received simultaneously in the same period (e.g., the same time slot).

[0055] In the TDD band, transmission and reception are performed by time division. Therefore, downlink (DL) reception is performed in a predetermined time slot (or symbol), and uplink (UL) transmission is performed in a time slot (or symbol) where downlink reception is not performed. As described above, in the TDD band, signals can be transmitted and received at the same frequency in different time slots (or symbols). Hereinafter, "time slot" may be read as "symbol".

[0056] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the overview of UL-MIMO operation. In Figure 2 , the two transmission units of the terminal device perform 2*2 UL-MIMO operation in the TDD band. That is, the two transmission units of the terminal device transmit signals simultaneously on the same carrier.

[0057] In Figure 2 , the terminal device does not perform UL transmission in the FDD band, but performs UL transmission using MIMO in the TDD band.

[0058] The terminal device switches between the 2Tx ULCA operation in Figure 1 and the UL-MIMO operation in Figure 2 according to an instruction from the base station device.

[0059] When the terminal device supports 2Tx ULCA operation and UL-MIMO operation, the terminal device can implement UL Tx switching without adding new hardware.

[0060] In addition, in the above example, the terminal device switches between 2Tx ULCA operation and UL-MIMO operation for each time slot, but the terminal device can switch between 2Tx ULCA operation and UL-MIMO operation within a time slot.

[0061] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the outline of UL Tx switching.

[0062] In Figure 3 In the example of, the transmission unit that has been performing UL transmission in the FDD band starts UL transmission in the TDD band at the timing of UL transmission in the TDD band. In addition, at the timing when UL transmission in the TDD band ends and DL transmission starts, the transmission unit returns to UL transmission in the FDD band.

[0063] As described above, the terminal device can perform UL-MIMO operation during UL transmission in the TDD band and perform carrier aggregation (inter-band CA) during DL reception. As described above, the transmission unit of the terminal device switches (switches) between UL transmissions in the two bands, namely the FDD band and the TDD band, so that the throughput of UL transmission can be improved.

[0064] As described above, UL Tx switching is a mechanism related to UE capabilities for maximizing the efficiency of using UL resources.

[0065] However, since the terminal device includes multiple transmission units, in other words, multiple antennas, the antenna design is complex. In addition, the transmission power of the terminal device is set low. Due to these two limitations and others, in many 5G New Radio (5G NR)-compliant terminal devices, the number of transmission units is limited to two in terms of the radio frequency (RF) architecture.

[0066] Therefore, in the dynamic allocation of UL resources using multi-band groups on the network side, more specifically, in the conventional allocation method of allocating a pair of bands (two Tx bands) as the UL channel, the overall efficiency of using UL resources is reduced.

[0067] Here, in the case of intra-band CA in 5G NR, according to Shannon's law, the UL throughput is proportional to the total UL bandwidth in the same band. In 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17, two switching modes for inter-band CA are specified.

[0068] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the switching mode of inter-band CA.

[0069] As in Figure 4As shown in the left diagram of , in 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17, as Mode 1, UL Tx switching from the 3.5 GHz band, which is an NR TDD band, to the 2.1 GHz band, which is an FDD band, is specified. Therefore, in Mode 1, the first Tx performs UL transmission in the 3.5 GHz band of the TDD band, and the second Tx performs UL transmission in the 2.1 GHz band of the FDD band.

[0070] As in Figure 4 As shown in the right diagram of , in 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17, as Mode 2, UL Tx switching from the 2.1 GHz band, which is an NR FDD band, to the 3.5 GHz band, which is a TDD band, is specified. Therefore, in Mode 2, both the first Tx and the second Tx perform UL transmission in the 3.5 GHz band of the TDD band.

[0071] The terminal device with two Tx performs UL Tx switching by switching between Mode 1 and Mode 2.

[0072] Note that in 2TxULCA in inter-band CA in 5G NR, dual-stream transmission (UL-MIMO) cannot be performed in the component carrier (CC) of each band in UL. Therefore, in 2TxULCA in inter-band CA in 5G NR, the UL data rate capacity may be reduced.

[0073] Here, in 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17, UL Tx switching is enabled when the terminal device can switch the local frequency of the RF circuit between the above-mentioned "Mode 1" and "Mode 2".

[0074] In 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17, the value of the above-mentioned "UE capability" is defined as two candidate options ("Option 1" and "Option 2"). This is because the operation is different for each RF architecture of the terminal device.

[0075] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of Option 1 of inter-band CA. In Option 1, the first transmission unit performs UL transmission in the 3.5 GHz band, which is an NR TDD band (TDD-NR). The second transmission unit performs UL transmission in the 2.1 GHz band, which is an NR FDD band (FDD-NR), and also performs UL transmission in TDD-NR.

[0076] As described above, in Option 1, 1Tx (one transmission) is performed in FDD-NR by the second transmission unit. In addition, 2Tx (two transmissions) are performed in TDD-NR by the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit. In other words, dual-stream transmission (UL-MIMO) in UL is performed in TDD-NR.

[0077] In Option 1, UL Tx switching from FDD-NR to TDD-NR is performed during UL transmission in TDD-NR. Option 1 with inter-band CA is also referred to as "switched UL".

[0078] Figure 6 It is a diagram illustrating an example of Option 2 of inter-band CA. In Option 2, the first transmission unit performs UL transmission in the 3.5 GHz band which is an NR TDD band (TDD-NR). The second transmission unit performs UL transmission in the 2.1 GHz band which is an NR FDD band (FDD-NR).

[0079] As described above, in Option 2, 1Tx (one transmission) is performed in TDD-NR and FDD-NR respectively. As described above, in Option 2, dual-stream transmission (UL-MIMO) in UL is not performed in TDD-NR.

[0080] In Option 2, UL transmissions are performed simultaneously in TDD-NR and FDD-NR respectively. Option 2 with inter-band CA is also referred to as "dual UL".

[0081] As described above, in Option 2, dual-stream (UL-MIMO) operation in UL is not performed. Therefore, the operation in Option 2 may adversely affect the UL data rate capacity.

[0082] For example, compared with the case where UL-MIMO is performed, the peak data rate of one user during UL in Option 2 may be reduced to about 80%.

[0083] Here, the peak data rate in Option 1 is the peak data rate of one user during UL when aggregating the UL data rates in these two bands in UL CA of the 2.1 GHz band (bandwidth 20 MHz) and the 3.5 GHz band (bandwidth 100 MHz). The data rate of UL-MIMO is the data rate when performing UL dual-stream transmission (UL-MIMO) in the 3.5 GHz band during stand-alone (SA) period.

[0084] In this case, the terminal device can improve UL throughput by selecting Option 1.

[0085] On the other hand, in actual in-field communication, it is not always optimal to perform UL-MIMO in all cases.

[0086] For example, when the terminal device performs dual UL on the first carrier and the second carrier, the characteristic can be improved by approximately 8% when the peak throughput in UL is compared with the data rate of UL-MIMO.

[0087] Here, it is assumed that the first carrier is an NR carrier in the TDD band, that is, the first carrier is a carrier with a bandwidth of 50 MHz and a UL time slot of 2.5 ms in a TDD frame period. It is assumed that the second carrier is an NR carrier in the FDD band, that is, the second carrier has a bandwidth of 20 MHz. The data rate of UL-MIMO is the data rate when UL dual-stream transmission (UL-MIMO) is performed in the 3.5 GHz band during Standalone (SA).

[0088] In this case, the terminal device can improve the UL throughput by selecting Option 2.

[0089] In NR in the FDD band, "mid-band" or "low-band" is generally adopted as the frequency to be used, so that better UL coverage than NR in the TDD band can be provided. Therefore, in terms of 5G NR coverage, it is very beneficial to use NR in the FDD band to provide 5G NR services.

[0090] To improve the end-user experience, it is desirable for the network side to allocate the best and dynamic UL resources so as to provide an ideal service even when outside the NR coverage area in TDD.

[0091] <1.2. Problem>

[0092] As one of the topics of Rel.18 after 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17, the discussion on "improvement of UL throughput" in FR1 of 5G NR has started.

[0093] As described above, the "switched UL" introduced in 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17 is a new function of 5G NR that combines "2Tx ULCA" and "2UL-MIMO" for FDD and TDD agreed for FR1. In the "switched UL", MIMO transmission is performed in the TDD band with a wide channel bandwidth (CWB) and the L band with wide coverage but narrow bandwidth, thus greatly improving the UL throughput in FR1.

[0094] In addition, it is considered to expand the function of the "switched UL" to further increase the number of band groups available to the terminal device in the actual field environment. By increasing the number of band groups in this way, it is expected to increase the opportunity for the terminal device to perform UL transmission and improve the UL throughput in FR1 of 5G NR.

[0095] In this study, a mechanism by which a terminal device can achieve optimal UL Tx switching in four frequency bands is being investigated. In traditional UL Tx switching, the terminal device can basically switch between 2Tx in the 2.6 GHz band and the 2.3 GHz band. On the other hand, in the new study, discussions were carried out so that switching between 2Tx can be performed even in four frequency bands including the 4.9 GHz band and the 700 MHz band in addition to the 2.6 GHz band and the 2.3 GHz band.

[0096] The base station device defined in 3GPP Rel.18 has a scheduling function of first allocating UL resources from a frequency band with broadband and then dynamically allocating UL resources to a frequency band with gradually narrower bandwidth when the system capacity is tight. In addition, in the same frequency band, the base station device first allocates UL resources from a lower frequency band and then dynamically allocates UL resources to a frequency band with gradually higher frequency when the system capacity is tight.

[0097] That is, in 3GPP Rel.18, UL resource allocation is a mechanism for dynamically allocating the currently optimal UL resources to a terminal device for an available frequency band group in an actual field environment.

[0098] Here, in the "switchable UL" introduced in 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17, the switching period for switching Tx when switching between inter-band CA and UL-MIMO is specified. The switching period is an interruption period during which UL transmission is interrupted according to the Tx switching (hereinafter, also referred to as switching gap (SG)). In 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17, as UE capabilities, interruption periods of 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us can be set.

[0099] On the other hand, for UL Tx switching across three or more frequency bands that has started to be studied in 3GPP Rel.18, no specific mechanism has been determined for how UE capabilities and the type of frequency band switching are related to each other.

[0100] Therefore, a specific mechanism for performing UL Tx switching across three or more frequency bands is needed.

[0101] In addition, it is known that when performing optimal dynamic UL Tx switching in three or more frequency bands, the actual throughput gain of the terminal device is different from the optimal dynamic allocation of UL resources by the base station device and depends on the switching period on the terminal device side.

[0102] Table 1 is a table comparing the simulation evaluation results when performing UL 2-Tx switching between 2-CC and 4-CC. Here, the results of comparing the case of performing 2Tx UL switching on two CCs and the case of performing 2Tx UL switching with different switching periods on four CCs are shown.

[0103] (Table 1) Simulation Results of 2-CC / 4-CC UL 2-TX Handover

[0104]

[0105] As shown in Table 1, when performing handover on 2-CC with two Tx, the average user throughput is 52.93 Mbps. Note that the handover period at this time is 35 us.

[0106] When performing handover on 4-CC with two Tx within a handover period of 140 us, the average user throughput is 62.29 Mbps. The throughput gain at this time is 17.68%. That is, when the handover period is 140 us, UL Tx handover is performed on 4-CC, thereby increasing the average user throughput by 17.68%.

[0107] When performing handover on 4-CC with two Tx within a handover period of 210 us, the average user throughput is 56.34 Mbps. The throughput gain at this time is 6.45%. That is, when the handover period is 210 us, UL Tx handover is performed on 4-CC, thereby increasing the average user throughput by 6.45%.

[0108] As described above, even if the number of frequency bands used for handover is increased, as the handover period becomes longer, the increase in throughput may become smaller.

[0109] Therefore, when performing UL Tx handover across three or more frequency bands, it is desirable to further shorten the handover period.

[0110] <1.3. Summary of the Proposed Technology>

[0111] As described above, a mechanism for specifically performing dynamic (dynamic) UL Tx handover across three or more frequency bands is required.

[0112] Therefore, in this proposed technology, UE capabilities are associated with each group of three or more frequency bands. When performing dynamic UL Tx handover in this frequency band group, the period indicated by the associated UE capabilities is used as the handover gap.

[0113] Specifically, the terminal device according to this proposed technology includes a wireless transceiver and a processor that transmits and receives signals via the wireless transceiver.

[0114] The processor transmits UE capability information, which includes the capability of indicating the period (length) of a handover gap (an example of a handover gap) for dynamic UL transmission (Tx) handover across three or more frequency bands. The processor receives, for example, setting information regarding dynamic UL Tx handover from a base station device. The processor performs dynamic UL Tx handover based on the setting information.

[0115] This capability is set for each frequency band group including three or more frequency bands. When performing dynamic UL Tx handover, the processor does not perform UL transmission on any carrier within the period indicated by the capability.

[0116] Thus, the terminal device can achieve dynamic UL Tx handover across three or more frequency bands.

[0117] <<2. Configuration example>>

[0118] <2.1. Configuration example of a communication system>

[0119] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 7 illustrated in the figure, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of base station devices 20 (20A and 20B), a plurality of terminal devices 40 (40A and 40B), a core network 120, and a packet data network (PDN) 130. Note that the number of devices is not limited to this. For example, the number of base station devices 20 and the number of terminal devices 40 can be one.

[0120] The base station device 20 is a communication device that operates a cell 110 and provides wireless communication services to one or more terminal devices 40 located within the coverage area of the cell 110. The cell 110 operates according to any wireless communication method such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or NR. The base station device 20 is connected to the core network 120. The core network 120 is connected to the packet data network (PDN) 130 via a gateway device (not shown). In addition, the base station device 20 operates beams that can be identified by a synchronization signal / PBCH block (SSB), and transmits and receives data to and from one or more terminal devices 40 via one or more beams.

