Bandwidth Part Switching in Wireless Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in next-generation radio access technologies like NR, there is a need for clear definitions of terminal operations during bandwidth part changes to prevent ambiguity and unnecessary signal transmission, especially when downlink control information indicates a change in active bandwidth parts or when uplink bandwidth parts change between data channel scheduling and ACK/NACK transmission.

Innovation Solution

The solution defines specific UE operations for applying changed bandwidth parts, including applying the changed downlink bandwidth part from the slot receiving downlink data channel scheduling and not performing ACK/NACK transmission through resources indicated by downlink control information during uplink bandwidth part changes, thereby reducing ambiguity and preventing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bandwidth part changes are implemented to allocate bandwidths to terminals with difficulty in supporting broad band, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to define and manage multiple bandwidth parts and their switching operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth part allocation adaptabilityVSAvoidbandwidth part management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the total bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), each with specific characteristics suitable for different terminal capabilities. This allows terminals to operate on appropriately sized bandwidth segments rather than requiring all terminals to support the full broad band, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through structured division

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth part switching where terminals can transition between different BWPs based on current communication needs and capabilities. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to flexibly allocate resources without requiring static configuration for all possible scenarios, balancing adaptability with manageable operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If clear definitions of terminal operations during bandwidth part changes are established, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to implement specific operational procedures and timing constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal operation reliabilityVSAvoidoperational procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies preliminary actions that terminals must take before bandwidth part changes occur, including preparing for switching in advance and establishing timing relationships between downlink control information reception and actual bandwidth part application. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable transitions while organizing complexity into predefined sequences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where terminals report their bandwidth part status and the network adjusts scheduling accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable operation by continuously monitoring and adjusting bandwidth part configurations, managing complexity through iterative coordination rather than rigid predetermined procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If bandwidth part switching is implemented dynamically, then productivity is improved through flexible resource allocation, but loss of time occurs due to switching delays and timing synchronization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidbandwidth part switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic bandwidth part switching patterns where changes occur at predetermined intervals or time points in the transmission timeline. This periodic approach allows the system to achieve flexible resource allocation while minimizing switching delays by anticipating and scheduling transitions in advance rather than performing ad-hoc switches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent schedules bandwidth part changes to occur at predetermined future time points, allowing both network and terminal to prepare in advance. This preliminary scheduling of switching operations enables flexible resource allocation while reducing actual switching time by eliminating last-minute configuration changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3627946B1Method for operating terminal in wireless communication system, and device using same method
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3627946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3627946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3627946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a method for operating a device in a wireless communication system, and a device using the method. The method comprises: detecting downlink control information (DCI) indicating a change in the bandwidth part (BWP) for the device; and changing the bandwidth part from a first bandwidth part to a second bandwidth part on the basis of the DCI, wherein the second bandwidth part is applied from a slot scheduled by the DCI.