Maximum sensitivity degradation
By optimizing the equipment and methods for frequency band combination, the coexistence problem caused by carrier aggregation frequency band combination in 3GPP LTE for user equipment was solved, thereby improving the reception performance of wireless communication.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ELECTRONICS INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
In 3GPP LTE, the reception performance of user equipment is affected by the coexistence problem caused by carrier aggregation frequency band combinations, which affects the effectiveness of wireless communication.
A device and method are provided to transmit and receive uplink and downlink signals through a combination of one or more transceivers, processors, and memories, and to optimize frequency band combinations to reduce interference.
It improves the reception performance of user equipment, solves the coexistence problem caused by carrier aggregation frequency band combination, and enhances the quality of wireless communication.
Smart Images

Figure CN121970254A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Maximum sensitivity degradation Technical Field
[0001] This instruction manual relates to radio communications. Background Technology
[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a technology for achieving high-speed packet communication. Many proposals have been put forward for LTE goals, including those aimed at reducing user and vendor costs, improving service quality, and expanding and increasing coverage and system capacity. 3GPP LTE requires lower cost per bit, increased service availability, flexible use of frequency bands, a simple architecture, open interfaces, and sufficient power consumption in terminals as upper-layer requirements.
[0003] Requirements and specifications for New Radio (NR) systems have begun to be developed within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP. 3GPP must identify and develop technical components that will be successfully standardized in the new RAT to meet both pressing market demands and the longer-term requirements outlined in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2020 process. Furthermore, NR should be able to utilize any spectrum band within at least 100 GHz that can be used for wireless communication even in the more distant future.
[0004] The goal of NR is to address all use cases, requirements, and deployment scenarios with a single technology framework, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and more. NR should be inherently backward compatible.
[0005] Newly added operating frequency band combinations for carrier aggregation (CA) can be introduced. However, due to coexistence issues, user equipment (UE) reception performance may be affected by these newly added frequency band combinations. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Technical solution
[0007] In one aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: one or more transceivers; one or more processors; and one or more memories, the memories being capable of storing instructions and operatively connected to the processors, and operations performed by the processors based on the instructions may include: transmitting uplink signals; and receiving downlink signals.
[0008] On the other hand, a method executed by a device is provided.
[0009] In one aspect, a method is provided. The method may include the steps of: transmitting an uplink signal; and receiving a downlink signal.
[0010] In another aspect, an apparatus for implementing the method is provided. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 shows an example of a communication system that applies the implementation of the present disclosure.
[0012] Figure 2 shows an example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of the present disclosure.
[0013] Figure 3 shows an example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of the present disclosure.
[0014] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication architecture that can be provided in a 6G system.
[0015] Figure 5 shows an example of the electromagnetic spectrum.
[0016] Figure 6 illustrates an example of how uplink signals transmitted via the uplink operating band affect downlink signals received via the downlink operating band.
[0017] Figure 7 is an example of intermodulation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] Figure 8 illustrates an example of an interference path illustrating the coexistence problem of CA based on frequency bands n41 and n71, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 9 is an example of the structure of a UE configured with CA based on frequency band 71 and frequency band 41 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 11 illustrates an example of the operation of a UE and a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The following technologies, devices, and systems can be applied to a variety of wireless multiple access systems. Examples of multiple access systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Multi-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (MC-FDMA) systems. CDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE). OFDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA). UTRA is part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) is part of the Evolved UMTS (E-UMTS) using E-UTRA. 3GPP LTE employs OFDMA in DL and SC-FDMA in UL. The evolution of 3GPP LTE includes LTE-A (Advanced), LTE-A Pro, and / or 5G NR (New Radio).
[0023] For ease of description, the implementation of this disclosure is primarily described with respect to 3GPP-based wireless communication systems. However, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, although the following detailed description is based on mobile communication systems corresponding to 3GPP-based wireless communication systems, the aspects of this disclosure that are not limited to 3GPP-based wireless communication systems are applicable to other mobile communication systems.
[0024] For any terms and techniques used in this disclosure that are not specifically described in this disclosure, please refer to wireless communication standards documents published prior to this disclosure.
[0025] In this disclosure, "A or B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". In other words, "A or B" in this disclosure can be interpreted as "A and / or B". For example, "A, B or C" in this disclosure can mean "A only", "B only", "C only", or "any combination of A, B and C".
[0026] In this disclosure, a forward slash ( / ) or a comma (,) can mean "and / or". For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B". Therefore, "A / B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C".
[0027] In this disclosure, "at least one of A and B" can mean "only A", "only B" or "both A and B". Furthermore, the expressions "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" in this disclosure can be interpreted as the same as "at least one of A and B".
[0028] Additionally, in this disclosure, "at least one of A, B, and C" may mean "only A," "only B," "only C," or "any combination of A, B, and C." Furthermore, "at least one of A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B, and / or C" may mean "at least one of A, B, and C."
[0029] Furthermore, the brackets used in this disclosure may mean "for example". Specifically, when it is shown as "Control Information (PDCCH)", "PDCCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information". In other words, "Control Information" in this disclosure is not limited to "PDCCH", and "PDCCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information". In addition, even when shown as "Control Information (i.e., PDCCH)", "PDCCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information".
[0030] The technical features described individually in one of the accompanying drawings of this disclosure can be implemented individually or simultaneously.
[0031] Although not limited thereto, the various descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein can be applied to various fields that require wireless communication and / or connectivity between devices (e.g., 5G).
[0032] In the following description, this disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals in the following drawings and / or description may refer to the same and / or corresponding hardware blocks, software blocks and / or functional blocks.
[0033] Although the user equipment (UE) is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, the UE shown may be referred to as a terminal, mobile device (ME), etc. Furthermore, the UE may be a portable device such as a laptop, mobile phone, PDA, smartphone, and multimedia device, or a non-portable device such as a PC or in-vehicle device.
[0034] In the following text, UE is used as an example of a wireless communication device (or wireless apparatus or wireless equipment) capable of wireless communication. Operations performed by the UE can be performed by the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may also be referred to as a wireless apparatus, wireless equipment, etc. In the following text, AMF may refer to an AMF node, SMF may refer to an SMF node, and UPF may refer to a UPF node.
[0035] The base station referred to below is usually a fixed station that communicates with wireless devices, and may also be called evolved NodeB (eNodeB), evolved NodeB (eNB), basic transceiver system (BTS), access point, and next-generation NodeB (gNB).
[0036] Figure 1 shows an example of a communication system that applies the implementation of the present disclosure.
[0037] The 5G use cases shown in Figure 1 are merely exemplary, and the technical features of this disclosure can be applied to other 5G use cases not shown in Figure 1.
[0038] The three main requirement categories for 5G include (1) Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), (2) Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC), and (3) Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC).
[0039] Some use cases may require multiple categories for optimization, while others may focus solely on key performance indicators (KPIs). 5G uses a flexible and reliable approach to support these diverse use cases.
[0040] eMBB goes far beyond basic mobile internet access, encompassing a vast array of two-way operations in the cloud and augmented reality, as well as media and entertainment applications. Data is one of the core drivers of 5G, and for the first time in the 5G era, dedicated voice services may not be available. In 5G, the expectation is to use the data connection provided by the communication system to simply process voice as an application. The primary reason for the increase in traffic is the increase in content size and the number of applications requiring high data transmission rates. As more devices connect to the internet, streaming services (audio and video), conversational video, and mobile internet access will be more widely used. Many of these applications require always-on connectivity to push real-time information and alerts to users. Cloud storage and applications are rapidly increasing in mobile communication platforms and can be applied to both operations and entertainment. Cloud storage is a specific use case for accelerating the growth of uplink data transmission rates. 5G is also used for remote cloud operations. When using haptic interfaces, 5G requires lower end-to-end latency to maintain a good user experience. Entertainment (e.g., cloud gaming and video streaming) is another core element increasing the demand for mobile broadband capabilities. Entertainment is essential for smartphones and tablets in any highly mobile environment, including trains, vehicles, and airplanes. Other use cases include augmented reality for entertainment and information retrieval. In this case, augmented reality requires very low latency and extremely low instantaneous data volumes.
[0041] Additionally, one of the most anticipated 5G use cases involves the ability to seamlessly connect embedded sensors across all sectors (i.e., mMTC). The number of potential Internet of Things (IoT) devices is expected to reach 20.4 billion by 2020. Industrial IoT is one of the categories playing a leading role in enabling smart cities, asset tracking, smart utilities, agriculture, and security infrastructure through 5G.
[0042] URLLC encompasses new services that will transform industries through remote control of key infrastructure and ultra-reliable / available low-latency links (e.g., autonomous vehicles). For controlling smart grids, automating industry, enabling robotics, and controlling and regulating drones, levels of reliability and latency are critical.
[0043] 5G is the means to provide streaming services rated at hundreds of megabits per second to gigabits per second, and can complement fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and cable-based broadband (or DOCSIS). Such high speeds are needed to deliver 4K or higher (6K, 8K, and higher) resolution TV, as well as virtual reality and augmented reality. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications include near-immersive sports events. Specific applications may require special network configurations. For example, for VR games, game companies need to integrate their core servers into the network operator's edge network servers to minimize latency.
[0044] Along with numerous use cases for mobile communications in vehicles, automobiles are expected to become a significant new driving force in 5G. For example, passenger entertainment requires high concurrent capacity and highly mobile broadband. This is because future users will continue to expect high-quality connectivity regardless of location and speed. Another use case in the automotive sector is AR dashboards. AR dashboards allow drivers to identify objects in the dark in addition to those seen through the windshield, displaying distances and movement of objects through overlapping information. In the future, wireless modules will enable communication between vehicles, information exchange between vehicles and supporting infrastructure, and information exchange between vehicles and other connected devices (e.g., pedestrian-attached devices). Safety systems will guide alternative driving processes to allow drivers to drive more safely, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. The next stage will be remotely controlled or autonomous vehicles. This requires very high reliability and very fast communication between different autonomous vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure. In the future, autonomous vehicles will perform all driving activities, and drivers will only focus on abnormal traffic that the vehicle cannot identify. The technical requirements for autonomous vehicles necessitate ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability to increase traffic safety to levels unattainable by humans.
[0045] Smart cities and smart homes / buildings, termed smart societies, will be embedded in high-density wireless sensor networks. Distributed networks of smart sensors will identify conditions for cost-effective and energy-efficient maintenance in cities or homes. Similar configurations can be implemented for individual homes. Temperature sensors, window and heating controllers, burglar alarms, and home appliances will all be wirelessly connected. Many of these sensors typically have low data transmission rates, low power consumption, and low cost. However, certain types of devices may require real-time HD video for monitoring.