[0121] Note that the base station device 20 may include a set of multiple physical or logical devices. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station device 20 may be divided into multiple devices such as a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU), and may be interpreted as an aggregate of multiple devices. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station device 20 may be any one or both of the BBU and the RU. The BBU and the RU may be connected to each other through a predetermined interface (e.g., eCPRI). Additionally or alternatively, the RU may be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU) or a radio dot (RD). Additionally or alternatively, the RU may correspond to the gNB-DU described later. Additionally or alternatively, the BBU may correspond to the gNB-CU described later. Or, the RU may be connected to the gNB-DU described later. Additionally, the BBU may correspond to a combination of the gNB-CU and the gNB-DU described later. Additionally or alternatively, the RU may be a device formed integrally with an antenna. The antenna included in the base station device 20 (e.g., an antenna formed integrally with the RU) may adopt an advanced antenna system and support MIMO (e.g., FD-MIMO) or beamforming. In the advanced antenna system, the antenna included in the base station device 20 (e.g., an antenna formed integrally with the RU) may include, for example, 64 transmit antenna ports and 64 receive antenna ports.

[0122] In addition, multiple base station devices 20 can be connected to each other. One or more base station devices 20 can be included in a radio access network (RAN). That is, each of one or more base station devices 20 can be abbreviated as RAN, RAN node, access network (AN), or AN node. The RAN of LTE is called the evolved universal terrestrial RAN (EUTRAN). The RAN of NR is called the NGRAN. The RAN of W-CDMA (UMTS) is called the UTRAN. The base station device 20 of LTE is called an evolved Node B (eNodeB) or eNB. That is, the EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). In addition, the base station device 20 of NR is called a gNodeB or gNB. That is, the NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. In addition, the EUTRAN can include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to the core network (EPC) in the LTE communication system (EPS). Similarly, the NGRAN can include an ng-eNB connected to the core network 5GC in the 5G communication system (5GS). In addition or alternatively, when the base station device 20 is an eNB, gNB, etc., it can be called 3GPP access. In addition or alternatively, when the base station device 20 is a wireless access point (e.g., a WiFi (registered trademark) access point), the base station device 20 can be called non-3GPP access. In addition or alternatively, the base station device 20 can be an optical extension device called a remote radio head (RRH). In addition or alternatively, when the base station device 20 is a gNB, the base station device 20 can be called a combination of the above gNB central unit (CU) and gNB distributed unit (DU), or any one of them. The gNB CU hosts multiple upper layers (e.g., RRC, SDAP, and PDCP) in the access stratum to communicate with the UE. On the other hand, the gNB-DU hosts multiple lower layers (e.g., RLC, MAC, and PHY) in the access stratum. That is, in the message information described later, RRC signaling (e.g., various SIBs including MIB and SIB1, RRCSetup message, and RRCReconfiguration message) can be generated by the gNB CU, while downlink control information (DCI) and various physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PBCH) can be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, in the RRC signaling, for example, some configurations (setting information) such as IE:cellGroupInfig can be generated by the gNB-DU, while other configurations can be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations (setting information) can be sent and received through the F1 interface described later. The base station device 20 can be configured to be capable of communicating with other base station devices 20. For example, when multiple base station devices 20 are eNBs or a combination of eNBs and en-gNBs, the base station devices 20 can be connected to each other through the X2 interface.In addition or alternatively, when multiple base station devices 20 are gNBs or a combination of gn-eNBs and gNBs, these devices can be connected to each other via the Xn interface. In addition or alternatively, when multiple base station devices 20 are a combination of gNB CUs and gNB DUs, these devices can be connected to each other via the aforementioned F1 interface. The messages / information (RRC signaling or DCI information, physical channels) described later can be transmitted between multiple base station devices 20 (e.g., via the X2, Xn, F1 interfaces).

[0123] In addition, as described above, the base station device 20 can be configured to manage multiple cells. The cells provided by the base station device 20 are referred to as serving cells. The serving cells include a primary cell (PCell) and secondary cells (SCells). When providing dual connectivity (e.g., EUTRA-EUTRA dual connectivity, EUTRA-NR dual connectivity (ENDC), EUTRA-NR dual connectivity with 5GC, NR-EUTRA dual connectivity (NEDC), and NR-NR dual connectivity) to a UE (e.g., the terminal device 40), the PCell provided by the master node (MN) and 0 or 1 or more SCells are referred to as the primary cell group. In addition, the serving cell can include a PSCell (primary secondary cell or primary SCG cell). That is, when providing dual connectivity to a UE, the PSCell provided by the secondary node (SN) and 0 or 1 or more SCells are referred to as the secondary cell group (SCG). Unless specifically configured (e.g., PUCCH on the SCell), the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is transmitted in the PCell and PSCell, but not in the SCell. In addition, radio link failure is also detected in the PCell and PSCell, but not in the SCell (it may not be detected). As described above, since the PCell and PSCell have special roles in the serving cell, they are also referred to as special cells (SpCells). One downlink component carrier and one uplink component carrier can be associated with one cell. In addition, the system bandwidth corresponding to one cell can be divided into multiple bandwidth parts. In this case, one or more bandwidth parts (BWPs) can be set in the UE, and the UE can use one bandwidth part as the active BWP. In addition, the radio resources (e.g., frequency band, parameter set (subcarrier spacing), and time slot configuration (time slot configuration)) that the terminal device 40 can use may be different for each cell, each component carrier, or each BWP.

[0124] When the core network 120 is an NR core network (5G Core (5GC)), the core network 120 can include an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a policy control function (PCF), and a unified data management (UDM).

[0125] Each terminal device 40 is a communication device that wirelessly communicates with the base station device 20 under the control of the base station device 20. For example, the terminal device 40 measures a downlink signal from the base station device 20 and reports measurement information indicating the measurement result to the base station device 20. The base station device 20 controls the wireless communication with the terminal device 40 based on the reported measurement information. On the other hand, the terminal device 40 may transmit an uplink signal for measurement to the base station device 20. In this case, the base station device 20 measures the uplink signal from the terminal device 40 and controls the wireless communication with the terminal device 40 based on the measurement information.

[0126] As described above, the base station devices 20 can send and receive information to and from each other using an inter-base station interface. When the core network is 5GC, the inter-base station interface can be the Xn interface. When the core network is EPC, the inter-base station interface can be the X2 interface. For example, the base station device 20 sends measurement information (e.g., measurement results of a cell managed by the source base station device and measurement results of neighboring cells) about the terminal device 40 predicted to perform handover to another adjacent base station device 20. As a result, stable handover is achieved, and the stability of the wireless communication of the terminal device 40 is ensured.

[0127] Note that although not shown in Figure 7 there may be communication devices around the communication system 1 that provide wireless communication services operated by other RATs such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or MulteFire (registered trademark) in addition to cellular communication. Such communication devices are generally connected to the PDN 130.

[0128] <2.2. Configuration Example of Base Station Device>

[0129] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the base station device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station device 20 is a communication device (wireless system) that wirelessly communicates with the terminal device 40. The base station device 20 is a type of information processing device.

[0130] The base station device 20 includes a signal processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, a network communication unit 23, and a control unit 24. Note that the configuration illustrated in the figure is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from the functional configuration. In addition, the functions of the base station device 20 can be implemented distributively in multiple physically separate devices.

[0131] The signal processing unit 21 is a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with other communication devices (e.g., the terminal device 40 and other base station devices 20). The signal processing unit 21 operates under the control of the control unit 24. The signal processing unit 21 can support multiple radio access systems. For example, the signal processing unit 21 can support both NR and LTE. The signal processing unit 21 can support other cellular communication systems such as W-CDMA and cdma2000. In addition, in addition to cellular communication systems, the signal processing unit 21 can also support wireless LAN communication modes. Of course, the signal processing unit 21 can support only one radio access system.

[0132] The signal processing unit 21 includes a reception processing unit 211, a transmission processing unit 212, and an antenna 413. The signal processing unit 21 can include multiple reception processing units 211, multiple transmission processing units 212, and multiple antennas 413. Note that when the signal processing unit 21 supports multiple radio access systems, each unit of the signal processing unit 21 can be configured separately for each radio access system. For example, when the base station device 20 supports NR and LTE, the reception processing unit 211 and the transmission processing unit 212 can be configured separately for NR and LTE.

[0133] The reception processing unit 211 processes the uplink signal received via the antenna 413. The reception processing unit 211 includes a wireless reception unit 211a, a demultiplexing unit 211b, a demodulation unit 211c, and a decoding unit 211d.

[0134] The wireless reception unit 211a performs down-conversion of the uplink signal, removal of unnecessary frequency components, control of the amplification level, quadrature demodulation, conversion to a digital signal, removal of the guard interval, extraction of the frequency-domain signal by fast Fourier transform, etc. For example, assume that the radio access system of the base station device 20 is a cellular communication system such as LTE. In this case, the demultiplexing unit 211b separates uplink channels such as the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and uplink reference signals from the signal output from the wireless reception unit 211a. The demodulation unit 211c demodulates the received signal using a modulation method such as binary phase shift keying (BPSK) or quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) for the modulation symbols of the uplink channel. The modulation method used by the demodulation unit 211c can be a multi-level QAM such as 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 64QAM, or 256QAM. The decoding unit 211d performs decoding processing on the encoded bits of the demodulated uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the control unit 24.

[0135] The transmission processing unit 212 performs transmission processing on downlink control information and downlink data. The transmission processing unit 212 includes an encoding unit 212a, a modulation unit 212b, a multiplexing unit 212c, and a wireless transmission unit 212d.

[0136] The encoding unit 212a encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the control unit 24 using an encoding method such as block coding, convolutional coding, or turbo coding. Here, the encoding can be performed using polar codes or low-density parity-check codes (LDPC codes). The modulation unit 212b modulates the encoded bits output from the encoding unit 212a through a predetermined modulation system such as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, or 256QAM. The multiplexing unit 212c multiplexes the modulation symbols of each channel and the downlink reference signal, and places the multiplexing result in a predetermined resource element. The wireless transmission unit 212d performs various types of signal processing on the signal from the multiplexing unit 212c. For example, the wireless transmission unit 212d performs processing such as conversion to the time domain through fast Fourier transform, addition of a guard interval, generation of a baseband digital signal, conversion to an analog signal, quadrature modulation, up-conversion, removal of additional frequency components, and power amplification. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 212 is transmitted from the antenna 413.

[0137] The storage unit 22 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 22 functions as the storage device of the base station device 20.

[0138] The network communication unit 23 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices (e.g., other base station devices 20). For example, the network communication unit 23 is a local area network (LAN) interface such as a network interface card (NIC). The network communication unit 23 can be a universal serial bus (USB) interface including a USB host controller, USB ports, etc. In addition, the network communication unit 23 can be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The network communication unit 23 functions as the network communication device of the base station device 20. The network communication unit 23 communicates with other devices under the control of the control unit 24.

[0139] The control unit 24 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station device 20. The control unit 24 is implemented by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU), for example. For example, the control unit 24 is implemented by the processor using a random access memory (RAM) or the like as a work area and executing various programs stored in the storage device inside the base station device 20. Note that the control unit 24 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be regarded as controllers.

[0140] <2.3. Configuration Example of Terminal Device>

[0141] Figure 9 It is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal device 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device 40 is a communication device (wireless system) that performs wireless communication with the base station device 20. The terminal device 40 is a type of information processing device.

[0142] The terminal device 40 includes a signal processing unit 410, a storage unit 420, an input / output unit 440, and a control unit 450. Note that the configuration illustrated in the figure is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from the functional configuration. In addition, the functions of the terminal device 40 can be implemented distributively in multiple physically separated configurations.

[0143] The signal processing unit 410 is a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication with other communication devices (for example, the base station device 20 and other terminal devices 40). The signal processing unit 410 operates under the control of the control unit 450. The signal processing unit 410 can support one or more wireless access systems. For example, the signal processing unit 410 supports both NR and LTE. The signal processing unit 410 can support other wireless access systems such as W-CDMA (registered trademark) and cdma2000 (registered trademark).

[0144] The signal processing unit 410 includes a reception processing unit 411, a first transmission processing unit 412-1 (corresponding to the first transmission unit), a second transmission processing unit 412-2 (corresponding to the second transmission unit), and an antenna 313. The signal processing unit 410 may include a plurality of reception processing units 411, a plurality of first transmission processing units 412-1, a plurality of second transmission processing units 412-2, and a plurality of antennas 313. Note that when the signal processing unit 410 supports multiple radio access systems, each unit of the signal processing unit 410 may be configured separately for each radio access system. For example, the reception processing unit 411 and the transmission processing unit 412 may be configured separately for LTE and NR. The configurations of the reception processing unit 411, the first transmission processing unit 412-1, and the second transmission processing unit 412-2 are similar to the configurations of the reception processing unit 211 and the transmission processing unit 212 of the base station device 20.

[0145] Here, as described above, the terminal device 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes two transmission units (the first transmission processing unit 412-1 and the second transmission processing unit 412-2), and performs UL transmission on the same carrier or different carriers.

[0146] The case where the terminal device 40 includes all two processing units (the encoding unit 412a to the radio transmission unit 412d) that perform transmission processing has been described, but the terminal device 40 may perform a part of the transmission processing by one processing unit.

[0147] For example, the signal processing unit 410 of the terminal device 40 may have a configuration including two RF circuits (for example, a part of the radio transmission unit 412d) for each UL transmission and one processing unit (the other part of the radio transmission unit 412, and the encoding unit 412a to the multiplexing unit 412c) other than these two RF circuits.

[0148] The terminal device 40 may perform two UL transmissions (2Tx), and the configuration of the signal processing unit 410 is not limited to Figure 9 the example illustrated in the figure. Note that in the present embodiment, in the transmission processing unit 412 of the signal processing unit 410, when distinguishing processing units having different configurations for each UL transmission, these processing units are also referred to as the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit.

[0149] The storage unit 420 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 420 serves as the storage device of the terminal device 40.

[0150] The input / output unit 440 is a user interface for exchanging information with the user. For example, the input / output unit 440 is an operation device for the user to perform various operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, and a touch panel. Alternatively, the input / output unit 440 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (organic EL display). The input / output unit 440 may be an acoustic device such as a speaker or a buzzer. The input / output unit 440 may be an illumination device such as a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp. The input / output unit 440 functions as an input / output device (input device, output device, operation device, or notification device) of the terminal device 40.

