Asymmetric BWP Configuration for Redcap Terminals

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, reduced capability (Redcap) terminals face challenges with traditional bandwidth part (BWP) configuration, where the uplink BWP often exceeds the terminal's monitoring capacity, leading to system scheduling limitations and load imbalance due to the need for separate configuration based on downlink BWP frequency, resulting in fragmented uplink BWPs.

Innovation Solution

Configuring asymmetric BWP pairs where one pair has the same center frequency for both uplink and downlink BWPs, while another pair has different center frequencies for uplink and downlink BWPs, allowing for flexible BWP configuration and avoiding fragmentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional UL initial BWP is configured separately for the Redcap terminal based on the DL initial BWP frequency range, then the terminal can monitor the DL initial BWP, but the UL initial BWP exceeds the terminal's monitoring capacity and causes system scheduling limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBWP configuration flexibilityVSAvoidbandwidth monitoring capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the BWP configuration into multiple asymmetric BWP pairs, where each pair consists of a downlink BWP and an uplink BWP with potentially different center frequencies. This allows the terminal to configure and monitor BWPs in a segmented manner that matches its monitoring capacity while maintaining system scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetric BWP pairs where the uplink BWP and downlink BWP have different center frequencies. This asymmetric configuration allows the uplink BWP to be optimized for terminal monitoring capacity while the downlink BWP maintains system scheduling requirements, resolving the contradiction between monitoring capacity and scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UL initial BWP is configured separately based on DL initial BWP frequency range, then the terminal can operate with reduced capability, but the traditional UL BWP is divided into multiple fragments causing load imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRedcap terminal capabilityVSAvoidBWP fragmentation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the BWP configuration into multiple asymmetric BWP pairs, where each pair consists of a downlink BWP and an uplink BWP with potentially different center frequencies. This allows the terminal to configure and monitor BWPs in a segmented manner that matches its monitoring capacity while maintaining system scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different center frequencies for uplink and downlink BWPs within each asymmetric pair, allowing each BWP to be optimized for its specific function while avoiding fragmentation of the traditional UL BWP and maintaining load balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of time

If the downlink BWP and uplink BWP have the same center frequency in TDD system, then uplink and downlink switching delay is reduced, but the configuration flexibility for Redcap terminals is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplink-downlink switching delayVSAvoidBWP configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetric BWP pairs where the uplink BWP and downlink BWP have different center frequencies. This asymmetric configuration allows the uplink BWP to be optimized for terminal monitoring capacity while the downlink BWP maintains system scheduling requirements, resolving the contradiction between monitoring capacity and scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic BWP configuration by allowing different center frequencies for uplink and downlink BWPs in asymmetric pairs. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing flexibility for Redcap terminals while maintaining efficient switching when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240179693A1Bandwidth part configuration method, bandwidth part configuration apapratus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.05.30 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

Bandwidth part (BWP) configuration methods, bandwidth part configuration apparatuses and storage media are provided. The bandwidth part configuration method is performed by a terminal, and the method includes: determining at least one of a first BWP pair or a second BWP pair; where the first BWP pair includes a first uplink BWP and a first downlink BWP, and the second BWP pair includes a second uplink BWP and a second downlink BWP; the first uplink BWP and the first downlink BWP have a same center frequency, and the second uplink BWP and the second downlink BWP have different center frequencies.