[0046] The consumption and distribution of energy, including heat or gas, are distributed at a higher level, necessitating automated control through distributed sensor networks. Smart grids collect information and use digital information and communication technologies to connect sensors to each other to act based on the collected information. Because this information can include the behavior of power companies and consumers, smart grids can improve fuel distribution, such as electricity, through methods that are efficient, reliable, economically feasible, production sustainable, and automated. Smart grids can also be viewed as another sensor network with low latency.
[0047] Mission-critical applications (such as e-health) are one of the use cases for 5G. The health sector encompasses numerous applications that can benefit from mobile communications. Communication systems can support telemedicine, enabling the delivery of clinical care in remote locations. Telemedicine can help reduce distance barriers and improve access to healthcare services that are not readily available in remote rural areas. Telemedicine is also used to administer critical treatments and save lives in emergencies. Mobile communication-based wireless sensor networks can provide remote monitoring and sensing of parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure.
[0048] Wireless and mobile communications are becoming increasingly important in industrial applications. The installation and maintenance costs of cabling are high. Therefore, the possibility of replacing cables with reconfigurable wireless links presents an attractive opportunity in many industrial sectors. However, to achieve this replacement, wireless connections need to be established with similar latency, reliability, and capacity as cables, and the management of wireless connections needs to be simplified. When connecting to 5G, low latency and a very low error probability become new requirements.
[0049] Logistics and freight tracking are important use cases for mobile communications, allowing inventory and packages to be tracked anywhere using location-based information systems. Logistics and freight use cases typically require low data rates, but demand location information with wide coverage and reliability.
[0050] Referring to Figure 1, the communication system 1 includes wireless devices 100a to 100f, a base station (BS) 200, and a network 300. Although Figure 1 shows an example of a 5G network as the network of the communication system 1, the implementation of this disclosure is not limited to 5G systems and can be applied to future communication systems beyond 5G systems.
[0051] BS 200 and network 300 can be implemented as wireless devices, and a particular wireless device can operate as a BS / network node relative to other wireless devices.
[0052] Wireless devices 100a to 100f represent devices that perform communication using radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G New RAT (NR) or LTE) and may be referred to as communication / radio / 5G devices. Wireless devices may include (but are not limited to) robots 100a, vehicles 100b-1 and 100b-2, extended reality (XR) devices 100c, handheld devices 100d, home appliances 100e, IoT devices 100f, and artificial intelligence (AI) devices / servers 400. For example, vehicles may include vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, autonomous vehicles, and vehicles capable of performing communication between vehicles. Vehicles may include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones). XR devices may include AR / VR / mixed reality (MR) devices and may take the form of head-up displays (HMDs), head-up displays (HUDs) installed in vehicles, televisions, smartphones, computers, wearable devices, home appliance devices, digital signage, vehicles, robots, etc. Handheld devices may include smartphones, smart tablets, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches or smart glasses), and computers (e.g., laptops). Home appliances may include TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. IoT devices may include sensors and smart meters.
[0053] In this disclosure, wireless devices 100a to 100f may be referred to as user equipment (UE). UE may include, for example, cellular phones, smartphones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, tablet PCs, tablet PCs, ultrabooks, vehicles, vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities, connected cars, UAVs, AI modules, robots, AR devices, VR devices, MR devices, holographic devices, public safety devices, MTC devices, IoT devices, medical devices, FinTech devices (or financial devices), security devices, weather / environment devices, devices related to 5G services, or devices related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
[0054] UAVs can be, for example, aircraft that are airborne by wireless control signals without anyone on board.
[0055] VR devices may include, for example, means for realizing objects or backgrounds in a virtual world. AR devices may include, for example, means for connecting objects or backgrounds in a virtual world to objects or backgrounds in the real world. MR devices may include, for example, means for merging objects or backgrounds in a virtual world into objects or backgrounds in the real world. Holographic devices may include, for example, means for recording and reproducing stereoscopic information using the interference phenomenon of light generated when two lasers, known as holography, meet.
[0056] Public safety devices may include, for example, image relay devices or image devices that can be worn on a user's body.
[0057] MTC devices and IoT devices can be, for example, devices that do not require direct human intervention or manipulation. For example, MTC devices and IoT devices can include smart meters, vending machines, thermometers, smart light bulbs, door locks, or various sensors.
[0058] For example, a medical device can be a device for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, alleviating, treating, or preventing disease. For example, a medical device can be a device for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, alleviating, or correcting injury or impairment. For example, a medical device can be a device for the purpose of examining, replacing, or modifying a structure or function. For example, a medical device can be a device for the purpose of regulating pregnancy. For example, a medical device can include a device for treatment, a device for surgery, a device for (in vitro) diagnosis, a hearing aid, or a device for surgical procedures.
[0059] For example, a safety device can be a device installed to prevent potential dangers and maintain safety. For example, a safety device can be a camera, closed-circuit television (CCTV), a recorder, or a black box.
[0060] For example, a FinTech device can be a device capable of providing financial services such as mobile payments. For instance, a FinTech device can include a payment device or a point-of-sale (POS) system.
[0061] Weather / environment devices may include, for example, devices for monitoring or predicting weather / environment.
[0062] Wireless devices 100a to 100f can connect to network 300 via BS 200. AI technology can be applied to wireless devices 100a to 100f, and wireless devices 100a to 100f can connect to AI server 400 via network 300. Network 300 can be configured using 3G, 4G (e.g., LTE), 5G (e.g., NR), and super 5G networks. Although wireless devices 100a to 100f can communicate with each other via BS 200 / network 300, wireless devices 100a to 100f can also perform direct communication (e.g., sidelink communication) without going through BS 200 / network 300. For example, vehicles 100b-1 and 100b-2 can perform direct communication (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) / vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication). IoT devices (e.g., sensors) can perform direct communication with other IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or other wireless devices 100a to 100f.
[0063] Wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c can be established between wireless devices 100a to 100f and / or between wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200 and / or between BS 200. In this document, wireless communication / connections can be established via various RATs (e.g., 5G NR) such as uplink / downlink communication 150a, sidelink communication (or device-to-device (D2D) communication) 150b, and inter-base station communication 150c (e.g., relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB)). Wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200 / wireless devices 100a to 100f can send / receive radio signals to / from each other via wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c. For example, wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c can send / receive signals via various physical channels. Therefore, at least a portion of various configuration information configuration processes, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel coding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, and resource mapping / demapping), and resource allocation processes for transmitting / receiving radio signals can be performed based on various proposals of this disclosure.
[0064] AI refers to the field of studying artificial intelligence or the methods that can create it, and machine learning refers to the field that defines the various problems to be solved within the AI and its methodologies. Machine learning is also defined as algorithms that improve the performance of a task through a stable experience of that task.
[0065] A robot is a machine that automatically processes or operates a given task through its own capabilities. Specifically, a robot with the ability to recognize its environment and make its own decisions to perform actions can be called an intelligent robot. Depending on its purpose or field of use, robots can be classified as industrial, medical, domestic, military, etc. Robots can utilize actuators or motors to perform various physical operations such as moving their joints. Mobile robots also include wheels, brakes, propellers, etc., on their actuators, allowing them to move on the ground or fly in the air.
[0066] Autonomous driving refers to the technology of driving itself, and autonomous vehicles refer to vehicles that drive with little or no user control. For example, autonomous driving can include lane keeping, automatic speed adjustment (e.g., adaptive cruise control), automatic driving along a set route, and automatic route planning when a destination is set. Vehicles include vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles equipped with both internal combustion engines and electric motors, and electric vehicles equipped with electric motors, and can include trains, motorcycles, and automobiles. Autonomous vehicles can be considered as robots with autonomous driving capabilities.
[0067] Extended reality is collectively referred to as VR, AR, and MR. VR technology provides real-world objects and backgrounds solely through computer graphics (CG) images. AR technology provides virtual CG images on top of real-world object images. MR technology is a CG technique that combines virtual objects into the real world. MR technology is similar to AR technology in that they display real and virtual objects together. However, the difference lies in that in AR technology, virtual objects serve as a complementary form to real objects, while in MR technology, virtual and real objects serve as identical features.
[0068] NR supports multiple parameter sets (and / or multiple subcarrier spacings (SCS)) to support a variety of 5G services. For example, if the SCS is 15 kHz, wide-area coverage can be supported in traditional cellular bands, and if the SCS is 30 kHz / 60 kHz, dense urban areas, lower latency, and wider carrier bandwidth can be supported. If the SCS is 60 kHz or higher, bandwidths greater than 24.25 GHz can be supported to overcome phase noise.
[0069] NR bands can be defined as two types of frequency ranges, namely FR1 and FR2. The numerical values of the frequency ranges can vary. For example, the frequency ranges of the two types (FR1 and FR2) can be as shown in Table 1. For ease of explanation, in the frequency ranges used in NR systems, FR1 can represent "below 6 GHz range," FR2 can represent "above 6 GHz range," and can be referred to as millimeter wave (mmW). FR2 can include FR 2-1 and FR 2-2 as shown in the examples in Tables 1 and 2.
[0070] [Table 1]
[0071] As described above, the frequency range of the NR system can be varied. For example, FR1 may include a frequency band from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz as shown in Table 2 below. That is, FR1 may include a frequency band of 6 GHz (or 5850 MHz, 5900 MHz, 5925 MHz, etc.) or higher. For example, the 6 GHz (or 5850 MHz, 5900 MHz, 5925 MHz, etc.) or higher frequency bands included in FR1 may include unlicensed frequency bands. Unlicensed frequency bands can be used for various purposes (e.g., for vehicle communications (e.g., autonomous driving)).
[0072] [Table 2]
[0073] Here, the radio communication technologies implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may include narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technologies for low-power communication, as well as LTE, NR, and 6G. For example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology, implemented in specifications such as LTE Cat NB1 and / or LTE Cat NB2, and may not be limited to the names mentioned above. Additionally and / or alternatively, the radio communication technologies implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may communicate based on LTE-M technology. For example, LTE-M technology may be an example of LPWAN technology and may be referred to by various names such as enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC). For example, LTE-M technology may be implemented in at least one of various specifications such as 1) LTE Cat 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-bandwidth limited (non-BL), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE machine-type communication, and / or 7) LTE M, and may not be limited to the names mentioned above. Additionally and / or alternatively, the radio communication technologies implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may include at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and / or LPWAN, which take into account low-power communication, and may not be limited to the names mentioned above. For example, ZigBee technology may generate personal area networks (PANs) associated with low-power / low-power digital communication based on various specifications such as IEEE 802.15.4, and may be referred to by various names.
[0074] Figure 2 shows an example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of the present disclosure.
[0075] Referring to Figure 2, the first wireless device 100 and the second wireless device 200 can transmit radio signals to / receive radio signals from external devices via various RATs (e.g., LTE and NR).