[0151] The control unit 450 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 40. The control unit 450 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, for example. For example, the control unit 450 is implemented by the processor using a RAM or the like as a work area and executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 40. Note that the control unit 450 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be regarded as controllers.

[0152] <<3. Dynamic UL Tx Switching>>

[0153] As described above, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, dynamic UL Tx switching is performed.

[0154] <3.1. Configuration Example of the Transmitting Unit>

[0155] Here, a configuration example of a wireless unit that can perform dynamic UL Tx switching will be described.

[0156] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless unit according to the present embodiment includes a first wireless unit and a second wireless unit. The first wireless unit includes a first transmitting unit 41T, a first receiving unit 41R, and a switch 45-1. The second wireless unit includes a second transmitting unit 42T, a second receiving unit 42R, and a duplexer (DUP) 45-2. The first receiving unit 41R and the second receiving unit 42R are, for example, part of the wireless receiving unit 411a of the receiving processing unit 411.

[0157] The first transmitting unit 41T includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 41-T1, a local oscillator 42-1, a mixer 43-T1, and an amplifier 44-T1. The first receiving unit 41R includes an amplifier 41-R1, a mixer 43-R1, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 44-R1.

[0158] The DAC 41-T1 converts a digital first input signal into an analog first input signal. The local oscillator 42-1 generates one of a plurality of local signals having different frequencies f.

[0159] The mixer 43-T1 mixes the analog first input signal and the local signal to generate a first transmission signal. The amplifier 44-T1 amplifies the first transmission signal and transmits the amplified first transmission signal from the antenna 413-1.

[0160] The amplifier 41-R1 amplifies the first received signal received through the antenna 413-1. The mixer 43-R1 mixes the first received signal and the local signal and transmits an analog first output signal. The ADC 44-R1 converts the analog first output signal into a digital first output signal.

[0161] The switch 45-1 connects the antenna 413-1 and the first transmission unit 41T during transmission, and connects the antenna 413-1 and the first reception unit 41R during reception. The switch 45-1 is a selection circuit that switches between transmission and reception in TDD, that is, selects one of transmission and reception.

[0162] As described above, the first transmission unit 41T performs a first transmission in which the frequency of the local signal generated by the local oscillator 42-1 is the carrier frequency, and the first reception unit 41R performs a first reception in which the frequency of the local signal generated by the local oscillator 42-1 is the carrier frequency. As described above, in TDD, since transmission and reception are performed at the same carrier frequency, the first transmission unit 41T and the first reception unit 41R share the local oscillator 42-1.

[0163] The second transmission unit 42T includes a DAC circuit 41-T2, a local oscillator 42-T2, a mixer circuit 43-T2, and an amplifier 44-T2. The second reception unit 42R includes an amplifier 41-R2, a local oscillator 42-R2, a mixer 43-R2, and an ADC 44-R2.

[0164] The DAC 41-T2 converts a digital second input signal into an analog second output signal. The local oscillator 42-T2 generates one of a plurality of local signals having different frequencies f.

[0165] The mixer 43-T2 mixes the analog second input signal and the local signal to generate a second transmission signal. The amplifier 44-T2 amplifies the second transmission signal and transmits the amplified second transmission signal from the antenna 413-2.

[0166] Amplifier 41-R2 amplifies the second received signal received through antenna 413-2. Local oscillator 42-R2 generates a local signal having a predetermined frequency. Mixer 43-R2 mixes the second received signal and the local signal, and transmits an analog second output signal. ADC 44-R2 converts the analog second output signal into a digital second output signal.

[0167] Duplexer (DUP) 45-2 separates the second transmission signal and the second received signal. The second transmission signal amplified by amplifier 44-T2 is transmitted from antenna 413-2 via duplexer 45-2. The second received signal received through antenna 413-2 is input to second receiving unit 42R via duplexer 45-2.

[0168] As described above, second transmission unit 42T performs second transmission in which the frequency of the local signal generated by local oscillator 42-T2 is the carrier frequency, and second receiving unit 42R performs second reception using the local signal generated by local oscillator 42-R2. Local oscillators 42-T2 and 42-R2 generate local signals having different frequencies. As described above, in FDD, since transmission and reception are performed at different carrier frequencies, second transmission unit 42T and second receiving unit 42R respectively include local oscillators 42-T2 and 42-R2.

[0169] For example, in terminal device 40, the carrier (carrier frequency) for first transmission and the carrier for second transmission may be the same. That is, in terminal device 40, first transmission and second transmission (UL-MIMO) can be performed on one UL carrier in one frequency band.

[0170] Alternatively, in terminal device 40, the carrier for first transmission and the carrier for second transmission may be different. In this case, the frequency bands of the corresponding carriers may be the same or different. That is, in terminal device 40, first transmission and second transmission using multiple carriers (UL carrier aggregation) can be performed on one or more frequency bands.

[0171] Terminal device 40 can perform UL Tx switching for switching between UL-MIMO and ULCA. UL Tx switching performed by terminal device 40 will be described with reference to Examples 1 to 4.

[0172] <3.2. First Example>

[0173] Here, a case will be described in which one transmission unit (for example, first transmission unit 41T) performs UL Tx switching by switching frequencies between two frequency bands.

[0174] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of UL Tx switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] Here, it is assumed that the terminal device 40 performs dynamic UL Tx switching in two frequency bands (a first frequency band and a second frequency band). Further, it is assumed that the first frequency band is a TDD frequency band and the second frequency band is an FDD frequency band.

[0176] The terminal device 40 performs a first transmission (first Tx) or a first reception (first Rx) on a first carrier of the first frequency band. The terminal device 40 performs the first transmission using, for example, the first transmission unit 41T.

[0177] In Figure 11 In the example illustrated in the figure, the first to seventh and eleventh symbols are allocated to DL reception. Further, the ninth and tenth symbols are allocated to UL transmission.

[0178] The terminal device 40 performs a second transmission (second Tx) on a second carrier of the second frequency band and performs a second reception on a third carrier of the second frequency band. The terminal device 40 performs the second transmission using, for example, the second transmission unit 42T.

[0179] The local oscillator 42-T1 (first local oscillator (LO)) generates one of a first local signal having a first carrier frequency f T and a second local signal having a second carrier frequency f F The local oscillator 42-T2 (second LO) generates the second local signal having the second carrier frequency f F That is, the terminal device 40 performs the first transmission (2-band 1-Tx switching) by switching the frequency to f T or f F

[0180] In Figure 11 In the example illustrated in the figure, the terminal device 40 performs DL reception on the first carrier of the first frequency band from time t11 to time t12. During this period, the first LO generates a local signal having a frequency f T

[0181] Further, the terminal device 40 performs UL transmission on the second carrier of the second frequency band and performs DL reception on the third carrier from time t11 to time t12. During this period, the second LO generates a local signal having a frequency f F

[0182] The terminal device 40 performs 2ULCA during the period from time t11 to time t12.

[0183] Here, at time t12, the terminal device 40 switches the carrier frequency of the first transmission from the frequency f T to the frequency f F ​​​The terminal device 40 continues the second transmission in the second frequency band, and performs the first transmission on the second carrier of the second frequency band at time t13 and after, after passing through the switching gap (SG) from time t12.

[0184] At this time, local signals with frequency f are generated in both the first LO and the second LO. F of the local signal.

[0185] In this way, at time t13 and after, the terminal device 40 performs FDD UL-MIMO.

[0186] Next, at time t14, the terminal device 40 changes the carrier frequency of the first transmission from frequency f F to frequency f T . The terminal device 40 continues the second transmission in the second frequency band, and performs the first transmission on the first carrier of the first frequency band at time t15 and after, after passing through the switching gap (SG) from time t14.

[0187] At this time, the first LO generates a local signal with frequency f T , while the second LO generates a local signal with frequency f F of the local signal.

[0188] As described above, the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching between 2ULCA and FDD UL-MIMO by switching the frequencies used for the first transmission in two frequency bands.

[0189] Note that in this embodiment, it does not matter whether the terminal device 40 actually transmits a signal in the first transmission and the second transmission. That is, the terminal device 40 only needs to be in a state capable of transmitting a signal of a predetermined carrier in the first transmission and the second transmission, and may or may not actually transmit a signal.

[0190] In addition, in this embodiment, it does not matter whether the terminal device 40 actually receives a signal in the first reception and the second reception. That is, the terminal device 40 only needs to be in a state capable of receiving a signal of a predetermined carrier in the first reception and the second reception, and may or may not actually receive a signal.

[0191] <3.3. Second Example>

[0192] Next, an example in which two transmission units perform UL Tx switching by switching frequencies between four frequency bands will be described.

[0193] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of UL Tx switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Here, it is assumed that the terminal device 40 performs dynamic ULTx switching in four frequency bands (the first frequency band and the third to sixth frequency bands). In addition, it is assumed that all the first and third to sixth frequency bands are TDD frequency bands.

[0195] Here, reference will be made to Figure 13 describe an example configuration of a radio unit in the case where the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching in a TDD frequency band.

[0196] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a radio unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The radio unit according to this embodiment includes a first radio unit and a third radio unit. The first radio unit includes a first transmission unit 41T, a first reception unit 41R, and a switch 45-1. The third radio unit includes a third transmission unit 43T, a third reception unit 43R, and a switch 45-3. The configuration of the first radio unit is the same as that Figure 10 shown in the diagram in. The third reception unit 43R is, for example, a part of the radio reception unit 411a of the reception processing unit 411.

[0197] The third transmission unit 43T includes a DAC 41-T3, a local oscillator 42-1, a mixer 43-T1, and an amplifier 44-T3. The third reception unit 43R includes an amplifier 41-R3, a mixer 43-R3, and an ADC 44-R3.

[0198] The DAC 41-T3 converts a digital third input signal into an analog third input signal. The local oscillator 42-3 generates one of a plurality of local signals having different frequencies f.

[0199] The mixer 43-T3 mixes the analog third input signal and the local signal to generate a third transmission signal. The amplifier 44-T3 amplifies the third transmission signal and transmits the amplified third transmission signal from the antenna 413-3.

[0200] The amplifier 41-R3 amplifies the third reception signal received by the antenna 413-3. The mixer 43-R3 mixes the third reception signal and the local signal and transmits an analog third output signal. The ADC 44-R3 converts the analog third output signal into a digital third output signal.

[0201] The switch 45-3 connects the antenna 413-3 and the third transmission unit 43T during transmission, and connects the antenna 413-3 and the third reception unit 43R during reception. The switch 45-3 is a selection circuit that switches between transmission and reception in TDD, that is, selects one of transmission and reception.

[0202] As described above, the third transmission unit 43T performs a second transmission in which the frequency of the local signal generated by the local oscillator 42-3 is the carrier frequency, and the third reception unit 43R performs a second reception in which the frequency of the local signal generated by the local oscillator 42-3 is the carrier frequency. As described above, in TDD, since transmission and reception are performed at the same carrier frequency, the third transmission unit 43T and the third reception unit 43R share the local oscillator 42-3.

[0203] Return to Figure 12 , the terminal device 40 performs a first transmission and a second transmission in the TDD band. For example, the terminal device 40 uses the first transmission unit 41T to perform the first transmission and uses the third transmission unit 43T to perform the second transmission. In addition, the terminal device 40 uses the first reception unit 41R to perform the first reception and uses the third reception unit 43R to perform the second reception, for example.

[0204] In Figure 12 In the example illustrated in the figure, the first to seventh symbols of the first band are assigned to DL reception, and the ninth and tenth symbols are assigned to UL transmission. The first to fourth, ninth, and tenth symbols of the third band are assigned to DL reception, and the sixth and seventh symbols are assigned to UL transmission. The fourth to seventh symbols of the fourth band are assigned to DL reception, and the first to fourth, ninth, and tenth symbols are assigned to UL transmission. The first, second, and seventh to tenth symbols of the fifth band are assigned to DL reception, and the fourth to sixth symbols are assigned to UL transmission.

[0205] The local oscillator 42-T1 (first LO) and the local oscillator 42-T3 respectively generate any one of the first and third to fifth local signals having the carrier frequencies f T1 and f T3 to f T5 of the first and third to fifth bands. That is, the terminal device 40 performs the first transmission and the second transmission (4-band 2Tx switching) by switching the carrier frequency to one of f T1 and f T3 to f T5 .

[0206] In Figure 12 In the example illustrated in the figure, the terminal device 40 performs DL reception / UL transmission (first reception / first reception) in the fourth band and DL reception / UL transmission (second reception / second reception) in the fifth band from time t21 to time t22. During this period, the first LO generates a local signal having a frequency f T4 and the second LO generates a local signal having a frequency f T5 .

[0207] Thus, the terminal device 40 performs 2ULCA in the fourth and fifth frequency bands from time t21 to time t22.

[0208] Here, at time t22, the terminal device 40 performs a first transmission by switching from the fourth frequency band to the first frequency band. In addition, the terminal device 40 performs a second transmission by switching from the fifth frequency band to the third frequency band.

[0209] After the terminal device 40 passes through a switching gap (SG) from time t22, at time t23 and later, the terminal device 40 performs DL reception / UL transmission (first reception / first transmission) in the first frequency band. In addition, after time t23, the terminal device 40 performs DL reception / UL transmission (second reception / second transmission) in the third frequency band. In this case, the first LO generates a local signal with frequency f T1 and the second LO generates a local signal with frequency f T3 of the local signal.

[0210] Thus, after time t23, the terminal device 40 performs 2ULCA in the first and third frequency bands.

[0211] As described above, the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching between 2ULCAs by switching the frequencies for the first transmission and the second transmission among four frequency bands.

[0212] Note that although the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching between 2ULCAs, the terminal device 40 can perform UL Tx switching between 2ULCA and TDD UL-MIMO. For example, at time t22, the terminal device 40 can perform a second transmission by switching from the fifth frequency band to the first frequency band. In this case, after time t23, the first transmission and the second transmission are performed in the same frequency band. Thus, the terminal device 40 can perform UL Tx switching between 2ULCA and TDD UL-MIMO.

[0213] <3.3. Third example>

[0214] Next, another example will be described in which two transmission units perform UL Tx switching by switching frequencies among four frequency bands.

