Circular Buffer Memory for Base Station Cell Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern base stations with multiple cells face significant memory fragmentation issues in their transmission buffer memory due to dynamic cell deployments and bandwidth reallocations, leading to increased memory costs and the need for complex memory management or rebooting.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a shared circular transmission buffer memory with synchronized writing and reading, where each cell's address space size is proportional to its bandwidth, and addresses are offset to avoid fragmentation, allowing for seamless reallocation without rebooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate memory segments are allocated for each cell, then memory allocation is simple initially, but memory fragmentation occurs when cells are dynamically added or removed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInitial memory allocation simplicityVSAvoidMemory continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate memory segments for each cell into a single shared circular buffer memory. This allows dynamic allocation and deallocation of memory space as cells are added or removed, preventing fragmentation while maintaining flexibility. The circular buffer structure enables continuous memory usage without gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic memory allocation within the shared circular buffer, where memory addresses are assigned and reassigned based on current cell configurations. When cells are added or removed, the buffer dynamically adjusts without requiring base station reboot, maintaining operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If memory is allocated for each active cell based on bandwidth, then memory usage is optimized, but complex memory management is required when reallocating bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMemory usage efficiencyVSAvoidMemory management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shared circular buffer into address spaces proportional to each cell's bandwidth requirements. Each cell receives memory segments sized according to its bandwidth needs, optimizing memory usage while the unified buffer structure simplifies overall management compared to separate allocated memory for each cell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If base station is rebooted to rearrange memory allocations, then memory fragmentation is resolved, but service disruption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMemory allocation optimalityVSAvoidService continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous service operation by implementing a shared circular buffer that allows in-place memory reallocation without base station reboot. The circular structure enables seamless memory management where addresses can be reassigned as cells are dynamically deployed or removed, maintaining service continuity while optimizing memory usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If two TTI buffers per symbol are stored to create ping pong scheme, then transmission reliability is improved, but required memory is doubled

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTransmission reliabilityVSAvoidMemory requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple buffer requirements into a single shared circular buffer that serves multiple cells simultaneously. By implementing proper address offset calculations and synchronized access protocols, the system achieves reliable transmission without duplicating entire buffer structures, significantly reducing total memory requirements while maintaining transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3278227B1Antenna buffer management for downlink physical layer
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3278227B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3278227B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3278227B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system for managing a transmission buffer memory at a base station in a wireless communication system, the base station having a plurality of cells, the memory being circular and shared among the cells so that memory fragmentation when cells are removed or added is avoided.