[0076] In Figure 2, {first wireless device 100 and second wireless device 200} may correspond to at least one of {wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200}, {wireless devices 100a to 100f and wireless devices 100a to 100f} and / or {BS 200 and BS200} in Figure 1.
[0077] The first wireless device 100 may include at least one transceiver (e.g., transceiver 106), at least one processing chip (e.g., processing chip 101), and / or one or more antennas 108.
[0078] Processing chip 101 may include at least one processor (e.g., processor 102) and at least one memory (e.g., memory 104). FIG2 exemplarily illustrates that memory 104 is included in processing chip 101. Additionally and / or alternatively, memory 104 may be located outside processing chip 101.
[0079] Processor 102 can control memory 104 and / or transceiver 106, and can be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts described in this disclosure. For example, processor 102 can process information in memory 104 to generate first information / signal, and then transmit a radio signal including the first information / signal via transceiver 106. Processor 102 can receive a radio signal including a second information / signal via transceiver 106, and then store the information obtained by processing the second information / signal in memory 104.
[0080] Memory 104 may be operatively connected to processor 102. Memory 104 may store various types of information and / or instructions. Memory 104 may store software code 105 that implements instructions, which, when executed by processor 102, perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 105 may implement instructions that, when executed by processor 102, perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 105 may control processor 102 to execute one or more protocols. For example, software code 105 may control processor 102 to execute one or more layers of a radio interface protocol.
[0081] In this document, processor 102 and memory 104 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). Transceiver 106 may be connected to processor 102 and transmit and / or receive radio signals via one or more antennas 108. Each transceiver 106 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceiver 106 may be used interchangeably with radio frequency (RF) units. In this disclosure, first wireless device 100 may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.
[0082] The second wireless device 200 may include at least one transceiver (e.g., transceiver 206), at least one processing chip (e.g., processing chip 201), and / or one or more antennas 208.
[0083] Processing chip 201 may include at least one processor (e.g., processor 202) and at least one memory (e.g., memory 204). Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates that memory 204 is included in processing chip 201. Additionally and / or alternatively, memory 204 may be located outside of processing chip 201.
[0084] Processor 202 can control memory 204 and / or transceiver 206, and can be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts described in this disclosure. For example, processor 202 can process information in memory 204 to generate third information / signal, and then transmit a radio signal including the third information / signal via transceiver 206. Processor 202 can receive a radio signal including a fourth information / signal via transceiver 106, and then store the information obtained by processing the fourth information / signal in memory 204.
[0085] Memory 204 may be operatively connected to processor 202. Memory 204 may store various types of information and / or instructions. Memory 204 may store software code 205 that implements instructions, which, when executed by processor 202, perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 205 may implement instructions that, when executed by processor 202, perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 205 may control processor 202 to execute one or more protocols. For example, software code 205 may control processor 202 to execute one or more layers of a radio interface protocol.
[0086] In this document, processor 202 and memory 204 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). Transceiver 206 may be connected to processor 202 and transmit and / or receive radio signals via one or more antennas 208. Each transceiver 206 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceiver 206 may be used interchangeably with an RF unit. In this disclosure, second wireless device 200 may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.
[0087] The hardware elements of wireless devices 100 and 200 will be described in more detail below. One or more protocol layers can be implemented by (but are not limited to) one or more processors 102 and 202. For example, one or more processors 102 and 202 can implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as the Physical (PHY) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer). One or more processors 102 and 202 can generate one or more Protocol Data Units (PDUs) and / or one or more Service Data Units (SDUs) according to the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors 102 and 202 can generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information, in accordance with the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure, and provide the generated signals to one or more transceivers 106 and 206. One or more processors 102 and 202 may receive signals (e.g., baseband signals) from one or more transceivers 106 and 206, and acquire PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information, in accordance with the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure.
[0088] One or more processors 102 and 202 may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or microcomputers. One or more processors 102 and 202 may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. As an example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) may be included in one or more processors 102 and 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be configured to include modules, processes, or functions. Firmware or software configured to perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure may be included in one or more processors 102 and 202 or stored in one or more memories 104 and 204 for being driven by one or more processors 102 and 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure can be implemented using software or firmware in the form of code, commands and / or command sets.
[0089] One or more memories 104 and 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 and store various types of data, signals, messages, information, programs, code, instructions, and / or commands. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be configured with read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, registers, flash memory, computer-readable storage media, and / or combinations thereof. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be located internally and / or externally to one or more processors 102 and 202. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 via various technologies such as wired or wireless connections.
[0090] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can transmit user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can receive user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers 106 and 206 can be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 and transmit and receive radio signals. For example, one or more processors 102 and 202 can perform control to enable one or more transceivers 106 and 206 to transmit user data, control information, or radio signals to one or more other devices. One or more processors 102 and 202 can perform control to enable one or more transceivers 106 and 206 to receive user data, control information, or radio signals from one or more other devices.
[0091] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be connected to one or more antennas 108 and 208, and one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein via one or more antennas 108 and 208. In this disclosure, one or more antennas 108 and 208 may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports).
[0092] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can convert received user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., from RF band signals into baseband signals so that the received user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., can be processed by one or more processors 102 and 202. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can also convert user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., processed by one or more processors 102 and 202 from baseband signals into RF band signals. For this purpose, one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may include (analog) oscillators and / or filters. For example, one or more transceivers 106 and 206, under the control of one or more processors 102 and 202, can up-convert OFDM baseband signals to OFDM signals using their (analog) oscillators and / or filters, and transmit the up-converted OFDM signals at the carrier frequency. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can receive OFDM signals at a carrier frequency and, under the control of one or more processors 102 and 202, downconvert the OFDM signals to OFDM baseband signals via their (analog) oscillators and / or filters.
[0093] In the implementation of this disclosure, the UE can operate as a transmitting device in the uplink (UL) and as a receiving device in the downlink (DL). In the implementation of this disclosure, the BS can operate as a receiving device in the UL and as a transmitting device in the DL. Hereinafter, for ease of description, it is primarily assumed that the first wireless device 100 acts as the UE and the second wireless device 200 acts as the BS. For example, a processor 102 connected to, installed on, or started in the first wireless device 100 can be configured to perform UE actions according to the implementation of this disclosure, or to control the transceiver 106 to perform UE actions according to the implementation of this disclosure. A processor 202 connected to, installed on, or started in the second wireless device 200 can be configured to perform BS actions according to the implementation of this disclosure, or to control the transceiver 206 to perform BS actions according to the implementation of this disclosure.
[0094] In this disclosure, BS is also referred to as Node B (NB), eNodeB (eNB), or gNB.
[0095] Figure 3 shows an example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of the present disclosure.
[0096] Wireless devices can be implemented in various forms depending on the use case / service (see Figure 1).
[0097] Referring to FIG. 3, wireless devices 100 and 200 may correspond to wireless devices 100 and 200 of FIG. 2 and may be configured with various elements, components, units / parts, and / or modules. For example, each of wireless devices 100 and 200 may include a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, a memory unit 130, and an add-on component 140. The communication unit 110 may include a communication circuit 112 and a transceiver 114. For example, the communication circuit 112 may include one or more processors 102 and 202 of FIG. 2 and / or one or more memories 104 and 204 of FIG. 2. For example, the transceiver 114 may include one or more transceivers 106 and 206 of FIG. 2 and / or one or more antennas 108 and 208 of FIG. 2. The control unit 120 is electrically connected to the communication unit 110, the memory unit 130, and the add-on component 140, and controls the overall operation of each of wireless devices 100 and 200. For example, control unit 120 can control the electromechanical operation of each of wireless devices 100 and 200 based on programs / codes / commands / information stored in memory unit 130. Control unit 120 can transmit information stored in memory unit 130 to the outside (e.g., other communication devices) via communication unit 110 through a wireless / wired interface, or store information received from the outside (e.g., other communication devices) via communication unit 110 through a wireless / wired interface in memory unit 130.
[0098] The add-on component 140 can be configured in various ways depending on the type of wireless devices 100 and 200. For example, the add-on component 140 may include at least one of a power supply unit / battery, an input / output (I / O) unit (e.g., an audio I / O port, a video I / O port), a drive unit, and a computing unit. Wireless devices 100 and 200 may be implemented in the form of (but not limited to) robots (100a of FIG. 1), vehicles (100b-1 and 100b-2 of FIG. 1), XR devices (100c of FIG. 1), handheld devices (100d of FIG. 1), home appliances (100e of FIG. 1), IoT devices (100f of FIG. 1), digital broadcasting terminals, holographic devices, public safety devices, MTC devices, medical devices, FinTech devices (or financial devices), security devices, climate / environment devices, AI servers / devices (400 of FIG. 1), BS (200 of FIG. 1), network nodes, etc. Wireless devices 100 and 200 may be used in mobile or fixed locations depending on the use case / service.
[0099] In FIG. 3, the overall various elements, components, units / parts, and / or modules in the wireless devices 100 and 200 can be connected to each other through a wired interface, or at least a part of them can be wirelessly connected through the communication unit 110. For example, in each of the wireless devices 100 and 200, the control unit 120 and the communication unit 110 can be wired-connected, and the control unit 120 and the first units (e.g., 130 and 140) can be wirelessly connected through the communication unit 110. Each element, component, unit / part, and / or module within the wireless devices 100 and 200 can also include one or more elements. For example, the control unit 120 can be configured by a set of one or more processors. As an example, the control unit 120 can be configured by a set of a communication control processor, an application processor (AP), an electronic control unit (ECU), a graphics processing unit, and a memory control processor. As another example, the memory unit 130 can be configured by RAM, DRAM, ROM, flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or a combination thereof.
[0100] <NR's operating frequency band>
[0101] The operating frequency bands in NR are as follows.
[0102] The operating frequency bands in Table 3 below are the operating frequency bands converted (refarmed) from the operating frequency bands of LTE / LTE-A. This can be referred to as the FR1 band.
[0103] [Table 3] The following table shows the NR operating frequency bands defined at high frequencies. This is called the FR2 band.
[0104] [Table 4]
[0105] <Overview of 6G system>
[0106] The 6G (wireless communication) system has purposes such as (i) very high data rates per device, (ii) a very large number of connected devices, (iii) global connectivity, (iv) very low latency, (v) reduced energy consumption of battery-free IoT devices, (vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and (vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The concept of the 6G system can include four aspects, such as "intelligent connectivity", "deep connectivity", "holographic connectivity", and "universal connectivity", and the 6G system can meet the requirements as shown in Table 5 below. That is, Table 5 shows the requirements of the 6G system.