[0215] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of UL Tx switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0216] Here, it is assumed that the terminal device 40 performs dynamic UL Tx switching in four frequency bands (the first to third frequency bands and the seventh frequency band). In addition, it is assumed that the first and third frequency bands are both TDD frequency bands, and the second and seventh frequency bands are both FDD frequency bands. In this case, the terminal device 40 includes, for exampleFigure 10 The wireless unit shown in the figure.

[0217] The terminal device 40 performs first reception / first reception in the TDD band. For example, the terminal device 40 uses the first transmission unit 41T for first transmission and uses the first reception unit 41R for first reception.

[0218] In Figure 14 In the example shown in the figure, the first to seventh and eleventh symbols of the first band are assigned to DL reception, while the ninth and tenth symbols are assigned to UL transmission. The first, second, fourth, fifth, and eleventh symbols of the third band are assigned to DL reception, while the seventh to tenth symbols are assigned to UL transmission.

[0219] The terminal device 40 performs second reception / second reception in the FDD band. For example, the terminal device 40 uses the second transmission unit 42T for first transmission and uses the second reception unit 42R for second reception.

[0220] The local oscillator 42-T1 (first LO) and the local oscillator 42-T2 (second LO) respectively generate any one of the first to third and seventh local signals having the carrier frequencies f T1 , f F2 , f T3 and f F7 of the first to third and seventh bands. That is, the terminal device 40 performs first transmission and second transmission (4-band 2Tx switching) by switching the carrier frequency to one of f T1 , f F2 , f T3 and f F7 .

[0221] In Figure 14 In the example shown in the figure, from time t30 to time t31, the terminal device 40 performs DL reception (first reception) in the third band and performs DL reception / UL transmission (second reception / second reception) in the second band. During this period, the first LO generates a local signal having a frequency f T3 , and the second LO generates a local signal having a frequency f F2 .

[0222] In this way, the terminal device 40 performs 2ULCA in the second and third bands from time t30 to time t31.

[0223] Here, at time t31, the terminal device 40 performs second transmission by switching from the second band to the third band.

[0224] After time t32 which is after the switching gap (SG) from time t31, the terminal device 40 performs UL transmission (second transmission) in the third frequency band. In addition, the terminal device 40 continuously performs UL transmission (first transmission) in the third frequency band after time t31. In this case, both the first LO and the second LO generate local signals having a frequency f T3 thereof.

[0225] Thus, after time t32, the terminal device 40 performs TDD UL-MIMO in the third frequency band.

[0226] Here, at time t33, the terminal device 40 performs the second transmission by switching from the third frequency band to the second frequency band.

[0227] After time t34 which is after the switching gap (SG) from time t33, the terminal device 40 performs UL transmission (second transmission) in the second frequency band. In addition, the terminal device 40 continuously performs UL transmission (first transmission) in the third frequency band after time t33. In this case, the first LO generates a local signal having a frequency f T3 thereof, while the second LO generates a local signal having a frequency f F2 thereof.

[0228] Thus, after time t34, the terminal device 40 performs 2ULCA in the second and third frequency bands.

[0229] Here, at time t35, the terminal device 40 performs the first transmission by switching from the third frequency band to the seventh frequency band. In addition, the terminal device 40 performs the second transmission by switching from the second frequency band to the seventh frequency band.

[0230] After time t36 which is after the switching gap (SG) from time t35, the terminal device 40 performs UL transmission (first transmission) in the seventh frequency band. In this case, both the first LO and the second LO generate local signals having a frequency f F7 thereof.

[0231] Thus, after time t36, the terminal device 40 performs FDD UL-MIMO in the seventh frequency band.

[0232] At time t37, the terminal device 40 performs the first and second transmissions by switching from the second frequency band to the first frequency band.

[0233] After time t38 which is after the switching gap (SG) from time t37, the terminal device 40 performs UL transmission (first transmission) in the first frequency band. In this case, both the first LO and the second LO generate local signals having a frequency f D1 thereof.

[0234] Thus, at time t38 and later, the terminal device 40 performs TDD UL-MIMO in the first frequency band.

[0235] Here, at time t39, the terminal device 40 performs a second transmission by switching from the first frequency band to the seventh frequency band.

[0236] The terminal device 40 performs UL transmission (second transmission) in the seventh frequency band at time t40 and later after passing through the switching gap (SG) from time t39. In addition, the terminal device 40 continuously performs UL transmission (first transmission) in the first frequency band at time t39 and later. In this case, the first LO generates a local signal with frequency f T1 and the second LO generates a local signal with frequency f F7 .

[0237] Thus, at time t40 and later, the terminal device 40 performs 2ULCA in the first and seventh frequency bands.

[0238] As described above, the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching between 2ULCA and UL-MIMO by dynamically switching the frequencies for the first transmission and the second transmission in four frequency bands.

[0239] <3.4. Fourth Example>

[0240] In the above third example, while performing FDD-MIMO, the second reception can be continuous, but the first reception cannot be continuous. For example, during the period from time t36 to time t37 in Figure 14 , the terminal device 40 performs second reception in the seventh frequency band but does not perform first reception in the first frequency band.

[0241] This is because the second transmission unit 42T and the second reception unit 42R respectively include local oscillators 42-T2 and 42-R2, while the first transmission unit 41T and the first reception unit 41R share the local oscillator 42-1.

[0242] Therefore, in the fourth example, an example of UL Tx switching in which the first reception and the second reception can be continuous while performing FDD-MIMO will be described. Here, for simplicity of description, an example in which the first transmission (1Tx) is switched in two frequency bands will be described.

[0243] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of UL Tx switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0244] Here, it is assumed that the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching in two frequency bands (a first frequency band and a second frequency band). In addition, it is assumed that the first frequency band is a TDD frequency band and the second frequency band is an FDD frequency band.

[0245] Here, reference will be made to Figure 16 describe an example configuration of a radio unit in the case where the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching while continuing DL reception in the TDD frequency band.

[0246] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of a radio unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 The radio unit shown in the figure includes a second radio unit and a fourth radio unit. The fourth radio unit includes a fourth transmission unit 44T, a first reception unit 41R, and a switch 45-1. The second radio unit includes a second transmission unit 42T, a second reception unit 42R, and a duplexer (DUP) 45-2. The configuration of the second radio unit is the same as Figure 10 shown in the figure.

[0247] In addition to Figure 10 the configuration of the first transmission unit 41T shown in the figure, the fourth transmission unit 44T further includes a DAC 41-T4, a local oscillator 42-T4, a mixer 43-T4, an amplifier 44-T4, and switches 45-4 to 45-6. Components included in the fourth transmission unit 44T that are the same as those of the first transmission unit 41T are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0248] The DAC 41-T4 converts a digital fourth input signal into an analog fourth input signal. The local oscillator 42-4 generates one of a plurality of local signals having different frequencies f.

[0249] The mixer 43-T4 mixes the analog fourth input signal and the local signal to generate a fourth transmission signal. The amplifier 44-T4 amplifies the fourth transmission signal and transmits the amplified fourth transmission signal from the antenna 413-4.

[0250] The switch 45-4 inputs the local signal generated by the local oscillator 42-T1 to the mixer 43-T1 during TDD transmission. The switch 45-4 inputs the local signal generated by the local oscillator 42-T1 to the mixer 43-T4 during FDD transmission. The switch 45-4 is a switching circuit that switches the output destination of the local oscillator 42-T1 according to TDD or FDD.

[0251] Switches 45-5 and 45-6 connect antenna 413-1 and the fourth transmission unit 44T during TDD transmission. As a result, the terminal device 40 transmits the first transmission signal from antenna 413-1. Switches 45-5 and 45-6 connect antenna 413-4 and the fourth transmission unit 44T during FDD transmission. As a result, the terminal device 40 transmits the fourth transmission signal from antenna 413-4. Switches 45-5 and 45-6 are selection circuits that switch between TDD and FDD during transmission, i.e., select one of TDD and FDD.

[0252] In Figure 16 In the fourth radio unit shown in the illustration, the fourth transmission unit 44T and the first reception unit 41R each include a local oscillator 42-T4 and 42-1. As described above, the fourth transmission unit 44T and the first reception unit 41R do not share a local oscillator. Therefore, while the fourth transmission unit 44T transmits the fourth transmission signal from antenna 413-4, the first reception unit 41R can receive the first reception signal via antenna 413-1.

[0253] Returning to Figure 15 , the terminal device 40 performs the first transmission / first reception in the TDD band (first band). The terminal device 40 uses, for example, the fourth transmission unit 44T for the first transmission. In addition, the terminal device 40 uses, for example, the first reception unit 41R for the first reception.

[0254] The terminal device 40 performs the second transmission / second reception in the FDD band (second band). The terminal device 40 uses, for example, the second transmission unit 42T for the second transmission. In addition, the terminal device 40 uses, for example, the second reception unit 42R for the second reception.

[0255] In Figure 15 In the example shown in the illustration, the first to third and seventh to eleventh symbols of the first band are assigned to DL reception, while the fifth and sixth symbols are assigned to UL transmission.

[0256] The local oscillator 42-T1 (first LO) generates either the first local signal or the second local signal having the carrier frequencies f T1 and f F2 corresponding to the first band and the second band, respectively. That is, the terminal device 40 performs the first transmission (2-band 1Tx switching) by switching the carrier frequency to f T1 or f F2 .

[0257] In Figure 15In the example shown in the figure, from time t41 to time t42, the terminal device 40 performs DL reception / UL transmission (first reception / first reception) in the first frequency band and DL reception / UL transmission (second reception / second reception) in the second frequency band. During this period, the first LO generates a local signal with frequency f T1 and the second LO generates a local signal with frequency f F2 .

[0258] In this way, the terminal device 40 performs 2ULCA in the first frequency band and the second frequency band from time t41 to time t42.

[0259] Here, at time t42, the terminal device 40 performs the first transmission by switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band. Note that the terminal device 40 continuously performs the second transmission in the second frequency band.

[0260] After time t43 which is after the switching gap (SG) from time t42, the terminal device 40 performs UL transmission (first transmission) in the second frequency band. In addition, after time t42, the terminal device 40 continuously performs DL reception / UL transmission (second reception / second transmission) in the second frequency band. In this case, the first LO and the second LO generate local signals with frequency f F2 .

[0261] In this way, after time t43, the terminal device 40 performs FDD UL-MIMO in the second frequency band.

[0262] Here, in Figure 15 , the terminal device 40 continuously performs TDD reception (first reception) in the first frequency band after time t42. This is because, as described above, the first receiving unit 41R does not share the local oscillator 42-T4 (first LO) with the fourth transmitting unit 44T.

[0263] Therefore, even when the local oscillator 42-T4 (first LO) generates a local signal with frequency f F2 (from time t42 to time t44), the local oscillator 42-1 of the first receiving unit 41R can also generate a local signal with frequency f T1 .

[0264] As a result, even when the local oscillator 42-T4 (first LO) generates a local signal with frequency f F2 (from time t42 to time t44), the terminal device 40 can continue the first reception in the first frequency band using the first receiving unit 41R.

[0265] As described above, the dynamic UL Tx switching performed by the terminal device 40 according to this embodiment is an operation of switching between the transmission before the switching and the transmission after the switching. The transmission before the switching is 2ULCA or UL-MIMO. The transmission after the switching is 2ULCA or UL-MIMO. One of the two frequency bands used for the transmission before the switching is different from one of the two frequency bands used for the transmission after the switching. The other of the two frequency bands used for the transmission before the switching may be the same as or different from the other of the two frequency bands used for the transmission after the switching.

[0266] <<4. Examples of switching settings>>

[0267] Specific setting examples of the dynamic UL Tx switching across three or more frequency bands will be described.

[0268] Note that, similar to the prior art, the terminal device 40 also supports the UL Tx switching in which, for each frequency band pair (two frequency bands), any value among 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us is set as the switching gap.

[0269] In addition, the terminal device 40 according to this embodiment sets, for any frequency band candidate of two or more frequency bands, the UE capability indicating that any value among 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us is set as the switching gap.

[0270] Any frequency band candidate of two or more frequency bands includes, for example, any two frequency band candidates, three frequency band candidates, and four frequency band candidates. The frequency band candidates of two or more frequency bands may include, for example, any frequency band candidates of five or more frequency bands.

[0271] In the case where, for two frequency band candidates among any frequency band candidates of two or more frequency bands, the UE capability indicating that any value among 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us is set as the switching gap is set, the terminal device 40 can be set similarly to the conventional systems (3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17).

[0272] In addition to the conventional inter-band CA that combines TDD and FDD, the terminal device 40 also sets the inter-band CA in which TDD and TDD are combined as the Tx switching allocation group. For example, the terminal device 40 also supports the 2Tx switching for specific four frequency band candidates (see Figure 14 ). For example, such 2Tx switching can be performed in an area where it is desired to reduce the capacity of one cell of the base station device 20 in a densely populated area such as the city center.

[0273] The base station device 20 selects one of the two options (Option 1 (switched UL) and Option 2 (dual UL)) of the conventional inter-band CA in which TDD and FDD are combined, and assigns the selected system to the terminal device 40. For example, the base station device 20 selects one of the above systems according to the signal level of the sounding reference signal (SRS) transmitted by the terminal device 40 in the TDD band and / or the reference signal received power (RSRP) level.

[0274] Here, as the arrangement and deployment of cells in 5G NR, a common one is a "heterogeneous network (HetNet)" in which a macro cell covering the 2.1 GHz band and a small cell covering the 3.5 GHz band are included.

[0275] However, for the 3.5 GHz band (n77) and the 4.5 GHz band (n79), in order to prevent interference with satellite communications and radio altimeters of aircraft, there are areas globally where it is not legally possible to arrange and deploy the cells in the HetNet described above.

[0276] As described above, in areas where the arrangement and deployment of cells through HetNet cannot be performed, the base station device 20 may not include the ultra-high frequency band in the band candidates. That is, the base station device 20 sets three or more bands other than the ultra-high frequency band as the band candidates.

