Dynamic LTE Signal Detection in Unlicensed Spectrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the unlicensed spectrum, LTE signals face interference challenges due to the lack of continuous reference signals, which affects compatibility with legacy LTE standards and WIFI services, leading to potential disruptions in communication.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic LAA ON burst window for LTE reference signals, allowing for intermittent transmission and detection, which accommodates WIFI traffic and minimizes interference by using a signal detector to identify LTE signals within subframes and perform necessary measurements only when LTE signals are present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If LTE reference signals are transmitted continuously in the unlicensed spectrum, then measurement accuracy and signal detection reliability are improved, but interference with WIFI services increases and spectrum efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection accuracyVSAvoidinterference with WIFI services
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of LTE reference signals within defined ON bursts rather than continuous transmission. The system transmits reference signals at regular intervals during active periods, allowing measurement activities to occur periodically while leaving gaps for WIFI services, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and interference reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of reference signal transmission through configurable parameters including ON burst duration, periodicity, and subframe offsets. These dynamic parameters allow the system to adapt transmission behavior based on channel conditions and coexistence requirements, optimizing both measurement precision and interference management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If LTE reference signals are transmitted intermittently to accommodate WIFI traffic, then coexistence with WIFI services is improved, but compatibility with legacy LTE standards deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoexistence capability with WIFIVSAvoidcompatibility with legacy LTE standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temporal parameters of reference signal transmission by introducing configurable periodicity, ON burst durations, and subframe offsets. These parameter variations enable the system to maintain LTE functionality while adapting to unlicensed spectrum constraints, preserving legacy compatibility through standardized signal structures despite intermittent transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the reference signal transmission into discrete ON bursts separated by OFF periods. Each ON burst contains complete reference signal structures that maintain legacy LTE compatibility, while the segmentation allows WIFI services to operate during OFF periods, achieving coexistence without sacrificing standard compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If minimum reference signals are transmitted to reduce interference, then spectrum efficiency and coexistence are improved, but measurement reliability and detection accuracy worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting reference signals only during defined ON bursts rather than continuously. This partial transmission provides sufficient measurement opportunities during active periods while reducing overall interference, achieving an optimal balance between spectrum efficiency and measurement reliability through selective signal presence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10341034B2Dynamic LTE signal detection
Publication Date: 2019.07.02 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • US10341034B2 patent drawing
  • US10341034B2 patent drawing
  • US10341034B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods allow LAA LTE equipment to coexist with other services in the unlicensed band such as WIFI or WLAN services. Systems and methods use LTE reference signals in the unlicensed spectrum that are not continuous and can be interrupted by a WIFI signal or other services in the unlicensed band or use a dynamic LAA ON burst or window to provide the LTE reference signals in some embodiments. The systems and methods can detect the presence of LTE signals using a one or more of a number of techniques.