Configurable Downlink and Uplink Channels in Wireless Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face challenges in improving throughput and reducing interference due to fixed duplexing frequency in FDD systems, which leads to sub-optimal performance and interference between base stations and terminals.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of configurable channels for downlink and uplink communications, allowing terminals to dynamically select channels based on factors like channel quality, loading, and interference, resulting in variable duplexing and dynamic frequency reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed duplexing frequency is used in FDD systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but interference between base stations and terminals increases and throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the duplexing frequency configurable rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects from multiple possible duplexing frequencies based on channel conditions, interference levels, and quality of service requirements. This allows the frequency separation between downlink and uplink channels to adapt to changing system conditions, thereby reducing interference and improving throughput while maintaining FDD architecture simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If configurable channels are implemented for downlink and uplink, then quality of service and channel usage optimization improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of serviceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by configuring the duplexing frequency as a variable parameter that can be selected from multiple options. The system changes the frequency separation parameter based on measured channel conditions, interference levels, and QoS requirements. This allows the system to adapt to different scenarios without requiring a complete redesign of the FDD architecture, thereby improving QoS while controlling the increase in system complexity through parameter-based flexibility rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3355631B1Configurable downlink and uplink channels in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3355631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3355631B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3355631B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Transmission techniques using configurable channels for the downlink and/or uplink are described. In one aspect, the downlink channel and/or uplink channel may be independently selected for a terminal. The terminal may establish a connection with a base station on default downlink and uplink channels. Another downlink channel and/or another uplink channel may be selected based on various factors such as channel quality, loading, and interference. The terminal would then switch to the new downlink and/or uplink channel for communication. In another aspect, the base stations broadcast sector information used by the terminals for communication and/or channel selection. The sector information may include various types of information such as the available downlink and uplink channels, the frequencies of the available channels, the loading on the available channels, and QoS information. The terminals may select a sector, a downlink channel, and/or an uplink channel based on the sector information.