[0277] In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the terminal device 40 performs dynamic UL Tx switching in 4 bands 2Tx. Hereinafter, the dynamic UL Tx switching in 4 bands 2Tx is also simply referred to as 4 bands 2Tx-SW.

[0278] For example, in 4 bands 2Tx-SW, as in the conventional case, the switching gap (UL Tx switching period) is set to any value among 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us. That is, the terminal device 40 supports any switching gap of 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us in 4 bands 2Tx-SW.

[0279] In addition, for example, the terminal device 40 can set the UE capability such that the switching gap of 4 bands 2Tx-SW (an example of the first capability setting value) is longer than the switching gap of the dynamic UL Tx switching in 2 bands (an example of the second capability setting value). Specifically, when the switching gap of the dynamic UL Tx switching in two band pairs is 35 us, the terminal device 40 can set the switching gap of 4 bands 2Tx-SW to 140 us or 210 us.

[0280] For example, in a 4-band 2Tx-SW, it is assumed that the terminal device 40 can operate with a minimum handover gap (e.g., 35 us). In this case, ideally, the base station device 20 can dynamically allocate the optimal UL resources for the terminal device 40 when performing 4-band 2Tx-SW (e.g., see Figure 14 ).

[0281] The terminal device 40 notifies the base station device 20 of the handover gap (any one of 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us) by using the UE capability. For example, when camping on the serving cell of the base station device 20, the terminal device 40 reports in advance to the network side (base station device 20) the UE capability corresponding to the set value of the handover gap.

[0282] When the terminal device 40 transitions to the "connected mode" state in the serving cell, the base station device 20 allocates the optimal band group for the terminal device 40 at the time of transition in the actual field. The base station device 20 performs the allocation by referring to, for example, the report of the UE capability of the terminal device 40. For example, the base station device 20 allocates any one of the band groups of any four band candidates, three band candidates, and two band candidates to the terminal device 40.

[0283] Subsequently, the base station device 20 allocates UL resources from among the band groups of any four band candidates, three band candidates, and two band candidates, where the optimal band pair (two bands) at this time is "default". This band pair is a combination of bands for performing inter-band CA of FDD and TDD and / or inter-band CA of TDD and TDD. This is because in densely populated areas such as big cities, microcells (or pico cells) with a smaller cell radius can be arranged and deployed in terms of cell capacity. In densely populated areas, through the arrangement and deployment of microcells (or pico cells) with a smaller cell radius, more comfortable services can be provided to end users. As described above, in a microcell (or pico cell) with a smaller cell radius, for example, a band pair for performing the above-mentioned inter-band CA of TDD and TDD can be set.

[0284] For example, the base station device 20 sets the band pair with an increased UL transmission throughput as the optimal band pair.

[0285] In addition, while allocating the band group and setting the band pair, the base station device 20 triggers the 4-band 2Tx-SW for the terminal device 40. Examples of the triggering method include the following three examples.

[0286] - The first method using RRC signaling

[0287] - The second method using DCI (PDCCH)

[0288] - The Third Method Using MAC CE

[0289] The base station device 20 sets the optimal frequency band pair and the trigger for dynamic switching at the time of setting by using any one of the first method to the third method. For example, the base station device 20 selects the optimal method from the first method to the third method according to the actual on-site environment at the time of setting of the base station device 20 and the terminal device 40.

[0290] For example, the terminal device 40 may recognize the third method earliest. This is because only 8-bit data is set in MAC CA. On the other hand, in the first method, although a large amount of data can be set, the recognition of the terminal device 40 is the slowest.

[0291] As described above, the base station device 20 can perform triggering and the like by using any one of the first method to the third method according to the actual feeling and environment. However, in the case where the number of frequency bands corresponding to the frequency band group of four frequency bands is large, it is preferable that the base station device 20 uses the first method (the method using RRC signaling) as the method for setting the frequency band pair. As described above, in the case where the amount of data to be set is large, the base station device 20 cannot perform rapid switching as in the third method, but can notify the terminal device 40 of information about the frequency band pair by using the first method as a more reliable method.

[0292] Note that as the number of frequency band candidates that the terminal device 40 can support increases, the number of frequencies f of the local signal generated by the local oscillator increases. That is, as the number of frequency band candidates that the terminal device 40 can support increases, a large storage capacity is required to hold the setting data of the local oscillator. Therefore, it is assumed that the terminal device 40 is equipped with hardware (memory) having an appropriate storage capacity depending on the number of frequency bands that can be supported.

[0293] As described above, in the case where the base station device 20 sets the frequency band combination for inter-band CA for FDD and TDD, the frequency bands can be set in any frequency band group of four frequency band candidates, three frequency band candidates, and two frequency band candidates to satisfy the following setting conditions.

[0294] For example, as the TDD frequency band, the base station device 20 sets a frequency band in which a wide UL frequency band is ensured (for example, CA_n78, etc.), and in this wide UL frequency band, the aggregated BW is 200 MHz at the time of in-band CA. On the other hand, as the FDD frequency band, the base station device 20 sets a frequency band in which UL-MIMO can be performed according to the specification or on the actual network and the set frequency band of the single-band CBW is wide.

[0295] By setting the frequency bands in this way, the base station device 20 can further improve the UL throughput.

[0296] Note that even when configuring the frequency band under the above - set conditions, when the handover gap specified by the UE capability is 120 us or 210 us, it is advisable that the base station device 20 does not perform Tx handover as dynamically and frequently as possible.

[0297] That is, when the handover gap specified by the UE capability is 120 us or 210 us, it is advisable that the base station device 20 does not set the trigger for dynamic 2Tx handover in the terminal device 40.

[0298] This is because UL transmission is not performed during the handover gap. In the case of a long handover gap, if the terminal device 40 frequently performs Tx handover, the period during which UL transmission is not performed becomes longer, resulting in a possible reduction in UL throughput.

[0299] In particular, when the handover gap is 210 us, it is advisable that the terminal device 40 does not perform dynamic Tx handover across three or more frequency bands. In this case, the base station device 20 can configure Tx handover in the terminal device 40, for example, in a conventional two - frequency - band (frequency - band pair).

[0300] Regardless of the length of the handover gap, or according to the length of the handover gap, the number of handover operations (or the upper limit of the number of handover operations) per predetermined period can be restricted. In this case, the terminal device 40 notifies the base station device 20 of at least one of the predetermined period and the number of handover operations by using the UE capability. Examples of the predetermined period include the number of time slots (e.g., X time slots (X is an integer of 1 or greater)) and time (half - frame (0.5 ms) or sub - frame (1 ms)).

[0301] Furthermore, in some of the embodiments described above or below, any value among 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us has been described as being associated with a frequency - band group of three or more frequency - band candidates, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, multiple values among 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us can be associated with a frequency - band group of three or more frequency - band candidates. That is, in one frequency - band group, any value among 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us can be associated with each predetermined frequency - band pair.

[0302] In 3GPP TS38.101 - 1 version 17.6.0, frequency bands in which "intra - band UL continuous CA" and "UL - MIMO" can be simultaneously configured in the TDD frequency band are defined. Here, as such frequency bands, two TDD frequency bands, "CA_n78C" and "CA_n41C", are defined. Table 2 is a table indicating the UE power levels of intra - band UL continuous CA in UL - MIMO under the closed - loop spatial multiplexing scheme.

[0303] (Table 2) UE Power Levels for In-Band UL Continuous CA of UL MIMO under the Closed-Loop Spatial Multiplexing Scheme

[0304]

[0305] In addition to the above frequency band setting conditions, although there are regional usage restrictions globally (depending on the operator's restrictions), it is assumed that the following second setting conditions can be set. In this case, the base station device 20 can configure both "in-band UL continuous CA" and "UL-MIMO" during UL transmission.

[0306] In the TDD frequency band, during in-band CA, the aggregated BW is 200 MHz, and "CA_n78C" or "CA_n41C" which can also configure UL-MIMO is configured. In the FDD frequency band, UL-MIMO can be performed according to the specification or in the actual network, and a frequency band with a wide set CBW is set.

[0307] By setting the frequency band in this way, the base station device 20 can further improve the UL throughput.

[0308] In addition, the base station device 20 can select at least one frequency band belonging to FR1 and at least one frequency band belonging to FR2 as the four frequency bands to be candidates for handover.

[0309] In the current 5G NR specification, when a new UL Tx handover is performed from the FR1 frequency band to the FR2 frequency band, even in a simple calculation, the interruption time of Tx needs to be 52 ms or longer. This interruption time is the time for associating the synchronization condition with the UL-DL time slot time of the base station device 20 supporting FR2.

[0310] However, by exchanging UL-DL time slot timing information between the base station device 20 supporting FR1 and the base station device 20 supporting FR2, it may be possible to shorten the above interruption time. In addition, by implementing the topics of Rel-19, such as "grasping the surrounding communication situation in integrated sensing and communication" and "analogy of the communication environment through AI / ML models", it may be possible to further shorten the above interruption time.

[0311] As a result, it is possible for the terminal device 40 at any location in the actual field to achieve UL Tx handover from FR1 to FR2 (or from FR2 to FR1) with a specified handover gap (35 us, 120 us, or 210 us).

[0312] As described above, by adding the FR2 frequency band to the FR1 frequency band group for dynamic UL Tx handover across three or more frequency bands, the base station device 20 can significantly improve the UL throughput.

[0313] <<5. Setting Process>>

[0314] Figure 17 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process of the setting process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching across three or more frequency bands, the following Figure 17 setting process shown in the figure is performed between the terminal device 40 and the base station device 20.

[0315] The terminal device 40 sends UE capability information to the base station device 20 (step S101). This information includes information about the switching gap for UL Tx switching across three or more frequency bands.

[0316] Upon receiving the UE capability information, the base station device 20 sends setting information to the terminal device 40 (step S102). The setting information includes information about UL Tx switching across three or more frequency bands. For example, the setting information includes pair information about the frequency band pairs for which UL Tx switching is performed across three or more frequency bands.

[0317] As described above, the switching is triggered by RRC signaling (RRC Config) or DCI. Figure 17 An example where the switching is triggered by DCI is illustrated.

[0318] When the switching is triggered by DCI (step S103), the terminal device 40 performs UL Tx switching across three or more frequency bands (step S104). At this time, the terminal device 40 does not perform UL transmission during the period defined by the switching gap. Note that the switching gap takes any value of 35 us, 120 us, or 210 us associated with three or more frequency bands.

[0319] <<6. Local Oscillator>>

[0320] [VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator)]

[0321] As described above, in order to improve the UL throughput through UL Tx switching across three or more frequency bands, it is important to shorten the switching period (switching gap) of the UL Tx switching. Therefore, it is desirable to shorten the switching period of the UL Tx switching.

[0322] The switching time during broadband frequency band switching depends on the architecture of the local oscillator in the RF chip. The local oscillator in the RF chip typically includes an on-chip VCO and a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit.

[0323] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the VCO. Figure 18 C shown in the figure VIt represents a varactor diode, and the oscillation frequency changes according to the change in the capacitance of the varactor diode. Therefore, when switching between wide frequency bands, it is required that the capacitance change rate of the varactor diode be higher than that of an ordinary diode.

[0324] Figure 19 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the PLL circuit 1000. Figure 19 The PLL circuit 1000 shown in the diagram includes a phase frequency detector (PFD) 1100, a low-pass filter 1200, an oscillation circuit 1400, and a frequency divider (DIV) 1300. The oscillation circuit 1400 is, for example, Figure 18 the VCO shown in the diagram.

[0325] The phase frequency detector 1100 compares the phase of the reference signal and the phase of the divided signal output from the frequency divider 1300, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the phase difference. The low-pass filter 1200 smooths the control signal output from the phase frequency detector 1100 and converts this signal into a voltage signal. This voltage signal is input to the oscillation circuit 1400.

[0326] The oscillation circuit 1400 generates an oscillation signal having a frequency corresponding to the voltage signal. The frequency divider 1300 outputs the divided signal obtained by dividing the oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit 1400 to the phase frequency detector 1100.

[0327] Figure 20 It is a diagram illustrating an example of the low-pass filter 1200. Figure 20 The low-pass filter 1200 shown in the diagram is a third-order passive loop filter.

[0328] Next, the circuit topology for deriving the VCO and the equation for the lock time of the general PLL circuit 1000 will be described below.

[0329]

[0330] As described above, in the case where the PLL circuit 1000 includes a third-order loop filter (an example of the low-pass filter 1200), the damping coefficient ζ and the ringing frequency ωn are derived from the transfer function of the basic PLL circuit, as shown in equations (1) and (2).

[0331] Figure 21 It is a graph illustrating the relationship between the damping coefficient and the ringing frequency. As Figure 21 shown in the diagram, the output frequency of the PLL circuit 1000 finally converges to the desired frequency (final frequency) while fluctuating.

[0332] The lock time of the PLL circuit 1000 (lock time) is obtained from the theoretical calculation equation shown in the following equation (3). Here, tol in equation (3) represents the allowable frequency considered to be locked to the desired frequency in the PLL circuit 1000.

[0333]

[0334] To shorten the switching period (switching gap) of UL Tx switching, it is required to shorten the lock time of the PLL circuit 1000. To shorten the lock time, the damping coefficient ζ (ringing frequency ωn) can be increased.

[0335] When the damping coefficient ζ and the ringing frequency ωn derived from the transfer function of the PLL circuit 1000, K in the above equation (2) VCO is linear and steep, even in a wide frequency band, rapid switching of the LO frequency (carrier frequency) is possible.

[0336] On the other hand, the varactor diode C used in the on-chip VCO (see Figure 18 ) saturates in terms of broadband characteristics. V In broadband characteristics.

[0337] Figure 22 Is a graph showing the K V characteristics of the VCO using the varactor diode C VCO characteristics. As the output frequency of the VCO becomes lower, the rate of change of the K VCO (K V ) characteristics (K V =ΔF / ΔV) becomes steeper. The varactor diode in an actual complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit does not have linear and steep frequency characteristics (K VCO (K V ) characteristics) in terms of broadband characteristics.

