Configurable Subframe Structure for 5G TDD Legacy Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy and 5G wireless communication networks experience interference due to differences in transmission durations and lack of support for self-contained subframes, leading to increased latency and cochannel interference.

Innovation Solution

A configurable subframe structure is implemented in 5G networks to align downlink and uplink portions with corresponding legacy subframes, allowing for simultaneous transmission and minimizing interference by adjusting transmission times and powers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If 5G networks utilize spontaneous switching of link directions and self-contained subframe configurations to meet low latency demands, then latency is reduced, but interference with legacy networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDD configuration where the 5G network can flexibly switch between different uplink-downlink configurations based on traffic demands. This allows the system to adapt transmission directions dynamically while coordinating with legacy networks to minimize interference, resolving the contradiction between low latency requirements and interference avoidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the time domain parameters of TDD frames by introducing configurable subframe structures with different uplink-downlink patterns. By adjusting these parameters dynamically and coordinating with legacy networks, the system achieves low latency for 5G traffic while preventing interference with legacy transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If legacy networks utilize large downlink and uplink transmission durations to minimize link direction switching, then link stability is improved, but latency in 5G networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink stabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TDD frame structure into smaller, more flexible subframes that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows 5G networks to create shorter transmission time intervals for low latency while legacy networks maintain their longer transmission durations, enabling both link stability and low latency requirements to be met simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic configuration where different subframes can have different uplink-downlink directions based on immediate traffic needs. This dynamic approach allows legacy networks to maintain stable long-duration transmissions when needed while 5G networks can switch rapidly to achieve low latency, resolving the contradiction between link stability and latency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If 5G networks implement self-contained subframe configurations to reduce retransmission timeline, then retransmission latency is reduced, but coordination complexity with legacy networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretransmission latencyVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal TDD configuration framework that can accommodate both legacy and 5G requirements. By defining a set of standardized TDD configurations that work for both network types, the system enables self-contained subframes for low retransmission latency while maintaining manageable coordination complexity through standardized patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3443791B1Fifth generation (5G) time division duplex (TDD) legacy coexistence design
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3443791B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3443791B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3443791B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a configurable subframe structure for use in next generation (e.g., fifth generation or 5G) wireless networks utilizing a time division duplex (TDD) carrier that minimizes interference with adjacent legacy wireless networks. The configurable subframe structure may be configured to produce next generation subframes, each including at least one of a downlink portion or an uplink portion, to substantially align downlink portions with corresponding legacy downlink subframes and/or uplink portions with corresponding legacy uplink subframes.