Flexible Bandwidth Carrier Aggregation in 5G Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face limitations in carrier aggregation, as they are restricted to predetermined bandwidths, leading to wasted frequency resources and reduced data transmission efficiency due to the need for transmitting control signals in all bandwidths.

Innovation Solution

The method allows carrier aggregation using carriers corresponding to bandwidths other than predetermined bandwidths, enabling data transmission without control signals, thereby optimizing frequency resource utilization and enhancing data transmission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If carrier aggregation is restricted to predetermined bandwidths, then system compatibility and standardization are maintained, but frequency resource utilization is wasted and data transmission efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth adaptabilityVSAvoidfrequency resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the bandwidth configuration flexible rather than fixed. The base station dynamically determines whether to operate in predetermined bandwidth mode or non-predetermined bandwidth mode based on channel conditions and traffic requirements. This allows the system to adapt bandwidth usage in real-time, improving frequency resource utilization while maintaining compatibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth parameter from a fixed predetermined value to a variable that can be adjusted based on system needs. By introducing a mode indicator that switches between predetermined and non-predetermined bandwidth operations, the system can optimize frequency resource allocation without compromising standardization requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If control signals are transmitted in all bandwidths, then access reliability is maintained, but data transmission efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess reliabilityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of control signals across different bandwidths. In non-predetermined bandwidths, control signals are selectively transmitted only when necessary, while predetermined bandwidths maintain full control signal transmission for reliability. This localized approach optimizes data transmission efficiency in flexible bandwidths without compromising access reliability in standard bandwidths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by transmitting control signals only in specific scenarios rather than continuously in all bandwidths. The mode indicator enables the system to apply control signal transmission selectively in non-predetermined bandwidths, reducing overhead and improving data transmission efficiency while maintaining necessary access control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of manufacture

If only predetermined bandwidths are used for carrier aggregation, then system standardization is maintained, but frequency resource utilization is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem standardizationVSAvoidfrequency resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a dual-mode carrier aggregation system that can operate in both predetermined bandwidth mode (for standardization compliance) and non-predetermined bandwidth mode (for optimized resource utilization). The mode indicator enables the same system to fulfill multiple functions: maintaining compatibility with existing standards while simultaneously exploiting flexible bandwidth opportunities for improved frequency resource utilization.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3468274B1Terminal, base station, and corresponding methods in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3468274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3468274B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3468274B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to 5G or pre-5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate after 4G communication system such as LTE. The present invention provides a carrier aggregation method. A method of a base station, according to the present invention, comprises a step for: transmitting and receiving data to and from a terminal by means of a first carrier corresponding to a first bandwidth; transmitting to the terminal, by means of the first carrier, configuration information comprising information for an initial access to a second carrier corresponding to a second bandwidth; and transmitting and receiving data to and from the terminal by means of the second carrier on the basis of the configuration information.