[0338] Therefore, when switching can be performed not only in the 2.6 GHz band and 2.3 GHz band defined in 3GPP Rel.16 and Rel.17 but also in the 4.9 GHz band and 700 MHz band, it is necessary to consider a longer switching period. That is, when performing UL Tx switching in the 2.6 GHz band, 2.3 GHz band, 4.9 GHz band, and 700 MHz band, a longer switching period than in the prior art is required.

[0339] Therefore, the VCO 1400 includes a varactor diode C having linear and steep K VCO (K V ) characteristics in terms of the output frequency of the VCO 1400 V。As described above, for each frequency band where the varactor diode C V has a linear and steep K VCO (K V ), by using the architecture configuration of the local oscillator in the RF chip, the switching period can be shortened.

[0340] Figure 23 FIG. is a diagram illustrating an example of the VCO circuit 1500 according to the present embodiment. Figure 23 The VCO circuit 1500 illustrated in FIG. includes a first VCO 1510, a second VCO 1520, a third VCO 1530, a fourth VCO 1540, and a multiplexer (MUX) 1550. The VCO circuit 1500 is used, for example, for local oscillators 42-1 and 42-T2 (see Figure 10 ).

[0341] The first VCO 1510 is a VCO that outputs a signal having a first frequency in a low frequency band (for example, a frequency band of 600 MHz to 700 MHz). The first VCO 1510 includes a varactor diode C VCO having a linear and steep K V (K V ) characteristic in the low frequency band.

[0342] The second VCO 1520 is a VCO that outputs a signal having a second frequency in a medium frequency band (for example, a frequency band of 800 MHz to 2000 MHz). The second VCO 1520 includes a varactor diode C VCO having a linear and steep K V (K V ) characteristic in the medium frequency band.

[0343] The third VCO 1530 is a VCO that outputs a signal having a third frequency in a high frequency band (for example, a frequency band of 2.5 GHz to 2.8 GHz). The third VCO 1530 includes a varactor diode C VCO having a linear and steep K V (K V ) characteristic in the high frequency band.

[0344] The fourth VCO 1540 is a VCO that outputs a signal having a fourth frequency in an ultra-high frequency band (for example, a frequency band of 6.6 GHz to 9.0 GHz). The fourth VCO 1540 has a varactor diode C VCO having a linear and steep K V (K V ) characteristic in the ultra-high frequency band.

[0345] The multiplexer 1550 inputs a control signal (control voltage) for controlling the output of the VCO to any one of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540, and inputs a predetermined voltage to the other VCOs ( Figure 23 the ground voltage in

[0346] In Figure 23 the example illustrated in the figure, the multiplexer 1550 inputs the control signal to the fourth VCO 1540. As a result, the fourth VCO 1540 is selected, and the VCO circuit 1500 outputs a signal of the fourth frequency in the ultra-high frequency band (for example, the 4.9 GHz band).

[0347] On the other hand, a predetermined voltage is input to the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, and the third VCO 1530. Since the control signal is not input to these VCOs, the output is in an unavailable (N / A) state. However, since these VCOs are in the "power-on" (power supply connected) state, the time for activating any one of the VCOs when performing Tx switching can be shortened.

[0348] As described above, the VCO circuit 1500 according to the present embodiment includes the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 for each band to be switched. The first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 have a varactor diode C V , and this varactor diode C V has a K VCO (K V ) characteristic corresponding to the respective band.

[0349] As a result, the VCO circuit 1500 can shorten the convergence time (switching time) when switching the output frequencies of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540.

[0350] The VCO circuit 1500 includes a multiplexer 1550 that inputs a control signal (control voltage) for controlling the output of the VCO to any one of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540, and inputs a predetermined voltage to the other VCOs.

[0351] As a result, the VCO circuit 1500 can also keep the VCOs that do not generate output frequencies corresponding to the control signal in the powered-on state. Therefore, the VCO circuit 1500 can further shorten the convergence time (switching time) when switching the output frequencies of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540.

[0352] For example, the terminal device 40 on which the VCO circuit 1500 is mounted can achieve Tx switching within 35 us (the shortest switching period (switching gap)).

[0353] Note that the VCO circuit 1500 has four VCOs (the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540), but the number of VCOs included in the VCO circuit 1500 is not limited to four. For example, the number of VCOs included in the VCO circuit 1500 can be two, three, five, or more. The VCO circuit 1500 includes VCOs corresponding to the number of frequency band candidates to be subject to UL Tx switching by the terminal device 40.

[0354] In addition, when using the VCO circuit 1500 for UL Tx switching, since the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are always "powered on", the current consumption of the VCO circuit 1500 may increase.

[0355] However, even for the on-chip VCOs in the previous 0.35um CMOS process, each consumption is less than or equal to 8 mA. On the other hand, in the UL 2Tx state, the two amplifiers 44-T1 and 44-T2 (see Figure 10 ) are always "powered on".

[0356] Therefore, in this embodiment, by using the envelope tracking (ET) system to optimize the current consumption of the two amplifiers 44-T1 and 44-T2, the current consumption of the two amplifiers 44-T1 and 44-T2 is reduced.

[0357] Figure 24 is a diagram for explaining a method for reducing the power consumption of the amplifier 1600. As a system for supplying power to the amplifier 1600, Figure 24 illustrates a battery direct power supply system, an average power tracking (APT) system, and an ET system.

[0358] A battery direct power supply system is a system that supplies a constant power supply voltage to amplifier 1600 regardless of the amplification amplitude of amplifier 1600. In the battery direct power supply system, amplifier 1600 is directly connected to a battery (power supply), thereby providing a constant power supply voltage Vdd.

[0359] Therefore, for example, when the amplitude of the signal waveform transmitted from the RF circuit (e.g., the first and second transmission units 41T and 42T) of the terminal device 40 is small, current consumption is wasted.

[0360] As described above, in the battery direct power supply system, the current consumption in amplifier 1600 is large, and from the perspective of reducing current consumption, the current consumption is the lowest among the three systems.

[0361] The APT system is a system that supplies a three-level power supply voltage Vdd (Vdd = {Vdd1, Vdd2, Vdd3}) to amplifier 1600 according to the amplification amplitude of amplifier 1600. In the APT system, the power supply voltage Vdd is supplied to amplifier 1600 via the switching circuit 1610.

[0362] Therefore, in the APT system, three-level high, medium, and low power supply voltages Vdd are supplied according to the amplitude of the signal waveform transmitted from the RF circuit of the terminal device 40. In this way, the APT system reduces the current consumption in amplifier 1600.

[0363] The ET system is a system for supplying a power supply voltage corresponding to the amplification amplitude of amplifier 1600 to amplifier 1600. In the ET system, the power generation circuit 1620 generates a power supply voltage Vdd that follows the signal waveform output from the RF circuit. The power generation circuit 1620 supplies the generated power supply voltage Vdd to amplifier 1600.

[0364] The power generation circuit 1620 obtains, for example, the envelope amplitude information of the transmission signal from a BB modem (e.g., the transmission processing unit 412). The power generation circuit 1620 generates the power supply voltage Vdd based on the envelope amplitude information.

[0365] Therefore, in the ET method, a power supply voltage Vdd that follows the amplitude of the signal waveform transmitted from the RF circuit of the terminal device 40 is supplied to amplifier 1600. As a result, in the ET system, the current consumption of amplifier 1600 can be reduced the most among the three systems.

[0366] In this embodiment, an ET system that is very effective in reducing current consumption is used to optimize the current consumption of two amplifiers 44-T1 and 44-T2. As a result, even if the power consumption of the local oscillators 42-1 and 42-T2 increases, an increase in the power consumption of the entire first and second transmission units 41T and 42T can be suppressed. That is, an increase in the power consumption of the first and second transmission units 41T and 42T can be suppressed while shortening the switching period of UL Tx switching.

[0367] [Automatic Tuning Circuit]

[0368] As shown by Moore's Law, in order to meet further demands for higher integration, lower power consumption, and lower cost of digital circuits, manufacturing process technologies for CMOS miniaturization have advanced.

[0369] In recent years, with the miniaturization of CMOS, the transition frequency fT, which is an index of the high-frequency characteristics of an indicating device, has exceeded several hundred GHz. Here, the transition frequency fT is the limit frequency at which the current amplification factor h FE becomes "1", that is, the gain becomes "0".

[0370] In the manufacturing process of CMOS miniaturization, there is a manufacturing problem of "deviation of CMOS-FET characteristics (Vth)". Here, Vth is the threshold voltage of the CMOS-FET. The CMOS-FET needs to operate at a voltage equal to or higher than the threshold voltage Vth at which leakage current flows through the CMOS-FET.

[0371] However, there is a problem that as the gate area is miniaturized, that is, as the manufacturing process technology of CMOS miniaturization advances, the deviation of the threshold voltage Vth becomes larger.

[0372] This deviation occurs in the process of manufacturing the CMOS-FET. For example, the manufacturing process includes, for example, an oxidation process, an ion implantation process, an impurity diffusion process, a deposition process, a photolithography process, an etching process, etc. Among them, in the ion implantation process and the impurity diffusion process, a distribution deviation of donor and acceptor ions occurs. In addition, in the photolithography process and the etching process, a mask and size deviation of the CMOS-FET occur.

[0373] Therefore, even in the same wafer, a large deviation occurs in the threshold voltage Vth of the CMOS-FET. As a result, there is a problem that even in the same wafer, the characteristics of the designed circuit including the CMOS-FET deviate.

[0374] To Figure 19Taking the basic PLL circuit configuration shown in the diagram as an example, in order to derive the theoretical calculation equation of the PLL lock time (lock time) from the PLL transfer function, the damping coefficient and the ringing frequency are calculated theoretically. The PLL transfer function in this case is the most basic PLL circuit configuration of the integer division type, but even in the fractional division type, from the viewpoint of deriving the damping coefficient and the ringing frequency as basic components, there is not much difference from the integer division type.

[0375] Figure 25 FIG. is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the on-chip VCO 1800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The core circuit of the actual on-chip VCO 1800 using a CMOS process has a switching configuration that repeatedly turns on and off within a range that satisfies the temperature characteristics (-15°C to +85°C) in the actual environment, so that the oscillation frequency is near the center frequency of the desired operating frequency band. The switching configuration includes a plurality of MOS capacitors (MOS capacitor bank).

[0376] The above switching configuration using MOS capacitors will be further described. Assume Figure 25 The set voltage value of Vtune, which is the control voltage of the varactor diode CV shown in the diagram, is set to the center value of Vtune as the control voltage. In this case, the on / off (0 or 1) of the MOS capacitor bank is set so that the frequency value at which the on-chip VCO 1800 operates is close to the center frequency of the desired oscillation frequency range. At this time, the on / off (0 or 1) of the MOS capacitor bank is set so that the device (the device on which the on-chip VCO 1800 is mounted, here for example the terminal device 40) body correctly responds to the ambient temperature at the current position. The on / off adjustment of each MOS capacitor bank shown in the diagram is performed with 0 bits or 1 bits, and the DAC (not shown) is called "FcDAC". Figure 25 The DAC (not shown) for adjusting the on / off of each MOS capacitor bank shown in the diagram is called "FcDAC".

[0377] The on-chip VCO 1800 is used, for example, as the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 described above (see Figure 23 ).

[0378] Figure 26 FIG. is a graph illustrating the relationship between the oscillation frequency of the on-chip VCO 1800 and the control voltage of the varactor diode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 26 FIG. illustrates the actual measurement values of the relationship between the oscillation frequency of the on-chip VCO 1800 mounted on a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and the control voltage of the varactor diode when the value of "FcDAC" is changed at room temperature (25°C). Figure 26The figure illustrates the relationship between the oscillation frequency of the on-chip VCO 1800 and the control voltage of the varactor diode when the value of "FcDAC" changes from "0" to "15".

[0379] Figure 26 The left figure in [reference] illustrates the relationship in the case where the center frequency of the frequency band expected to be used for the on-chip VCO 1800 is 4224 MHz. Figure 26 The right figure in [reference] illustrates the relationship in the case where the center frequency of the frequency band expected to be used for the on-chip VCO 1800 is 3960 MHz.

[0380] Figure 26 The vertical axis in [reference] indicates the oscillation frequency of the on-chip VCO 1800. Figure 26 The horizontal axis in [reference] indicates the control voltage Vtune of the varactor diode C V of.

[0381] In order to mount the on-chip VCO 1800 on the RFIC, the oscillation frequency of the on-chip VCO 1800 needs to correspond to all frequencies in the frequency band to be used by using the control voltage Vtune of the varactor diode C V of.

[0382] For this purpose, as illustrated in Figure 26 the figure, it is necessary to set the on / off switching switch of "FcDAC" so that the oscillation frequency is near the center frequency of the frequency band to be used even at room temperature (25°C).

[0383] In addition, in the on-chip VCO 1800 mounted on the terminal device 40, the oscillation frequency needs to correspond to all frequencies in the frequency band to be used at all temperatures of the temperature characteristics (-15°C to +85°C) in the actual environment where the on-chip VCO 1800 is used ("power on").

[0384] Therefore, it is assumed that the on-chip VCO 1800 includes an automatic tuning circuit (not shown) for determining the optimal value of "FcDAC" according to the ambient temperature during operation.

[0385] The automatic tuning circuit uses the oscillation frequency of the on-chip VCO 1800 in a state where Vtune, which is the control voltage of the varactor diode C V of, is set to a constant value as a reference frequency. The automatic tuning circuit determines the optimal value of "FcDAC" with respect to the ambient temperature during operation so that the count number when counting the frequency of the TCXO of the PLL circuit at the reference frequency becomes close to the theoretical value in design. The automatic tuning circuit repeatedly compares the count number and the theoretical value using, for example, a digital theoretical circuit (not shown) included in the automatic tuning circuit, and determines the optimal value of "FcDAC".

[0386] Figure 27 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the theoretical value of the FcDAC. Figure 27 A graphical diagram of the "theoretical optimum" "value" of the FcDAC that serves as an operation index of the automatic tuning circuit.

[0387] The automatic tuning circuit operates after the power supply circuit (not shown) of the on-chip VCO 1800 is "powered on", that is, it operates after the on-chip VCO 1800 is powered on. The automatic tuning circuit operates such that at the ambient temperature during operation, the oscillation frequency of the on-chip VCO 1800 is near the center frequency of the frequency band to be used.