[0107] [Table 5]
[0108] 6G systems can have key elements such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), AI-integrated communication, tactile internet, high throughput, high network capacity, high energy efficiency, low backhaul and access network congestion, and enhanced data security.
[0109] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication architecture that can be provided in a 6G system.
[0110] 6G systems will offer 50 times more simultaneous wireless connectivity than 5G systems. In 6G communication, URLLC (a key feature of 5G) will become even more important by providing end-to-end latency of less than 1 ms. Unlike the frequently used regional spectral efficiency, 6G systems can achieve significantly better volumetric spectral efficiency. 6G systems can offer advanced battery technologies for energy harvesting and very long battery life; therefore, mobile devices may not require separate charging in 6G systems. Additionally, new network characteristics may emerge in 6G.
[0111] - Satellite-integrated networks: To provide global mobile coverage, 6G will be integrated with satellites. Integrating terrestrial waves, satellites, and public networks into a single wireless communication system will likely be crucial for 6G.
[0112] - Connecting Intelligence: Unlike previous generations of wireless communication systems, 6G is revolutionary, and wireless evolution can be updated from "connecting things" to "connecting intelligence." AI can be applied to every step of the communication process (or every step of the signal processing process described below).
[0113] - Seamless integration of wireless messaging and power transfer: 6G wireless networks can deliver power to charge the batteries of devices such as smartphones and sensors. Therefore, wireless messaging and power transfer (WIET) will be integrated.
[0114] - Ubiquitous super 3-dimensional connectivity: Access to networks and core network functions for drones and very low Earth orbit satellites will establish ubiquitous super 3-dimensional connectivity in 6G.
[0115] Among the new network features of 6G, several general requirements can be summarized as follows:
[0116] - Small Cell Networks: The concept of small cell networks was introduced to improve throughput, energy efficiency, and spectral efficiency in cellular systems, thereby enhancing received signal quality. Therefore, small cell networks are a fundamental feature of 5G and beyond (5G) communication systems. Consequently, 6G communication systems will also adopt the characteristics of small cell networks.
[0117] - Ultra-dense heterogeneous networks: Ultra-dense heterogeneous networks will be another important feature of 6G communication systems. Multi-layered networks composed of heterogeneous networks will improve overall QoS and reduce costs.
[0118] - High-capacity backhaul: Backhaul connections are characterized by a high-capacity backhaul network to support high-capacity services. High-speed fiber optic and free-space optics (FSO) systems may be a possible solution to this problem.
[0119] - Radar technology integrated with mobile technology: High-precision positioning (or location-based services) via communication is one of the functions of 6G wireless communication systems. Therefore, radar systems will be integrated with 6G networks.
[0120] - Software-defined networking and virtualization: Software-defined networking and virtualization are two important features that form the basis of the design process in 5G networks to ensure flexibility, reconfigurability, and programmability. Furthermore, a shared physical infrastructure can support billions of devices.
[0121] <Core Implementation Technologies of 6G Systems>
[0122] AI
[0123] The most important and newly introduced technology in 6G systems is AI. 4G systems do not involve AI. 5G systems will support some or very limited AI. However, 6G systems will support AI for full automation. In 6G, advances in machine learning will create smarter networks for real-time communication. With AI introduced into communication, real-time data transmission can be simplified and improved. AI can use numerous analyses to determine methods for performing complex target operations. In other words, AI can improve efficiency and reduce processing latency.
[0124] AI can be used to immediately execute time-consuming tasks such as switching, network selection, and resource scheduling. AI can even play a significant role in M2M, machine-to-human, and human-to-machine communication. Furthermore, AI can enable rapid communication in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). AI-based communication systems can be supported by metamaterials, smart structures, smart networks, smart devices, intelligent cognitive radios, self-maintaining wireless networks, and machine learning.
[0125] Recently, attempts have been made to integrate AI with wireless communication systems at the application or network layers, but deep learning has been primarily focused on wireless resource management and allocation. However, this research is gradually expanding to the MAC and physical layers, specifically attempting to combine deep learning in the physical layer with wireless transmission. AI-based physical layer transmission refers to the application of AI-driven signal processing and communication mechanisms, rather than traditional communication frameworks based on fundamental signal processing and communication mechanisms. Examples include deep learning-based channel coding and decoding, deep learning-based signal estimation and detection, deep learning-based multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mechanisms, and AI-based resource scheduling and allocation.
[0126] Machine learning can be used for channel estimation and channel tracking, and for power allocation and interference cancellation in the physical layer of deep learning. Additionally, machine learning can be used for antenna selection, power control, and symbol detection in MIMO systems.
[0127] Machine learning refers to a series of operations used to train machines to perform tasks that are impossible or difficult for humans to perform. Machine learning requires data and a learning model. In machine learning, data learning methods can be broadly categorized into three types: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.
[0128] Neural network learning aims to minimize output error. It involves repeatedly inputting training data into the neural network, calculating the error between the network's output and the target value based on the training data, backpropagating the error from the output layer back to the input layer to reduce the error, and updating the weights of each node in the neural network.
[0129] Supervised learning can use training data labeled with correct answers, while unsupervised learning can use training data without labeled correct answers. That is, for example, in supervised learning for data classification, training data can be labeled with categories. The labeled training data can be input into a neural network, and the network's output (category) can be compared with the labels of the training data to calculate the error. The calculated error is backpropagated from the neural network backward (that is, from the output layer to the input layer), and the connection weights of each node in each layer of the neural network can be updated based on the backpropagation. The change in the updated connection weights of each node can be determined based on the learning rate. The computation of the neural network on the input data and the backpropagation of the error can be configured with a learning period (epoch). The learning data is adapted differently depending on the number of repetitions of the neural network's learning period. For example, a high learning rate can be used in the early stages of neural network learning to improve efficiency, allowing the neural network to quickly establish a certain level of performance, while a low learning rate can be used in the later stages of learning to improve accuracy.
[0130] Learning methods can vary depending on the characteristics of the data. For example, to accurately predict the data transmitted from the transmitter in a receiver of a communication system, supervised learning can be used instead of unsupervised learning or reinforcement learning.
[0131] The learning model corresponds to the human brain and can be viewed as the most basic linear model. However, the paradigm of machine learning that uses highly complex neural network structures (such as artificial neural networks) as learning models is called deep learning.
[0132] The core neural networks used as learning methods can broadly include deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional deep neural networks (CNNs), recurrent Boltzmann machines (RNNs), and spiking neural networks (SNNs). Such learning models are applicable.
[0133] THz (Terahertz) communication
[0134] Data rates can be increased by increasing bandwidth. This can be achieved by using sub-THz communication with wide bandwidth and applying advanced massive MIMO technology. THz waves (also known as submillimeter radiation) typically refer to a frequency band between 0.1 THz and 10 THz, corresponding to wavelengths in the range of 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The 100 GHz to 300 GHz frequency band (sub-THz band) is considered the main part of the THz frequency band used for cellular communication. Adding the sub-THz band to the millimeter-wave band increases 6G cellular communication capacity. The 300 GHz to 3 THz band in the defined THz frequency band is in the far-infrared (IR) band. The 300 GHz to 3 THz band is part of the optical band, but it is on the boundary of the optical band and just behind the RF band. Therefore, the 300 GHz to 3 THz band has similarities to RF.
[0135] Figure 5 shows an example of the electromagnetic spectrum.
[0136] The key characteristics of THz communication include (i) a wide range of available bandwidth supporting very high data rates, and (ii) high path loss occurring at high frequencies (making highly directional antennas indispensable). The narrow beamwidth generated in highly directional antennas reduces interference. The small wavelength of THz signals allows for the integration of a larger number of antenna elements with devices and base stations operating in this band. Therefore, advanced adaptive placement techniques capable of overcoming range limitations can be used.
[0137] Massive MIMO
[0138] One of the core technologies used to improve spectral efficiency is MIMO (Multi-channel Mixing). As MIMO technology improves, spectral efficiency also increases. Therefore, massive MIMO will be crucial in 6G systems. Since MIMO uses multiple paths, emphasis should be placed on multiplexing and beamforming techniques suitable for the THz band to enable data signal transmission through one or more paths.
[0139] Holographic beamforming
[0140] Beamforming is the signal processing procedure of adjusting an antenna array to transmit radio signals in a specific direction. It is a subset of smart antennas or advanced antenna systems. Beamforming technology offers numerous advantages such as high signal-to-noise ratio, interference prevention and suppression, and high network efficiency. Holographic beamforming (HBF) is a novel beamforming method that differs significantly from MIMO systems because it uses software-defined antennas. HBF will be a highly effective method for efficiently and flexibly transmitting and receiving signals in multi-antenna communication devices in 6G.
[0141] Optical wireless technology
[0142] Optical wireless communication (OWC) is a form of optical communication that uses visible light, infrared light (IR), or ultraviolet light (UV) to carry signals. OWC operating in the visible light band (e.g., 390 nm to 750 nm) is often called visible light communication (VLC). VLC can be implemented using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). VLC can be used in a variety of applications, including wireless LANs, wireless personal area networks, and vehicular networks.
[0143] VLC offers several advantages over RF-based technologies. First, VLC occupies a largely untapped / unlicensed spectrum and provides wide bandwidth (THz levels). Second, VLC causes minimal interference to other electromagnetic devices; therefore, it can be used in electromagnetically sensitive applications such as aircraft and hospitals. Third, VLC offers advantages in communication security and privacy. The transmission medium of VLC-based networks (i.e., visible light) cannot penetrate walls and other opaque obstacles. Therefore, VLC's transmission range can be limited to indoor environments, protecting user privacy and sensitive information. Fourth, VLC can use any light source as a base station, eliminating the need for expensive base stations.
[0144] Free-space optical communication (FSO) is an optical communication technology that uses light propagating in free space (such as air), outer space, and vacuum to wirelessly transmit data for use in telecommunications or computer networks. FSO can be used as a terrestrial point-to-point OWC system. FSO can operate in the near-infrared frequency range (750 nm–1600 nm). Laser transmitters can be used in FSO implementations, and FSO can provide high data rates (e.g., 10 Gbit / s), thus offering a potential solution to backhaul bottlenecks.
[0145] In addition to RF-based communication for all possible devices to access networks, these OWC technologies are also planned for 6G communication. These networks will connect access networks to backhaul / fronthaul networks. OWC technology has been used since 4G communication systems, but will be used more extensively to meet the needs of 6G communication systems. OWC technologies such as optical fidelity, visible light communication, optical camera communication, and FSO communication based on optical bands are already well-known. Optical wireless communication can provide extremely high data rates, low latency, and secure communication.
[0146] Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is also based on optical frequency bands and can be used for ultra-high resolution 3D mapping in 6G communications. LiDAR is a remote sensing method that uses near-infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light to illuminate objects and the reflected light is detected by a light sensor to measure distance. LiDAR can be used for fully autonomous driving in automobiles.
