Dynamic Timing Advance Group Handling in Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication devices face challenges in handling timing differences between Timing Advance Groups in Carrier Aggregation, particularly when configured below their maximum capabilities, leading to limitations in tolerable time differences between component carriers, which can result in reduced performance and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The device dynamically reconfigures its baseband processing to accommodate larger time differences between Timing Advance Groups and component carriers by evaluating its capabilities based on the number of carriers and bandwidth, allowing it to support additional time differences beyond minimum requirements, and communicates with the network to deactivate or reconfigure secondary cells when unsuitable for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the device operates with minimum timing difference requirements, then reliability is maintained, but adaptability is reduced and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming synchronization reliabilityVSAvoidtiming difference tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic capability evaluation where the UE determines its timing difference handling capability based on current configuration parameters including number of TAGs, number of carriers per TAG, and bandwidth. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to transition from static minimum requirements to optimized performance-based timing tolerance, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device supports larger time differences between TAGs, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming difference toleranceVSAvoidbaseband processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of timing difference tolerance based on configuration parameters (number of TAGs, carriers, bandwidth). By evaluating these parameters and determining an applicable capability, the device adjusts its timing difference handling dynamically, allowing larger time differences when configuration permits without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the device is configured with more carriers and bandwidth, then productivity increases, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE evaluates its current configuration (number of carriers, bandwidth, TAG structure) and determines its timing difference handling capability accordingly. This feedback loop allows the device to optimize power consumption by adjusting timing synchronization efforts based on actual configuration demands, rather than operating at maximum capability continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3143811B1Handling timing differences in timing advance groups in a communication device
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3143811B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3143811B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3143811B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

A method of handling TAGs in a UE capable of CA is disclosed. The method comprises monitoring time differences between signals received from any two serving cells and determining for each time difference whether a configured capability of the UE supports the time difference. A wireless telecommunication device and a computer program are also disclosed.