[0388] The automatic tuning circuit sequentially compares all bits of the "FcDAC" corresponding to the "periodic switching on and off" of the MOS capacitor of the core circuit for the on-chip VCO 1800, and selects the "FcMAC" that is optimal at the ambient temperature during operation.

[0389] When the automatic tuning circuit selects the optimal "FcDAC", it requires a certain execution time, depending on the number of MOS capacitors mounted on the actual on-chip VCO 1800 using the CMOS process. That is, the period until the automatic tuning circuit of the on-chip VCO 1800 stabilizes has a certain length.

[0390] For example, in the case of manufacturing an RF chip by the RFCMOS process, the period until the automatic tuning circuit stabilizes may take up to 90 us.

[0391] Figure 28 This is a table illustrating an example of the "FcDAC" selected by the automatic tuning circuit according to this embodiment. Figure 28 The left diagram in shows the "FcDAC" when the center frequency of the frequency band expected to be used by the on-chip VCO 1800 is 4224 MHz. Figure 28 The right diagram in shows the "FcDAC" when the center frequency of the frequency band expected to be used by the on-chip VCO 1800 is 3960 MHz.

[0392] In Figure 28 for each temperature, a "circle" is added to the "FcDAC" locked by the PLL circuit, and the value of the "FcTAC" selected by the automatic tuning circuit is shaded.

[0393] From Figure 28 it can be seen that in order to satisfy the oscillation frequency of the on-chip VCO 1800 in all temperature characteristics (-15 °C to +85 °C) in the actual environment, it is advisable for the on-chip VCO 1800 to be equipped with an automatic tuning circuit to cope with the "deviation of CMOS-FET characteristics (Vth)".

[0394] [Frequency doubling / Doubling oscillation]

[0395] (Phase jump)

[0396] When the VCO circuit 1500 is cold-started, the stabilization period is about 100 μs, including the period until the power supply circuits of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are stabilized. Here, the stabilization period is the period from the power-on of the VCO circuit 1500 until the automatic tuning circuit determines the optimal value of "FcDAC" and the oscillation frequency output from the VCO circuit 1500 is stabilized.

[0397] Therefore, as described above, the VCO circuit 1500 pre-sets the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 to "power-on".

[0398] However, as described above, in the state where the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are continuously powered on, the inductors of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are electromagnetically coupled to each other on the die of the same chip. As a result, the requirement specification characteristics of the continuous phase error (CPE) are not satisfied, and the throughput characteristics in the transmission / reception characteristics subjected to phase modulation deteriorate.

[0399] For example, in a conventional MB-OFDM (Wireless USB) RF chip, the inductors on the die of the RF chip are coupled to each other, resulting in the deterioration of the continuous phase characteristics. In the early 2000s, MB-OFDM was developed as a standard for IEEE's Wireless USB (WiMedia) applications that combine ultra-wideband (UWB) and OFDM technologies. In the RF chip of the local oscillator for MB-OFDM, the continuous phase characteristics deteriorate.

[0400] Figure 29 and Figure 30 are diagrams illustrating examples of band groups in MB-OFDM. Figure 29 and Figure 30 illustrate the band group that serves as the mandatory band group of MB-OFDM. Figure 29 illustrate the UWB allocated to MB-OFDM. Figure 30 illustrate the frequencies of band group 1 that serves as the mandatory band group in the low IF mode.

[0401] Figure 31FIG. is a block diagram illustrating an example of a local oscillator 1900 mounted on an RF chip for MB-OFDM according to the present embodiment. Figure 31 FIG. illustrates the local oscillator 1900 in the MB-OFDM low IF mode. The local oscillator 1900 includes a single sideband (SSB) mixer 1910. In addition, the local oscillator 1900 includes a VCO 1920.

[0402] As described above, the local oscillator 1900 includes the SSB mixer 1910. Therefore, in the local oscillator 1900, an LC filter (not shown) for removing spurious components generated in the SSB mixer 1910 is included in the local oscillator 1900. Note that the LC filter is designed to have a resonance frequency centered on 4224 MHz, which is the intermediate channel (Mch) among the three local output signals (3696 MHz, 4224 MHz, and 4752 MHz).

[0403] By arranging the LC filter on the chip, at least a little effect of reducing spurious components can be obtained. However, when switching the frequency band for the low IF, every time a frequency hop to 4224 MHz of the Mch occurs, a phase jump occurs. This phase jump occurs due to the mutual coupling between the LC filter arranged on the RF chip and the inductor of the on-chip VCO 1920.

[0404] Figure 32 FIG. is a diagram illustrating an example of the phase jump that occurs in the local oscillator 1900 according to the present embodiment. Figure 32 The upper diagram in FIG. illustrates the frequency (oscillation frequency) of the output signal output from the local oscillator 1900. Figure 32 The lower diagram in FIG. illustrates the phase of the output signal output from the local oscillator 1900.

[0405] In Figure 32 The phase jump occurs in the region surrounded by the ellipse in the lower diagram of FIG. This is because the oscillation frequency of the VCO 1920 and the center frequency of the LC filter are designed to be close to each other. As a result, every time a frequency hop to 4224 MHz, which is the oscillation frequency of the local oscillator 1900 and the intermediate channel (Mch), occurs, a phase jump occurs due to the electromagnetic mutual coupling between the LC filter and the inductor of the VCO 1920 described above.

[0406] (Accompanying radiation characteristics)

[0407] The legal characteristics of the RF chip include the spurious emission power on the receiving side. This spurious emission power is the "accompanying radiation level on the receiving side" that appears at the antenna connector end of the terminal device 40 when the receiving side is operated ("powered on"). The spurious emission power is mainly generated by the leakage of the output signal of the local oscillator for reception.

[0408] The "adjacent radiation level" of continuous wave (CW) is defined in 3GPP TS38.521-1. Table 3 is a table indicating the spurious emission requirements of the receiver.

[0409] (Table 3) Spurious emission requirements of general receivers

[0410]

[0411]

[0412] As shown in Table 3, the spurious emission power that the terminal device 40 should not exceed is defined in 3GPP TS38.521-1. That is, the terminal device 40 needs to prevent the "adjacent radiation level on the receiving side" from exceeding the maximum level shown in Table 3.

[0413] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned MB-OFDM RF chip (RF circuit), an "adjacent radiation level" that does not meet the "adjacent radiation level on the receiving side" specification occurs at the antenna connector end of the terminal device 40. This is because mutual coupling of electromagnetic fields occurs between the broadband collector load inductor of the low-noise amplifier (LNA) and the inductor of the on-chip VCO 1900 of the Rx.

[0414] (Architecture based on frequency doubling oscillation)

[0415] Similarly, in the transmission processing unit 412 according to the present embodiment (see Figure 9 ), in order to suppress the deterioration of the continuous phase characteristic described above and the "adjacent radiation level" that does not meet the specification, in the present embodiment, the frequencies are set so that mutual coupling does not occur in the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540.

[0416] The deterioration of the continuous phase characteristic in the transmission processing unit 412, and the "adjacent radiation level" that does not meet the specification and occurs at the antenna connector end of the terminal device 40 are considered to occur due to the mutual coupling of the inductors of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540.

[0417] For example, assume that the oscillation frequencies of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are set as they are according to the frequency band available for transmission by the terminal device 40 (hereinafter, also referred to as the available transmission frequency band). In this case, when the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are arranged on the same chip, the inductors of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 may be mutually coupled.

[0418] Therefore, in the VCO circuit 1500 according to the present embodiment, the frequencies at which the inductors are not mutually coupled are set as the oscillation frequencies of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540.

[0419] Specifically, the oscillation frequencies of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 according to the present embodiment are set such that the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 oscillate at a frequency that is 4 times to 2 times the frequency used for transmission in the available transmission frequency band (hereinafter, also referred to as the available transmission frequency).

[0420] Note that the oscillation frequencies of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are each divided by a frequency divider (not shown) before being input to the mixer (e.g., mixer 43-T1, etc.) and are converted to the available transmission frequency. Specifically, when the oscillation frequencies of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are multiplied by n (n is an integer of 1 or greater) with respect to the available transmission frequency, each oscillation frequency is divided by 1 / n and input to the mixer.

[0421] Figure 33 is a diagram for explaining an example of the frequencies set in the VCO circuit 1500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0422] In Figure 33 2.4 to 2.8 GHz, which is 4 times the available transmission frequency band (600 to 700 MHz), is set as the oscillation frequency of the first VCO 1510. That is, the first VCO 1510 oscillates at a frequency that is 4 times the available transmission frequency band. Therefore, the output signal of the first VCO 1510 is divided by 1 / 4.

[0423] As the oscillation frequency of the second VCO 1520, 1.6 to 4.0 GHz which is 2 times the transmission available frequency band (800 to 2000 MHz) is set. That is, the second VCO 1520 oscillates at a frequency 2 times the transmission available frequency band. Therefore, the output signal of the second VCO 1520 is divided by 2.

[0424] As the oscillation frequency of the third VCO 1530, 5.0 to 5.6 GHz which is 2 times the transmission available frequency band (2.5 to 2.8 GHz) is set. That is, the third VCO 1530 oscillates at a frequency 2 times the transmission available frequency band. Therefore, the output signal of the third VCO 1530 is divided by 2.

[0425] As the oscillation frequency of the fourth VCO 1540, 6.6 to 9.0 GHz which is 2 times the transmission available frequency band (3.3 to 4.5 GHz) is set. That is, the fourth VCO 1540 oscillates at a frequency 2 times the transmission available frequency band. Therefore, the output signal of the fourth VCO 1540 is divided by 2.

[0426] As described above, the oscillation frequencies of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 are set such that the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 oscillate at frequencies 4 times to 2 times the transmission available frequency. As a result, the VCO circuit 1500 can suppress the mutual coupling of the inductors of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540. Therefore, the VCO circuit 1500 can suppress the deterioration of the continuous phase characteristics and the "accompanying radiation level" occurring at the antenna connector end of the terminal device 40.

[0427] As described above, in the VCO circuit 1500, the oscillation frequency of each of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540 is multiplied by a value from 4 to 2. Therefore, a frequency divider is required for each of the first VCO 1510, the second VCO 1520, the third VCO 1530, and the fourth VCO 1540.

[0428] As described above, when the number of circuit elements increases, the current consumption of the VCO circuit 1500 may increase. However, in the 0.35um CMOS process, the current consumption of each frequency divider is about 5.5 mA. In Figure 33 In the example illustrated in the figure, 5 frequency dividers for dividing by 2 are required, but the total current consumption of the 5 frequency dividers is about 27.5 mA or less. Compared with the entire first transmission unit 41T (see Figure 10)This value is not very large compared to the current consumed.

[0429] The VCO circuit 1500 according to the present embodiment can suppress an increase in current consumption while suppressing deterioration of the continuous phase characteristic and "accompanying radiation level" occurring at the antenna connector end of the terminal device 40.

[0430] (Arrangement of guard rings)

[0431] As another method for suppressing deterioration of the continuous phase characteristic and "accompanying radiation level" occurring at the antenna connector end of the terminal device 40, a method of arranging a guard ring around the inductor is considered. This guard ring can suppress the mutual coupling of the inductor.

[0432] Figure 34 FIG. is a diagram illustrating an example of the inductor 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 34 The inductor 2000 illustrated in the figure is used, for example, as the inductor of the VCO circuit 1500.

[0433] For example, in the layout of the inductor 2000 on the RF chip, a guard ring 2200 is provided around the resonant inductor 2100. The guard ring 2200 has a plurality of vias 2300 driven across wiring layers, and the wiring layers include a plurality of layers of the CMOS process.

[0434] In this way, a "guard ring" that strengthens the GND by driving the vias 2300 is arranged around the resonant inductor 2100. By using the inductor 2000, the VCO circuit 1500 can reduce the level of electromagnetic mutual coupling of the inductor.

[0435] Generally, in the development of the RFIC chip, developers use an inductor component having an L value to be used from among the inductor options prepared from the design kits prepared by the CMOS process vendor.

[0436] As described above, when a plurality of inductors are arranged on the same chip, various performance problems may occur due to electromagnetic mutual coupling. In addition, since the phenomenon of this problem occurs due to the mutual coupling of electromagnetic fields in the layout, it is difficult to reflect this phenomenon in the simulation.

[0437] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the VCO circuit 1500 has an inductor surrounded by a "guard ring". As a result, the VCO circuit 1500 can reduce the level of electromagnetic mutual coupling between the inductors.

[0438] (Arrangement of inductors)

[0439] In addition, the mutual coupling of inductors can be suppressed by designing the arrangement of inductors. For example, in the VCO circuit 1500 according to this embodiment, in the layout on the RF chip, multiple resonant inductors are arranged separately (at a predetermined distance) from each other so as to further reduce the influence of electromagnetic mutual coupling on the layout.

[0440] As a result, the VCO circuit 1500 can reduce the level of electromagnetic mutual coupling between inductors.

[0441] <<7. Other Embodiments>>

[0442] The processing according to each of the above embodiments can be performed in various different modes other than the above embodiments.

[0443] For example, in each of the above embodiments, UL Tx switching in the frequency band pair (two frequency band candidates) and / or four frequency band candidates is mainly described, but the number of frequency band candidates to undergo UL Tx switching is not limited to two and / or three. The number of frequency band candidates can be three, five or more.

[0444] The control device for controlling the base station device 20 and the terminal device 40 in this embodiment can be implemented by a dedicated computer system or can be implemented by a general computer system.

[0445] For example, a communication program for performing the above operations is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disc, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a floppy disk and distributed. Then, for example, the program is installed in a computer, and the control device is configured by performing the above processing. At this time, the control device can be a device external to the base station device 20 and the terminal device 40 (for example, a personal computer). In addition, the control device can be a device inside the base station device 20 and the terminal device 40 (for example, the control units 24 and 450).

[0446] In addition, the above communication program can be stored in a disk device included in a server on a network such as the Internet so that the communication program can be downloaded to a computer. In addition, the above functions can be implemented through the cooperation of an operating system (OS) and application software. In this case, the part other than the OS can be stored in a medium and distributed, or the part other than the OS can be stored in a server and downloaded to a computer.