[0147] FSO Backhaul Network
[0148] The transmitters and receivers of an FSO system exhibit characteristics similar to those of a fiber optic network. Therefore, data transmission in an FSO system is analogous to that in a fiber optic system. Consequently, FSO can be a good technology for providing backhaul connectivity in 6G systems alongside fiber optic networks. When using FSO, very long-distance communication is possible, even at distances of 10,000 km or more. FSO supports extensive backhaul connectivity for both long-range and short-range areas such as oceans, space, underwater, and isolated islands. FSO also supports cellular base station connectivity.
[0149] Non-terrestrial networks (NTN)
[0150] 6G systems will integrate terrestrial and airborne networks to support vertically extended user communications. 3D BS will be delivered via LEO satellites and UAVs. Adding new dimensions in terms of altitude and associated degrees of freedom makes 3D connectivity quite different from traditional 2D networks. NR considers non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) as one way to achieve this. NTNs are networks or network segments that utilize RF resources on satellites (or UAS platforms). For NTNs providing access to user equipment, there are two common scenarios: transparent payloads and regenerative payloads. The following are the basic elements of NTNs.
[0151] - Connect the NTN to one or more SAT gateways in the public data network.
[0152] - GEO satellites are fed by one or more satellite gateways deployed across satellite target ranges (e.g., regional or continental coverage areas). We assume that a UE in a cell is served by only one SAT gateway.
[0153] - Non-GEO satellites continuously served by one or more satellite gateways. The system ensures service and feeder link continuity between continuously serving satellite gateways for a duration sufficient to allow mobility anchoring and handover.
[0154] - Feeder link or radio link between the satellite gateway and the satellite (or UAS platform).
[0155] - Service link or radio link between user equipment and satellite (or UAS platform).
[0156] - Satellites (or UAS platforms) capable of providing transparent or regenerated (with onboard processing) payloads. Depending on the field of view, the beams generated by the satellite (or UAS platform) typically produce multiple beams for a given service area. The coverage area of the beams is usually elliptical. The field of view of the satellite (or UAS platform) depends on the onboard antenna pattern and the angle of attack.
[0157] - Transparent payload: RF filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, so the waveform signal repeated by the payload remains unchanged.
[0158] - Regenerated payload: RF filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, demodulation / decryption, switching and / or routing, and encoding / modulation. This is essentially the same as all or part of a base station function (e.g., gNB) on a satellite (or UAS platform).
[0159] - For satellite deployments, optionally, inter-satellite links (ISLs). This requires a regenerative payload on the satellite. ISLs can operate in RF frequencies or optical bands.
[0160] - User equipment is served by satellites (or UAS platforms) within the target coverage area.
[0161] Typically, GEO satellites and UAS are used to provide services to a continent, region, or local area.
[0162] Typically, constellations in LEO and MEO are used to provide coverage in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In some cases, constellations can also provide global coverage, including polar regions. The latter requires appropriate orbital inclination, sufficient generated beams, and links between satellites.
[0163] Quantum communication
[0164] Quantum communication is a next-generation communication technology that overcomes the limitations of traditional communication (such as security and high-speed computing) by applying the properties of quantum mechanics to the field of information and communication. Quantum communication provides a means to generate, transmit, process, and store information that cannot be expressed in the form of 0s and 1s, based on the binary bit information used in existing communication technologies. In conventional communication technologies, information is transmitted between the sender and receiver using wavelength or amplitude; however, in quantum communication, photons, as the smallest unit of light, are used to transmit information between the sender and receiver. Specifically, in the case of quantum communication, quantum uncertainty and quantum irreversibility can be applied to the polarization or phase difference of photons (light), thus quantum communication possesses the characteristic of being able to communicate with perfect security. Furthermore, quantum communication can also achieve ultra-high-speed communication under certain conditions using quantum entanglement.
[0165] Cellular communication
[0166] The tight integration of multiple frequencies and heterogeneous communication technologies is key in 6G systems. As a result, users can seamlessly move from one network to another without having to create any manual configurations on their devices. The optimal network is automatically selected from the available communication technologies. This will break down the limitations of the cell concept in wireless communication. Currently, user movement from one cell to another causes excessive handovers in dense networks, leading to handover failures, handover delays, data loss, and the ping-pong effect. 6G cell-free communication will overcome all of these and provide better QoS.
[0167] Cellular-free communication is defined as "a system in which a large number of geographically distributed antennas (APs) collaboratively serve a small number of terminals using the same time / frequency resources, with the aid of a fronthaul network and a CPU." A single terminal is served by a collection of multiple APs (called an AP cluster). There are several ways to form AP clusters, one of which, configuring AP clusters to significantly improve terminal reception performance, is called a terminal-centric clustering method, and when using this method, the configuration is dynamically updated as the terminal moves. By employing this device-centric AP clustering technique, the device is always at the center of the AP cluster, thus eliminating inter-cluster interference that can occur when the device is located at the edge of the AP cluster. This cellless communication will be achieved through multi-connectivity and multi-layer hybrid technologies, as well as different heterogeneous radios within the device.
[0168] Integration of Wireless Information and Power Delivery (WIET)
[0169] WIET uses the same fields and waves as wireless communication systems. Specifically, sensors and smartphones will use wireless power delivery to charge during communication. WIET is a promising technology for extending the lifespan of wireless battery charging systems. Therefore, devices without batteries will be supported in 6G communications.
[0170] Integration of wireless communication and sensing
[0171] Autonomous wireless networks are capable of continuously detecting dynamically changing environmental conditions and exchanging information between different nodes. In 6G, sensing will be tightly integrated with communication to support autonomous systems.
[0172] Integrated access and backhaul networks
[0173] In 6G, the density of access networks will be enormous. Each access network will be connected via fiber optic cables and backhaul connections (such as FSO networks). To handle the very large number of access networks, there will be tight integration between the access networks and the backhaul networks.
[0174] Big data analytics
[0175] Big data analytics is a complex process used to analyze various large datasets or big data. This process uncovers information such as hidden data, unknown correlations, and customer actions to ensure comprehensive data management. Big data is collected from various sources such as videos, social networks, images, and sensors. This technology is widely used in 6G systems to process massive amounts of data.
[0176] Reconfigurable smart surfaces
[0177] Numerous studies have explored the radio environment as a variable to be optimized along with the transmitter and receiver. The radio environment created by this approach is termed a Smart Radio Environment (SRE) or Intelligent Radio Environment (IRE) to highlight its fundamental difference from past design and optimization guidelines. Various terms have been proposed for SRE-enabled reconfigurable smart antenna (or smart reconfigurable antenna technology) techniques, including reconfigurable metasurfaces, large smart surfaces (SLIS), large smart surfaces (LIS), reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS), and smart reflective surfaces (IRS).
[0178] In the case of THz band signals, numerous shadowed regions caused by obstacles exist due to the signal's rigidity. RIS (Radio Reflector Array) technology is important for extending communication ranges by enhancing communication stability and enabling additional value-added services through the installation of RIS near these shadowed regions. RIS are artificial surfaces made of electromagnetic materials that can alter the propagation of incoming and outgoing radio waves. While RIS can be considered an extension of massive MIMO, it has a different array structure and operating mechanism. RIS also offers the advantage of lower power consumption because it operates as a reconfigurable reflector with passive components, meaning it passively reflects signals without using an active RF chain. Furthermore, each of the passive reflectors in the RIS must independently adjust the phase shift of the incident signal, which can be advantageous for wireless communication channels. By appropriately adjusting the phase shift using the RIS controller, the reflected signal can be collected at the target receiver to improve the received signal power.
[0179] In addition to reflecting radio signals, there are also radio signal reflectors (RIS) that can adjust their transmission and refraction characteristics, and these RIS are mainly used for O2I (outdoor to indoor). Recently, STAR-RIS (simultaneous transmission and reflection RIS), which provides transmission while reflecting, has also been actively researched.
[0180] metaverse
[0181] The metaverse is a portmanteau of the words "meta" (virtual), "transcendent" (transcendental), and "universe" (space). Generally speaking, the metaverse is a three-dimensional virtual space in which social and economic activities identical to those in the real world are common.
[0182] Extended Reality (XR) (a key technology for realizing the metaverse) is a fusion of virtual and real, extending real-world experiences and providing a unique sense of immersion. The high bandwidth and low latency of 6G networks will enable users to experience more immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.
[0183] Autonomous driving, autonomous driving
[0184] For perfect autonomous driving, vehicles must communicate with each other to notify each other of dangerous situations, or with infrastructure such as parking lots and traffic lights to check information such as parking location and signal change times. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) (a key element in building autonomous driving infrastructure) is a technology that enables vehicles to communicate with various elements on the road and share information (such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)) for autonomous driving.
[0185] To maximize the performance and ensure high safety of autonomous driving, high-speed transmission and low-latency technologies are essential. Furthermore, in the future, autonomous driving will go beyond simply delivering warnings or guidance messages to the driver to proactively intervene in vehicle operation and directly control the vehicle in dangerous situations. The amount of information that needs to be sent and received will be enormous; therefore, 6G is expected to maximize autonomous driving with its faster transmission speeds and lower latency compared to 5G.
[0186] Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
[0187] Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, will be a crucial element in 6G wireless communication. In most cases, UAV technology will be used to provide high-speed data wireless connectivity. Base station entities are installed within UAVs to provide cellular connectivity. UAVs possess specific characteristics not found in fixed base station infrastructure, such as ease of deployment, strong line-of-sight links, and degrees of freedom in controlled mobility. During emergencies such as natural disasters, the deployment of terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure is economically infeasible and sometimes unable to provide service in volatile environments. UAVs can easily handle such situations. UAVs will be a new paradigm in the field of wireless communication. This technology contributes to the three fundamental requirements of wireless networks, such as eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC. UAVs can also serve numerous purposes, such as improving network connectivity, fire detection, disaster emergency services, security and surveillance, pollution monitoring, parking monitoring, and accident monitoring. Therefore, UAV technology is considered one of the most important technologies for 6G communications.
[0188] Blockchain
[0189] Blockchain will be a crucial technology for managing massive amounts of data in future communication systems. Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, and a distributed ledger is a database distributed across numerous nodes or computing devices. Each node replicates and stores an identical copy of the ledger. Blockchain is managed through a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. This can exist without being managed by a centralized institution or server. Blockchain data is collected together and organized into blocks. Blocks are linked together and protected using encryption. Blockchain fully complements large-scale IoT through improved interoperability, security, privacy, stability, and scalability. Therefore, blockchain technology offers multiple capabilities such as interoperability between devices, high-volume data traceability, autonomous interaction between different IoT systems, and the massive connectivity stability of 6G communication systems.
