Dual-SIM RF Path Control to Prevent Unnecessary RAT Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices supporting multiple SIMs face challenges in efficiently managing simultaneous communication with different networks, particularly in dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode, leading to potential radio access technology (RAT) changes and interference.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device is equipped with communication processors and RF circuits that manage multiple SIMs by identifying transmission paths and controlling RF operations based on specific conditions, allowing simultaneous communication with different networks without unnecessary RAT changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device supports multiple SIMs with simultaneous communication (DSDA mode), then the communication versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple RF circuits and transmission path management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the RF circuit system into multiple independent RF circuits (first RF circuit and second RF circuit), each dedicated to specific SIMs. This segmentation allows simultaneous communication on multiple networks while managing complexity through modular organization. Each RF circuit handles specific transmission paths independently, enabling DSDA mode operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding transmission path identification and condition-based decision making. The communication processor identifies whether signals pass through the same or different transmission paths and makes routing decisions based on this dimensional classification, enabling sophisticated multi-SIM management without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the RF circuit performs RAT changes for second SIM, then the communication adaptability is improved, but interference with first SIM transmission occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication adaptabilityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing RAT changes for the second SIM when such changes would cause interference with the first SIM's transmission. The communication processor checks transmission path conditions before allowing RAT changes, and blocks them in advance when interference is detected, rather than reacting after interference occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring transmission path usage and using this information to control RAT changes. The communication processor receives feedback about whether RF signals of different SIMs pass through the same transmission path, and adjusts RAT change operations accordingly to prevent interference while maintaining communication adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the device manages transmission paths for multiple SIMs, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the communication processor to automatically identify transmission path conditions and make routing decisions without external intervention. The system autonomously determines whether RF signals use the same or different transmission paths and controls RAT changes accordingly, improving communication efficiency while hiding operational complexity from the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4693911A1Electronic device for supporting plurality of subscriber indentity modules and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4693911A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4693911A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4693911A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an electronic device may comprise: at least one communication processor connected to a first SIM and a second SIM; and an RF circuit configured to process an RF signal on the basis of a signal from the at least one communication processor. The at least one communication processor may be configured to: receive a first message associated with an UL MIMO mode from a first network corresponding to the first SIM; receive a second message associated with an UL SISO mode from a second network corresponding to the second SIM; on the basis of the received first message and the second message, identify whether or not a first transmission path configured for the first SIM and a second transmission path configured for the second SIM satisfy a first condition; and on the basis of identifying that the first transmission path and the second transmission path do not satisfy the first condition, control the RF circuit to refrain from performing a first operation associated with changing an RAT for the second SIM and/or control the RF circuit to transmit an UL signal associated with the first SIM on the basis of the UL MIMO mode. Other various embodiments are possible.