[0447] In the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters described above in the document and shown in the drawings can be changed arbitrarily. For example, the various types of information illustrated in the respective drawings are not limited to the information illustrated.

[0448] In addition, each component of each device illustrated in the drawings is a functional concept, and does not have to be physically configured as illustrated in the drawings. That is, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the form illustrated, and all or part of it can be distributed and integrated functionally or physically in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. Note that the distribution and integration can be performed dynamically.

[0449] In addition, the above embodiments can be appropriately combined within the range where the processing contents do not conflict with each other. In addition, the order of each step illustrated in the flowcharts of the above embodiments can be appropriately changed.

[0450] In addition, for example, the present embodiment can be implemented in any configuration constituting a device or a system, such as a processor such as a system large scale integration (LSI), a module using a plurality of processors, etc., a unit using a plurality of modules, etc., a collection obtained by further adding other functions to the unit, etc. (that is, a configuration of a part of the device).

[0451] Note that in the present embodiment, a system means a collection of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, a plurality of devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device in which a plurality of modules are housed in one housing are both systems.

[0452] In addition, for example, the present embodiment can adopt a cloud computing configuration in which one function is shared by a plurality of devices via a network and processed cooperatively.

[0453] <<8. Conclusion>>

[0454] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments as they are, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, the components of different embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined. That is, at least a part of one or more of the above embodiments can be combined with at least another part of one or more of the above embodiments to be implemented.

[0455] In addition, the effects described in each embodiment recorded in this specification are merely examples and are not limited, and other effects can be provided.

[0456] Note that the present technology may also include the following configurations.

[0457] (1) A terminal device, comprising:

[0458] A wireless transceiver; and

[0459] A processor, the processor sending and receiving signals via the wireless transceiver, wherein

[0460] the processor

[0461] sends UE capability information, the UE capability information including the capability indicating the period of a handover gap for dynamic uplink UL transmission switching across three or more frequency bands,

[0462] receives setting information regarding the dynamic UL transmission switching, and

[0463] performs the dynamic UL transmission switching based on the setting information,

[0464] the capability is set for each frequency band group including the three or more frequency bands, and

[0465] when the processor performs the dynamic UL transmission switching, the processor does not perform UL transmission on any carrier within the period indicated by the capability.

[0466] (2) The terminal device according to (1), wherein

[0467] the wireless transceiver includes a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit,

[0468] the dynamic UL transmission switching is a switching between the first transmission and the second transmission,

[0469] the first transmission is any one of the following

[0470] the transmission of the signal by the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit using a first UL carrier in a first frequency band included in the three or more frequency bands, and

[0471] a first carrier aggregation, in which the first transmission unit uses a second UL carrier in a second frequency band included in the three or more frequency bands to transmit the signal, and the second transmission unit uses a third UL carrier different from the second UL carrier in a third frequency band included in the three or more frequency bands to transmit the signal,

[0472] the second transmission is any one of the following

[0473] The transmission of the signal by the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit using a fourth UL carrier in a fourth frequency band included among the three or more frequency bands, and

[0474] a second carrier aggregation, in which the first transmission unit uses a fifth UL carrier in a fifth frequency band included among the three or more frequency bands to transmit the signal, and the second transmission unit uses a sixth UL carrier different from the fifth UL carrier in a sixth frequency band included among the three or more frequency bands to transmit the signal,

[0475] At least one of the first to third frequency bands and the first to third UL carriers before the handover is different from at least one of the fourth to sixth frequency bands and the fourth to sixth UL carriers after the handover.

[0476] (3) The terminal device according to (2), wherein

[0477] The period indicated by the capability is applied as a period during which UL transmission is not performed when switching from the first transmission to the second transmission between two frequency bands among the three or more frequency bands associated with the capability or between two UL carriers.

[0478] (4) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0479] A first capability setting value of a period of a handover gap indicating the dynamic UL transmission switching across the three or more frequency bands is

[0480] A value longer than a second capability setting value of a period of a handover gap indicating the dynamic UL transmission switching between two frequency band pairs.

[0481] (5) The terminal device according to (4), wherein the first capability setting value is any one of 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us, and the first capability setting value is set for each frequency band group.

[0482] (6) The terminal device according to (2) or (3), wherein

[0483] One of the second frequency band and the third frequency band is a TDD frequency band and the other of the second frequency band and the third frequency band is an FDD frequency band, or both the second frequency band and the third frequency band are TDD frequency bands, and

[0484] One of the fifth frequency band and the sixth frequency band is a TDD frequency band and the other of the fifth frequency band and the sixth frequency band is an FDD frequency band, or both the fifth frequency band and the sixth frequency band are TDD frequency bands.

[0485] (7) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0486] The setting information includes pair information about two frequency band pairs in which the dynamic UL transmission switching is performed, and

[0487] the dynamic UL transmission switching is indicated by DCI sent from a base station device.

[0488] (8) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

[0489] at least one of the three or more frequency bands belongs to FR1, and at least one of the other frequency bands belongs to FR2.

[0490] (9) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the three or more frequency bands do not include millimeter wave bands.

[0491] (10) The terminal device according to (2), wherein

[0492] the wireless transceiver further includes a TDD receiving circuit that receives the signal in the TDD frequency band,

[0493] at least one of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit includes a TDD transmission circuit that transmits the signal in the TDD frequency band and an FDD transmission circuit that transmits the signal in the FDD frequency band, and

[0494] the wireless transceiver continues to receive through the TDD receiving circuit while performing the first transmission or the second transmission using the FDD transmission circuit.

[0495] (11) The terminal device according to (10), wherein

[0496] the wireless transceiver further includes:

[0497] a first local oscillator that generates a first local signal for frequency modulation in the TDD transmission circuit and a second local signal for frequency modulation in the FDD transmission circuit;

[0498] a second local oscillator that generates a third local signal for frequency demodulation in the TDD receiving circuit, and the second local oscillator is different from the first local oscillator; and

[0499] a selection circuit that selects which one of the signals generated by the TDD transmission circuit and the FDD transmission circuit is to be transmitted.

[0500] (12) The terminal device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the processor performs the dynamic UL transmission switching a predetermined number of times within each predetermined time period.

[0501] (13) The terminal device according to (12), wherein the processor transmits UE capability information including at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined number of times.

[0502] (14) A base station device, comprising:

[0503] A wireless transceiver; and

[0504] A processor, the processor transmitting and receiving signals via the wireless transceiver, wherein

[0505] the processor

[0506] receives UE capability information from a terminal device, the UE capability information including the capability of indicating a time period of a handover gap for dynamic uplink UL transmission across three or more frequency bands, and

[0507] sends setting information about the dynamic UL transmission handover to the terminal device,

[0508] the setting information being used by the terminal device to perform the dynamic UL transmission handover,

[0509] the capability is set for each frequency band group including the three or more frequency bands, and

[0510] when performing the dynamic UL transmission handover, no UL transmission is performed on any carrier within the time period indicated by the capability.

[0511] (15) A communication method for a terminal device, the terminal device comprising a wireless transceiver and a processor that transmits and receives signals via the wireless transceiver, the communication method comprising:

[0512] transmitting UE capability information, the UE capability information including the capability of indicating a time period of a handover gap for dynamic UL transmission across three or more frequency bands;

[0513] receiving setting information about the dynamic UL transmission handover; and

[0514] performing the dynamic UL transmission handover based on the setting information, wherein

[0515] the capability is set for each frequency band group including the three or more frequency bands, and

[0516] when performing the dynamic UL transmission handover, no UL transmission is performed on any carrier within the time period indicated by the capability.

[0517] (16) A communication method for a base station device, the base station device including a wireless transceiver and a processor for transmitting and receiving signals via the wireless transceiver, the communication method including:

[0518] Receiving UE capability information from a terminal device, the UE capability information including the capability indicating the period of a handover gap for dynamic UL transmission handover across three or more frequency bands; and

[0519] Sending setting information about the dynamic UL transmission handover to the terminal device, where

[0520] The setting information is used by the terminal device to perform the dynamic UL transmission handover,

[0521] The capability is set for each frequency band group including the three or more frequency bands, and

[0522] When performing the dynamic UL transmission handover, no UL transmission is performed on any carrier within the period indicated by the capability.

[0523] List of reference numerals

[0524] 1 Communication system

[0525] 20 Base station device

[0526] 21, 410 Signal processing unit

[0527] 22, 420 Storage unit

[0528] 23 Network communication unit

[0529] 24, 450 Control unit

[0530] 40 Terminal device

[0531] 211, 411 Receiving processing unit

[0532] 313, 413 Antenna

[0533] 412-1 First transmission processing unit

[0534] 412-2 Second transmission processing unit

[0535] 440 Input / output unit

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: a wireless transceiver; and a processor, the processor sending and receiving signals via the wireless transceiver, wherein the processor sends UE capability information, the UE capability information including the capability indicating the period of a handover gap for dynamic uplink UL transmission handover across three or more frequency bands, receives setting information regarding the dynamic UL transmission handover, and performs the dynamic UL transmission handover based on the setting information, the capability is set for each frequency band group including the three or more frequency bands, and when the processor performs the dynamic UL transmission handover, the processor does not perform UL transmission on any carrier during the period indicated by the capability.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver includes a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit, the dynamic UL transmission handover is a handover between the first transmission and the second transmission, the first transmission is any one of the following the transmission of the signal by the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit using a first UL carrier in a first frequency band among the three or more frequency bands, and a first carrier aggregation, in the first carrier aggregation, the first transmission unit uses a second UL carrier in a second frequency band among the three or more frequency bands to transmit the signal, and the second transmission unit uses a third UL carrier different from the second UL carrier in a third frequency band among the three or more frequency bands to transmit the signal, the second transmission is any one of the following the transmission of the signal by the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit using a fourth UL carrier in a fourth frequency band among the three or more frequency bands, and a second carrier aggregation, in the second carrier aggregation, the first transmission unit uses a fifth UL carrier in a fifth frequency band among the three or more frequency bands to transmit the signal, and the second transmission unit uses a sixth UL carrier different from the fifth UL carrier in a sixth frequency band among the three or more frequency bands to transmit the signal, at least one of the first to third frequency bands and the first to third UL carriers before the handover is different from at least one of the fourth to sixth frequency bands and the fourth to sixth UL carriers after the handover.

3. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the period indicated by the capability is applied as the period during which no UL transmission is performed when switching from the first transmission to the second transmission between two frequency bands among the three or more frequency bands associated with the capability or between two UL carriers.

4. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a first capability setting value indicating the period of a handover gap for the dynamic UL transmission handover across the three or more frequency bands is a value longer than a second capability setting value indicating the period of a handover gap for the dynamic UL transmission handover between two pairs of frequency bands.

5. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the first capability setting value is any one of 35 us, 140 us, and 210 us, and the first capability setting value is set for each frequency band group.

6. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein one of the second band and the third band is a TDD band and the other of the second band and the third band is an FDD band, or both the second band and the third band are TDD bands, and one of the fifth band and the sixth band is a TDD band and the other of the fifth band and the sixth band is an FDD band, or both the fifth band and the sixth band are TDD bands.

7. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes pair information about two band pairs in which the dynamic UL transmission switching is performed, and the dynamic UL transmission switching is indicated by DCI sent from a base station device.

8. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the three or more bands belongs to FR1, and at least one of the other bands belongs to FR2.

9. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the three or more bands do not include a super high frequency band.

10. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the wireless transceiver further includes a TDD receiving circuit that receives the signal in the TDD band, at least one of the first transmitting unit and the second transmitting unit includes a TDD transmitting circuit that transmits the signal in the TDD band and an FDD transmitting circuit that transmits the signal in the FDD band, and the wireless transceiver continues to receive through the TDD receiving circuit while performing the first transmission or the second transmission using the FDD transmitting circuit.

11. The terminal device according to claim 10, wherein the wireless transceiver further includes: a first local oscillator that generates a first local signal for frequency modulation in the TDD transmitting circuit and a second local signal for frequency modulation in the FDD transmitting circuit; a second local oscillator that generates a third local signal for frequency demodulation in the TDD receiving circuit, and the second local oscillator is different from the first local oscillator; and a selection circuit that selects which one of the signals generated by the TDD transmitting circuit and the FDD transmitting circuit is to be transmitted.

12. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs the dynamic UL transmission switching a predetermined number of times within each predetermined time period.

13. The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the processor transmits UE capability information including at least one of the predetermined time period and the predetermined number of times.

14. A base station device, comprising: a wireless transceiver; and a processor that transmits and receives signals via the wireless transceiver, wherein the processor receives UE capability information from a terminal device, the UE capability information including the ability to indicate a period of a switching gap for dynamic uplink UL transmission switching across three or more bands, and sends setting information about the dynamic UL transmission switching to the terminal device, the setting information being used by the terminal device to perform the dynamic UL transmission switching, The capability is set for each band group including the three or more bands, and when performing the dynamic UL transmission switching, no UL transmission is performed on any carrier within the period indicated by the capability.

15. A communication method for a terminal device, the terminal device including a wireless transceiver and a processor for transmitting and receiving signals via the wireless transceiver, the communication method comprising: transmitting UE capability information, the UE capability information including a capability indicating a period of a switching gap for dynamic UL transmission switching across three or more bands; receiving setting information regarding the dynamic UL transmission switching; and performing the dynamic UL transmission switching based on the setting information, wherein the capability is set for each band group including the three or more bands, and when performing the dynamic UL transmission switching, no UL transmission is performed on any carrier within the period indicated by the capability.

16. A communication method for a base station device, the base station device including a wireless transceiver and a processor for transmitting and receiving signals via the wireless transceiver, the communication method comprising: receiving UE capability information from a terminal device, the UE capability information including a capability indicating a period of a switching gap for dynamic UL transmission switching across three or more bands; and transmitting setting information regarding the dynamic UL transmission switching to the terminal device, wherein the setting information is used for the terminal device to perform the dynamic UL transmission switching, the capability is set for each band group including the three or more bands, and when performing the dynamic UL transmission switching, no UL transmission is performed on any carrier within the period indicated by the capability.

Images