[0190] This disclosure
[0191] In mobile communication technologies including 5G NR, carrier aggregation (CA) combinations based on various frequency bands can be supported. For CA combinations, regarding the operator's CA frequency band combination, the maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) due to self-interference at the terminal's receiver needs to be defined. By defining such an MSD, the receiver sensitivity of the terminal can be relaxed. Alternatively, by defining this MSD, components that mitigate distortion caused by intermodulation distortion (IMD) and / or harmonic components can be additionally used (e.g., using harmonic notch filters, defining measurement methods in areas without sensitivity reduction due to IMD).
[0192] Requirements for UEs supporting 3Tx are being discussed. However, in the prior art, there is no defined MSD requirement assuming 3Tx. For example, when configuring CA for a UE supporting 3Tx, there is a problem that the UE's Rx performance is not guaranteed at all.
[0193] The purpose of this disclosure is to ensure the UE's Rx performance when performing operations based on 3Tx by defining MSD requirements related to the 3Tx band. For example, the disclosure of this specification analyzes the IMD associated with various CA band combinations and the MSD to be applied to receiver sensitivity.
[0194] Therefore, the effects of harmonic components and / or IMD in CA band combinations are analyzed in various examples disclosed in this specification. The disclosure in this specification analyzes band combinations in the terminal's own receiving band that cause receiver sensitivity degradation based on the effects of harmonic components and IMD.
[0195] Furthermore, for the high power of the 3Tx UE, the MSD caused by intermodulation distortion was analyzed.
[0196] For example, the RF requirements for UEs supporting 3Tx need to be discussed. It is assumed that the 3Tx architecture differs from the conventional 2Tx architecture. Therefore, under the assumption of 3Tx, reference sensitivity degradation may occur in inter-band CA / DC band combinations. Therefore, various examples of the disclosure in this specification analyze the reference sensitivity degradation when CA_n41-n71 operate in 3Tx.
[0197] Furthermore, the MSD can be analyzed considering the RF architecture of the terminal implementation in the corresponding frequency band combination within the disclosure of this specification. Based on the MSD analysis, exceptions to the receiver sensitivity requirements for the corresponding frequency band combination can be identified in the standard. Therefore, exceptions to the receiver sensitivity testing for the corresponding terminal can be applied.
[0198] For reference, the disclosure in this specification describes an MSD focused on CA, but this is only an example, and the MSD described in the disclosure in this specification can also be applied to DC based on the same frequency band combination.
[0199] For reference, in the disclosure of this specification, "terminal" may be used as a term that has the same meaning as "user equipment" (UE).
[0200] According to the examples disclosed in this specification, the UE and / or network (e.g., base station) can perform CA operations. In this case, in the examples disclosed in this specification, self-interference occurring in the terminal is analyzed, and a relaxed sensitivity criterion is proposed.
[0201] First, an example of self-interference will be described with reference to the example in Figure 5.
[0202] The following figures are provided to illustrate specific examples of this disclosure. Since the names of specific devices or signals / messages / fields described in the figures are presented as examples, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures.
[0203] Figure 5 illustrates an example of how uplink signals transmitted via the uplink operating band affect downlink signals received via the downlink operating band.
[0204] In Figure 5, IMD (intermodulation distortion) can refer to amplitude modulation of signals comprising two or more different frequencies due to nonlinearity or time variation of the system. Intermodulation between frequency components can create additional components, such as harmonic distortion, not only at frequencies that are not at any harmonic frequency (integer multiples), but also at frequencies at the sum and difference of the original frequencies and at frequencies at multiples of those frequencies.
[0205] Referring to Figure 5, an example of configuring CA for a UE is illustrated. For example, the UE can perform communication based on a CA according to one downlink operating band (DL band Z) and one uplink operating band (UL band Y). In the example of Figure 8, only an example of analyzing the impact of IMD using two uplink operating bands and one downlink operating band is illustrated, but this is only an example. The scope of disclosure in this specification may also include cases using one or more downlink operating bands and two or more uplink operating bands.
[0206] As shown in Figure 5, with one downlink operating band and two uplink operating bands configured for CA, the UE can transmit uplink signals through the two uplink operating bands. In this case, the harmonic components and IMD (intermodulation distortion) components generated based on the uplink signal bands can belong to their own downlink bands. That is, in the example of Figure 5, when the terminal transmits uplink signals, it can generate harmonic components and IMD components, which can affect the terminal's own downlink band.
[0207] When a downlink signal is received, the UE should be configured to meet the Reference Sensitivity Power Level (REFSENS), which is the minimum average power of each antenna port of the UE.
[0208] When harmonic components and / or IMD components are generated as in the example in Figure 5, there is a possibility that the REFSENS for the downlink signal may not be met due to the uplink signal transmitted by the UE itself. The reference sensitivity power level REFSENS can be the minimum average power applied to each UE antenna port for all UE categories. Based on REFSENS, the throughput should meet or exceed the requirements of the specified reference measurement channel.
[0209] For example, REFSENS can be configured such that the UE's downlink signal throughput is 95% or greater than the maximum throughput of the reference measurement channel. If harmonic components and / or IMD components are present, there is a possibility that the downlink signal throughput will be reduced to 95% or less of the maximum throughput.
[0210] Therefore, if harmonic components and / or IMD components are present, it can be determined whether the UE's harmonic and IMD components are present. Since a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) value is defined for the corresponding frequency band, the relaxation of the REFSENS in the receive frequency band associated with its transmitted signal is permissible. Here, MSD can refer to the maximum permissible reduction of REFSENS. When an MSD is defined for a specific operating frequency band of a UE configured with CA or DC, the REFSENS of the corresponding operating frequency band can be relaxed by the defined MSD amount.
[0211] The IMD components affecting the affected frequency bands are calculated, and the MSD values can be analyzed considering the IMD components. Intermodulation can refer to the distorted signals generated when two UL signals pass through a nonlinear device. When analyzing IMD components, essentially, the two UL frequency bands can be assumed to be UL agents, and the IMD components can be analyzed. Within the DL frequency bands, the frequency band affected by the IMD components is selected as the DL victim, the IMD components for it are analyzed, and the MSD values can be determined separately. For example, if UL frequency bands X and Y affect not only DL frequency band Z but also DL frequency band B, the MSD for DL frequency band B can also be calculated.
[0212] The new radio (NR) band combinations for CA described in the examples of the disclosure in this specification may include a combination of NR operating band n41 and operating band n71 (e.g., CA_n71-n41).
[0213] For example, coexistence issues may occur when operating with 2UL / 2DL or 2UL / 1DL in the CA_n71-n41 band combination. For instance, CA can be configured for the UE based on a band combination that includes two operating bands (e.g., a combination of n1 NR operating band n41 and operating band n71). As described in the following examples, if the victim DL band to which the coexistence issue applies is included in such an operating band combination, the MSD value described below can be applied.
[0214] In various examples of the disclosure in this specification, the components shown in Figure 6 can be used for IMD component analysis and MSD calculation. The components in Figure 6 may correspond to the components included in Figure 9.
[0215] The following figures are provided to illustrate specific examples of this disclosure. Since the names of specific devices or signals / messages / fields described in the figures are presented as examples, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures.
[0216] Figure 6 is an example of elements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0217] Referring to the example in Figure 6, the shape, name, insertion loss, and isolation factor of the components used in various examples of the disclosure in this specification are illustrated.
[0218] For example, the insertion loss of a duplexer in the FDD band is 1 dB. The isolation factor is 50 for the near-band and 15 for the high-band. The near-band can refer to frequencies close to the operating frequency of the duplexer or filter. For example, if the duplexer operates between 1.2 GHz and 1.4 GHz, then the surrounding 100 MHz can be considered the near-band. The isolation factor is measured in dB.
[0219] Within the disclosure of this specification, IMD and MSD can be analyzed. For reference, the UE architecture can be based on a 3Tx architecture. For example, a UE configured with CA can perform uplink transmissions based on three PAs.
[0220] The following figures are provided to illustrate specific examples of this disclosure. Since the names of specific devices or signals / messages / fields described in the figures are presented as examples, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures.
[0221] Figure 7 is an example of intermodulation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0222] Referring to the example in Figure 7, an example illustrating the principle of intermodulation degradation will be given.
[0223] Referring to the example in Figure 7, f1-1 refers to the center frequency of frequency band 1. f1-2 refers to the center frequency of frequency band 2.
[0224] Intermodulation signals are signals generated when two signals (f1_1, f1_2) pass through a nonlinear device. Intermodulation signals can be generated at frequencies based on equations such as those in the following example.
[0225] The IMD output frequency, where m, n = 0, 1, 2, 3... (order = |nm|) = ±n f 1_1 ±m f 1_2
[0226] Referring to the above equation, the intermodulation signal can be expressed as the absolute value of the difference between the value obtained by multiplying the center frequency of frequency band 1 by an integer and the value obtained by multiplying the center frequency of frequency band 2 by an integer.
[0227] For example, a terminal can operate with CA / DC outputting two ULs simultaneously. In this case, the IMD can be generated from the two UL signals output by the terminal. If the corresponding IMD component enters the terminal's DL band, it may affect REFSENS. Based on the impact on REFSENS, MSD requirements are defined.
[0228] In the following sections, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, the effects of IMD and MSD on the combination of the n71 and n41 frequency bands (e.g., CA_n71-n41) will be analyzed.
[0229] First, referring to Figures 8 and 9, an example will be described where UL band n41 and UL band n71 are the attackers generating IMD4 and DL band n71 is the victim.
[0230] The following figures are provided to illustrate specific examples of this disclosure. Since the names of specific devices or signals / messages / fields described in the figures are presented as examples, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures.
[0231] Figure 8 illustrates an example of an interference path illustrating the coexistence problem of CA based on frequency bands n41 and n71, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0232] Figure 8 illustrates a coexistence problem caused by self-interference (e.g., IMD4) occurring in the downlink band n71 when CA is configured for a UE based on band combinations n41 and n71.
[0233] For example, when uplink signals are transmitted based on frequency bands n41 and n71, and downlink signals are received based on frequency band n71, IMD 4 can be an IMD affecting frequency band n71.
[0234] Referring to Figure 8, the fourth-order IMD (IMD4) components of the uplink signal transmitted in uplink band n71 and the uplink signal transmitted in uplink band n41 can fall within the frequency range of downlink band n71.
[0235] For example, the worst-case scenario where the impact of IMD 4 is greatest in the downlink band n71 frequency range can be as follows. This is the case where the center frequency of the uplink band n71 is 665 MHz, the center frequency of the uplink band n41 is 2614 MHz, and the center frequency of the downlink operating band n71 is 619 MHz. Furthermore, UL L CRB It can be 25, the UL BW can be 5 MHz, and the DL BW can be 5 MHz. Here, L CRB This refers to the length of a contiguous resource block.
