Bandwidth Part Switching Delay and Interruption Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The 5G NR standard lacks specific requirements for bandwidth part (BWP) switching delays and interruptions, which can lead to compatibility issues and inefficiencies in UE operations, especially in dual connectivity modes like EN-DC, where UEs may not efficiently manage transitions between different BWPs.

Innovation Solution

Defining new requirements for BWP switching, including allowed interruption durations and delays based on the degree of overlap between BWPs, to ensure seamless transitions and expand network compatibility, particularly for UEs capable of per UE measurement in EN-DC scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If BWP switching is performed without specific delay and interruption requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but switching reliability and network compatibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBWP switching configuration complexityVSAvoidBWP switching reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific numerical values for BWP switching delay (at least one slot greater than two subframes) and interruption duration (up to two subframes). These parameter specifications transform the ambiguous switching process into a controlled operation with defined performance boundaries, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If BWP switching delay is minimized, then switching speed is improved, but interruption duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBWP switching speedVSAvoidinterruption duration
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by establishing a flexible timing relationship where the BWP switching delay is defined as 'at least one slot greater than two subframes' and interruption duration as 'up to two subframes'. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt switching parameters based on specific operational conditions, enabling optimization of both switching speed and interruption duration rather than fixing them at rigid values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual connectivity mode operations are supported without specific BWP switching requirements, then adaptability is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual connectivity mode adaptabilityVSAvoidBWP switching efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing BWP-specific parameters tailored for dual connectivity mode operations. The switching delay and interruption duration requirements are specifically configured for the characteristics of dual connectivity mode, allowing optimized performance for this particular operational context rather than using generic switching parameters that would apply to all modes equally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20220174766A1Delay and interruption configurations for bandwidth part switching
Publication Date: 2022.06.02 APPLE INC
  • US20220174766A1 patent drawing
  • US20220174766A1 patent drawing
  • US20220174766A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for bandwidth part (BWP) switching includes receiving an indication to switch operation of a user equipment (UE) configured for dual connectivity from a first BWP to a second BWP. At least one of an allowed interruption duration or an allowed BWP switch delay are determined for switching operation of the UE from the first BWP to the second BWP, where the allowed interruption duration is up to two subframes, and where the allowed BWP switch delay is at least one slot greater than two subframes. Operation of the UE is switched from the first BWP to the second BWP based on the at least one of the allowed interruption duration or the allowed BWP switch delay.