Duplex Mode Switching via Slot Format Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently managing duplex modes without causing self-interference and improving power management, as they often require complex slot format updates and frequent antenna panel activations/deactivations.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for duplex mode switching between full-duplex (FD) and half-duplex (HD) modes by transmitting a mode switch indication from the base station to the user equipment (UE), enabling the UE to activate or deactivate antenna panels accordingly, without necessarily updating the slot format, thereby reducing interference and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If slot format updates are performed frequently to manage duplex mode switching, then communication flexibility is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the duplex mode management by introducing separate indication mechanisms: a first indication for slot format switching and a second indication for duplex mode switching. This segmentation allows independent control of format and mode, reducing the complexity of managing them together while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring multiple slot formats in advance (first slot format, second slot format, third slot format) with different uplink-downlink configurations. The base station can then switch between pre-configured formats using simple indications, avoiding complex real-time format generation and reducing switching overhead.
2Reliability
If antenna panels are activated and deactivated frequently to support duplex mode switching, then communication performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic duplex mode switching between full-duplex and half-duplex modes based on traffic conditions and interference levels. By dynamically adjusting the duplex mode rather than continuously activating/deactivating antenna panels, the system maintains communication performance while reducing unnecessary power consumption from frequent panel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of antenna panels by switching between full-duplex and half-duplex modes. This parameter change allows the same physical antenna panels to operate in different modes, achieving varied communication performance without physical reconfiguration or frequent activation/deactivation, thus saving power.
3Loss of time
If duplex mode switching is implemented without slot format updates, then latency is reduced, but interference management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors interference conditions and traffic requirements, then selects appropriate slot formats and duplex modes accordingly. The network side determines the optimal configuration based on real-time conditions and signals indications to UEs, enabling rapid switching while managing interference through centralized control and adaptive selection of pre-configured formats with appropriate guard periods.
Data Source
AI summary
The base station may transmit a mode switch indication to a UE to switch from a first duplex mode to a second duplex mode. The UE may activate or deactivate one or more antenna panels and the UE and the base station may communicate with each other based on the mode switch indication. The second duplex mode may be FD mode, and the mode switch indication may be transmitted a threshold number of symbols or slots prior to the FD symbols. The slot format pattern may not include FD symbol, and the base station and the UE may communicate bidirectional signals in FD mode using the flexible symbols. The second duplex mode may be HD mode. The slot format pattern may include the FD symbols, and the base station and the UE may transmit or receive signals in HD mode using the FD symbols as the flexible symbols.