[0236] In this case, due to 2614-3 665=619, so the frequency of the IMD4 component based on the uplink band n71 and band n41 matches the center frequency of the downlink band n71.
[0237] Referring to Figure 9, an example of an architecture for analyzing IMD and MSD based on band n41 and band n71 will be described.
[0238] The following figures are provided to illustrate specific examples of this disclosure. Since the names of specific devices or signals / messages / fields described in the figures are presented as examples, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures.
[0239] Figure 9 is an example of the structure of a UE configured with CA based on frequency band 71 and frequency band 41 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0240] For reference, Figure 9 shows a simplified structure of the UE.
[0241] For example, Figure 9 is an example of the structure of a UE configured with CA (e.g., CA_n71-n41) based on bands 71 and 41. Among the components included in Figure 9, the inverted triangle at the top is the antenna.
[0242] The triangles at the bottom of Figure 9 represent the LNA and PA. The black LNA is the LNA for downlink signals, and in the example analyzing IMD components, it is the LNA affected by IMD. The white PA is the PA for uplink signals. The striped LNA is the LNA for downlink signals. Signals transmitted from the white PA may cause IMD components. For the remaining components, refer to the example in Figure 6.
[0243] According to the example in Figure 9, the UE can support 3Tx. For example, there can be three red PAs for signal transmission.
[0244] According to the example in Figure 9, the UE can use one PA to transmit uplink signals in the n71 band, and the UE can use two PAs to transmit uplink signals in the n41 band.
[0245] As illustrated in the example in Figure 8, the UE according to the example in Figure 9 can transmit uplink signals based on band n71 and band n41. When the UE receives downlink signals based on band n71, the IMD4 of the uplink signals based on band n71 and band n41 may affect band n71.
[0246] For reference, in the example in Figure 9, the UE can support various power levels, including PC1.5.
[0247] Table 6 provides examples of the frequency ranges for bands n41 and n71.
[0248] [Table 6]
[0249] Referring to Figure 6, the uplink bandwidth of operating band n71 is 663 MHz to 698 MHz, and the downlink bandwidth is 617 MHz to 652 MHz. The uplink bandwidth of operating band n41 is 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz, and the downlink bandwidth is 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz.
[0250] Table 7 shows examples of frequencies at which IMD components occur when uplink signals are transmitted in bands n71 and n41.
[0251] [Table 7]
[0252] fx_low corresponds to the minimum value in band n71, and fx_high corresponds to the maximum value in band n71. fy_low corresponds to the minimum value in band n41, and fy_high corresponds to the maximum value in band n41.
[0253] Referring to the examples in Table 7, harmonic frequencies of a signal based on one frequency band are described. Furthermore, referring to the examples in Figure 7, examples of IMD components of a signal based on two frequency bands are described.
[0254] Referring to the coexistence analysis results based on the examples in Table 7, it can be confirmed that the IMD4 component affects n71 DL.
[0255] The parameters in the example in Table 8 below are used for UE structure analysis MSD based on Figure 8.
[0256] [Table 8]
[0257] Table 8 provides examples of parameters for analyzing the IMD4 and MSD of a UE configured with CA based on bands 71 and 41 (e.g., CA_n71-n41). The numbers in Table 8 are in dB.
[0258] The following section specifically analyzes the IMD and MSD for the case of performing operations in 3Tx within CA_n41-n71 PC1.5. For example, the UE supports power class 1.5 and can be configured with CA based on bands n41 and n71. The UE can operate in 3Tx. The IMD and IMD-based MSD for such a UE are analyzed.
[0259] The values below are path loss values calculated based on Figure 9 and Table 8 for the signal path of the Tx signal or IMD product.
[0260] The path loss until the signal from PA tx reaches PA n71 (or n71) is: RF direct path = 29 (1 (switch) + 1 (filter) + 1 (switch) + 10 (diplexer) + 1 (switch) + 15 (duplexer)). The path loss until the signal generated from PA n71 reaches the victim main DL (n71 Rx) is: RF direct path = 50 (duplexer). The path loss until the signal generated from PA n71 reaches the victim diversity DL (n71 Rx) is: RF direct path = 1 (duplexer) + 1 (switch) + 2 (diplexer) + 10 (antenna isolation) + 2 (diplexer) + 1 (switch) + 50 (duplexer) = 67 until the signal generated from PA n41 reaches the victim main DL (n71). The path loss of RF direct path = 1 (switch) + 30 (filter) + 1 (switch) + 10 (dual-band combiner) + 1 (switch) + 1 (duplexer) = 44 until the signal generated from n41 PA reaches the victim diversity DL (n71 Rx). The path loss of RF direct path = 1 (switch) + 30 (filter) + 1 (switch) + 10 (dual-band combiner) + 10 (antenna isolation) + 2 (dual-band combiner) + 1 (switch) + 1 (filter) = 56. Note 1: 1 dB is the insertion loss when passing through passive components in the frequency band.
[0261] Note 2: In cases with RF direct path loss of 60 dB or greater, 60 dB PCB isolation is used instead because the loss value is much greater than that of PCB isolation.
[0262] Table 9 provides examples illustrating the input and output power of the PA for the uplink of each operating frequency band.
[0263] [Table 9]
[0264] Based on the examples in Table 9, IMD components and MSD can be analyzed.
[0265] Table 10 describes an example of calculating the main Rx interference power.
[0266] [Table 10]
[0267] Table 10 provides an example of calculating the main Rx interference power.
[0268] For example, n41 (isol) to n71 means that the output power of n41 PA reaches the input node of n71 PA through PCB coupling. n41 (direct) to n71 means that the output power of n41 PA reaches the output node of n71 PA through a direct RF path.
[0269] Calculate IMD4 at PA based on the following equation.
[0270] IMD4 Power Equation: 3 n71 power + n41 power - 3 IP4 (30)
[0271] The IMD4 at the main Rx represents the final interference power after the IMD4 component has undergone path loss from the PA that generates IMD4 to the victim DL.
[0272] Refer to the example in Table 11 to calculate the diversity Rx interference power.
[0273] [Table 11]
[0274] The diversity Rx structure based on the structure in Figure 9 does not include the PA. Therefore, when the IMD4 output power reaches the diversity Rx, calculations are performed based on the IMD4 output power generated in the main Rx by applying path loss.
[0275] Based on the examples in Figures 8 and 9 and Tables 8 to 11, the MSD value can be derived as shown in the example in Table 12.
[0276] [Table 12]
[0277] Table 12 provides examples of IMD4 power analysis (e.g., main IMD4, diversity total IMD4) and MSD value analysis for CA based on band 71 and band 41.
[0278] The main total IMD4 is the sum of the IMD4 components (or products) generated in the main path based on the structure in Figure 9 and the examples in Table 10. The diversity total IMD4 is the sum of the IMD4 components based on the structure in Figure 9 and the examples in Table 11, according to the diversity Rx interference. Following the MRC are the applied MRC values. The MSD following the MRC at SNR=-1 (with a 1.5 dB margin) is an example of the MSD value finally derived from the main total IMD4 and diversity total IMD4 values.
[0279] The IMD4 MSD based on CA_n71-n41 can be 25.4 dB. Based on 25.4 dB as the IMD4-based MSD value, the UE can perform REFSENS-related tests. For example, such a UE can support PC1.5 and 3Tx.
[0280] Specifically, based on the requirements for the UE's receive performance, the MSD values in Table 12 can be used when testing the UE. For example, the UE's transceiver and / or receiver can be tested to see if they meet the reference sensitivity (REFSENS) for the MSD values applied according to the examples in Table 12. The UE's transceiver can receive downlink signals. The UE's transceiver can be a transceiver that has been tested based on the REFSENS of the applied MSD values to see if the UE's downlink signal throughput is 95% or greater than the maximum throughput of the reference measurement channel.
[0281] For example, for a UE, CA based on band n41 and band n71 can be configured.
[0282] As an example, such a CA can be configured for one or more transceivers included in a UE. In this case, since signals transmitted from uplink band n41 and uplink band n71 may affect downlink band n71 (e.g., the effect of the IMD4 component), REFSENS can be relaxed by 25.4 dB, which is the MSD value. For example, one or more transceivers can transmit uplink signals through a channel in band n41 with an uplink center frequency of 2614 MHz and a bandwidth of 5 MHz, and transmit uplink signals through a channel in band n71 with an uplink center frequency of 665 MHz and a bandwidth of 5 MHz. In this case, when one or more transceivers receive downlink signals through a channel in band n71 with a downlink center frequency of 619 MHz and a bandwidth of 5 MHz, REFSENS can be relaxed by an MSD value of 25.4 dB. Based on the relaxed values, one or more transceivers can be tested regarding whether the UE's downlink signal throughput is 95% or greater than the maximum throughput of the reference measurement channel. The UE may include one or more transceivers that have passed the test.
[0283] The following figures are provided to illustrate specific examples of this disclosure. Since the names of specific devices or signals / messages / fields described in the figures are presented as examples, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures.
[0284] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0285] For example, the operations described in the examples of Figures 1 to 9 can also be applied to the example of Figure 10. For example, even for operations, contents, etc., not directly described in the example of Figure 10, the operations, contents, etc., described in the various examples of this disclosure can be applied.
[0286] The UE may include: one or more transceivers; one or more processors; and one or more memories that store instructions and are operatively connectable to one or more processors. Based on the instructions executed by one or more processors, the operations described below can be performed.
[0287] In step S1001, the UE can transmit uplink signals. For example, the UE can transmit uplink signals through one or more transceivers. For example, one or more transceivers can transmit uplink signals based on operating frequency band n41 and operating frequency band n71.
[0288] In step S1002, the UE can receive downlink signals. For example, the UE can receive downlink signals through one or more transceivers. For example, downlink signals can be received based on one or more NR operating bands, namely NR operating band n41 and operating band n71. As an example, downlink signals can be received based on NR operating band n71.
[0289] For example, CA can be configured for one or more transceivers based on two NR operating frequency bands. For example, CA can be configured based on operating frequency band n41 and operating frequency band n71.
[0290] For example, the UE can receive configuration information related to CA from the base station.
[0291] The UE can be configured to meet requirements related to reference sensitivity. MSD can be applied to the reference sensitivity.
[0292] Based on the combination of frequency bands for CA, the reference sensitivity for downlink reception can be relaxed by MSD.
[0293] For example, when transmitting uplink signals based on bands n41 and n71 and receiving downlink signals based on band n71, the MSD can be 25.4 dB. In this case, for one or more transceivers, the requirements for reference sensitivity can be tested based on an uplink center frequency of 2614 MHz for band n41, an uplink center frequency of 665 MHz for band n71, and a downlink center frequency of 619 MHz for band n71.
[0294] For example, a CA based on NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 is configured, and the source based on IMD is IMD4, and the MSD for NR operating band n71 can be 25.4 dB.
[0295] For example, based on the uplink center frequency of 665 MHz for NR operating band n71, the uplink center frequency of 2614 MHz for NR operating band n41, and the downlink center frequency of 619 MHz for band n71, a MSD of 25.4 dB can be applied to NR operating band n71.
[0296] The NR operating frequency band n41 may include a frequency band of 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz for uplink and a frequency band of 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz for downlink.
[0297] The NR operating frequency band n71 may include a frequency band of 663 MHz to 698 MHz for uplink and a frequency band of 617 MHz to 652 MHz for downlink.
[0298] The following figures are provided to illustrate specific examples of this disclosure. Since the names of specific devices or signals / messages / fields described in the figures are presented as examples, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures.
[0299] Figure 11 illustrates an example of the operation of a UE and a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0300] For reference, the UE can perform steps S1103 and S1104 of FIG11 in the same manner as steps S1001 and S1002 of FIG10. The operations of the UE described in the example of FIG10 can be performed by the UE of FIG11 in the same way. When describing FIG11, the content described in the example of FIG10 will be omitted.
[0301] In step S1101, the UE may send a random access preamble to the base station.
[0302] In step S1102, the base station can send a response message to the UE.
[0303] In step S1103, the UE can send an uplink signal to the base station.
[0304] In step S1104, the base station can send downlink signals to the UE.
[0305] The base station can send configuration information related to the CA to the UE. The UE can perform communication based on the CA described in the example of Figure 10 and the configuration information related to the CA.
[0306] This disclosure can have various effects.
[0307] For example, according to various examples of this disclosure, the coexistence problem can be solved by analyzing the coexistence issues of frequency band combinations used for CA and analyzing the MSD. For example, when CA based on frequency band n41 and frequency band n71 is configured for a UE, the MSD analyzed according to various examples of this disclosure can be applied. Therefore, the coexistence problem can be solved.
[0308] For example, when the terminal operates based on 3Tx, the terminal's Rx performance can be guaranteed.
[0309] The effects that can be obtained from the specific examples of this disclosure are not limited to those listed above. For example, there may be various technical effects that a person skilled in the art can understand or infer from this disclosure. Therefore, the specific effects of this disclosure are not limited to those explicitly set forth herein, but may include a variety of effects that can be understood or inferred from the technical features of this disclosure.
[0310] For reference, the operation of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification can be implemented using the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3 above. For example, the terminal (e.g., UE) can be the first apparatus 100 or the second apparatus 200 of Figure 1. For example, the operation of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification can be processed by one or more processors 102 or 202. The operation of the terminal described in this specification can be stored in one or more memories 104 or 204 in the form of instructions / programs (e.g., instructions and executable code) executable by one or more processors 102 or 202. One or more processors 102 or 202 can control one or more memories 104 or 204 and one or more transceivers 105 or 206 and execute the instructions / programs stored in one or more memories 104 or 204 to perform the operation of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification.
[0311] Additionally, instructions for performing operations of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification may be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be included in one or more memories 104 or 204. Furthermore, the instructions recorded in the storage medium may be executed by one or more processors 102 or 202 to perform operations of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification.
[0312] For reference, the operation of network nodes (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, AUSF, etc.) or base stations (e.g., NG-RAN, gNB, eNB, etc.) described in this specification can be implemented using the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3, which are described below. For example, a network node or base station can be the first apparatus 100a or the second apparatus 100b of Figure 1. For example, the operation of network nodes or base stations described in this specification can be processed by one or more processors 102 or 202. The operation of network nodes or base stations described in this specification can be stored in one or more memories 104 or 204 in the form of instructions / programs (e.g., instructions and executable code) executable by one or more processors 102 or 202. One or more processors 102 or 202 can control one or more memories 104 or 204 and one or more transceivers 106 or 206 and execute the instructions / programs stored in one or more memories 104 or 204 to perform the operation of network nodes or base stations described in this specification.
[0313] Furthermore, instructions for performing the operations of the NTN network described in this specification may be stored in a non-volatile (or non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be included in one or more memories 104 or 204. Additionally, the instructions recorded in the storage medium may be executed by one or more processors 102 or 202 to perform the operations of the NTN network described in this specification.
[0314] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the disclosure of this specification is not limited to such specific embodiments, and therefore can be modified, altered or improved in various ways within the spirit of the disclosure of this specification and the scope of the claims.
[0315] Although the flowcharts in the exemplary systems described above depict methods as a series of steps or blocks, they are not limited to the order in which the steps are described, and some steps may occur in a different order or simultaneously with other steps described above. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the steps shown in the flowcharts are not exclusive and may include other steps, or one or more steps may be removed from the flowcharts without affecting the scope of permissions.
[0316] The claims described herein can be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features of the method claims disclosed herein can be combined and implemented as a device, and the technical features of the device claims disclosed herein can be combined and implemented as a method. Furthermore, the technical features of the method claims and the device claims disclosed herein can be combined and implemented as a device, and the technical features of the method claims and the device claims disclosed herein can be combined and implemented as a method. Other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: At least one transceiver; At least one processor; The device also includes at least one memory capable of storing instructions and operatively connected to the at least one processor, wherein operations performed by the at least one processor based on the instructions include: transmitting uplink signals; and receiving downlink signals, wherein, for the device, carrier aggregation (CA) based on new radio operating bands n41 and n77 is configured, wherein the uplink signals are transmitted based on NR operating bands n41 and n71, wherein the downlink signals are received based on at least one of NR operating bands n41 or n71, wherein the device is configured to meet requirements related to a reference sensitivity, wherein a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) is applied to the reference sensitivity, and wherein, based on the CA configured based on NR operating bands n41 and n77 and the intermodulation IMD source is IMD 4, the MSD for NR operating band n71 is 25.4 dB.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the fact that the uplink center frequency for the NR operating band n71 is 665 MHz, the uplink center frequency for the NR operating band n41 is 2614 MHz, and the downlink center frequency for the band n71 is 619 MHz, the MSD of 25.4 dB is applied to the NR operating band n71.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The operation further includes: sending a random access preamble; and receiving a response message for the random access preamble.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The operation also includes receiving configuration information related to the CA.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The NR operating frequency band n41 includes a frequency band of 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz for the uplink and a frequency band of 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz for the downlink, and wherein the NR operating frequency band n71 includes a frequency band of 663 MHz to 698 MHz for the uplink and a frequency band of 617 MHz to 652 MHz for the downlink.
6. A method comprising the following steps: The device sends uplink signals; The device receives downlink signals, wherein, for the device, carrier aggregation (CA) based on the new radio NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 is configured, wherein the uplink signals are transmitted based on NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n71, wherein the downlink signals are received based on at least one of the NR operating band n41 or the NR operating band n71, wherein the device is configured to meet requirements related to reference sensitivity, wherein a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) is applied to the reference sensitivity, and wherein, based on the CA configured based on the NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 and the intermodulation IMD source is IMD 4, and the MSD for the NR operating band n71 is 25.4 dB.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Based on the fact that the uplink center frequency for the NR operating band n71 is 665 MHz, the uplink center frequency for the NR operating band n41 is 2614 MHz, and the downlink center frequency for the band n71 is 619 MHz, the MSD of 25.4 dB is applied to the NR operating band n71.
8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the following step: Send a random access preamble; and receive a response message for the random access preamble.
9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the following step: Receive configuration information related to the CA.
10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The NR operating frequency band n41 includes a frequency band of 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz for the uplink and a frequency band of 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz for the downlink, and wherein the NR operating frequency band n71 includes a frequency band of 663 MHz to 698 MHz for the uplink and a frequency band of 617 MHz to 652 MHz for the downlink.
11. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: At least one transceiver; The device includes at least one memory capable of storing instructions and operatively connected to the at least one processor, wherein operations performed by the at least one processor based on the instructions include: transmitting uplink signals; and receiving downlink signals, wherein, for the device, carrier aggregation (CA) based on new radio operating bands n41 and n77 is configured, wherein the uplink signals are transmitted based on NR operating bands n41 and n71, wherein the downlink signals are received based on at least one of NR operating bands n41 or n71, wherein the device is configured to meet requirements related to a reference sensitivity, wherein a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) is applied to the reference sensitivity, and wherein, based on the CA configured based on NR operating bands n41 and n77 and the intermodulation IMD source is IMD 4, the MSD for NR operating band n71 is 25.4 dB.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable medium (CRM) storing instructions, the instructions causing the at least one processor to perform operations based on execution by the at least one processor, the operations comprising: Send uplink signal; The device is configured to receive downlink signals, wherein, for the device, carrier aggregation (CA) based on the new radio NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 is configured, wherein the uplink signals are transmitted based on NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n71, wherein the downlink signals are received based on at least one of the NR operating band n41 or the NR operating band n71, wherein the device is configured to meet requirements related to reference sensitivity, wherein a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) is applied to the reference sensitivity, and wherein, based on the CA configured based on the NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 and the intermodulation IMD source is IMD 4, and the MSD for the NR operating band n71 is 25.4 dB.
13. A method comprising the following steps: The device receives an uplink signal and transmits a downlink signal to the device, wherein, for the device, a carrier aggregation (CA) based on the new radio NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 is configured, wherein the uplink signal is received based on NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n71, wherein the downlink signal is transmitted based on at least one of NR operating band n41 or NR operating band n71, wherein the device is configured to meet a requirement related to a reference sensitivity, wherein a maximum sensitivity degradation (MSD) is applied to the reference sensitivity, and wherein the source of the intermodulation IMD based on the CA configured based on NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 is IMD 4, and the MSD for NR operating band n71 is 25.4 dB.
14. A base station, the base station comprising: At least one transceiver; At least one processor; The device includes at least one memory capable of storing instructions and operatively connected to the at least one processor, wherein operations performed by the at least one processor based on the instructions include: receiving an uplink signal from the device; and transmitting a downlink signal to the device, wherein a carrier aggregation CA based on the new radio NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 is configured for the device, wherein the uplink signal is received based on NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n71, wherein the downlink signal is transmitted based on at least one of NR operating band n41 or NR operating band n71, wherein the device is configured to meet requirements related to a reference sensitivity, wherein a maximum sensitivity degradation MSD is applied to the reference sensitivity, and wherein the source of the intermodulation IMD based on the CA configured based on NR operating band n41 and NR operating band n77 is IMD 4, and the MSD for NR operating band n71 is 25.4 dB.