Flexible FDD Resource Allocation for Dynamic TDD Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current frequency division duplex (FDD) wireless communication systems statically allocate frequency bands for uplink and downlink transmissions, leading to underutilization of resources due to fixed allocations that do not adapt to changing traffic demands.

Innovation Solution

Implementing flexible resource allocation by identifying and reallocating a subset of FDD resources from one base station to another for dynamic operation in time division duplex (TDD) mode, based on real-time uplink and downlink needs, to optimize resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frequency bands are statically allocated for uplink and downlink transmissions in FDD mode, then the system maintains simple frequency division duplexing operation, but resource utilization deteriorates due to fixed allocations that cannot adapt to changing traffic demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidfrequency allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by allowing FDD uplink frequency resources to be reallocated to TDD downlink transmissions based on real-time traffic demands. The system dynamically switches between FDD and TDD modes, enabling frequency resources to adapt flexibly to varying uplink and downlink traffic requirements rather than remaining statically assigned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes frequency resources multi-functional by enabling the same frequency band to serve both FDD uplink and TDD downlink purposes. The base station can allocate frequency resources for FDD uplink transmissions and subsequently reallocate them for TDD downlink transmissions, allowing a single frequency resource to perform multiple functions depending on traffic needs.

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

2Productivity

If FDD uplink resources are reallocated for TDD downlink transmissions, then resource utilization improves by meeting varying traffic demands, but interference increases between FDD uplink and TDD downlink transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem throughputVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces guard bands as intermediary frequency elements between FDD uplink transmissions and TDD downlink transmissions. These guard bands act as buffers that isolate the two transmission types, preventing direct interference while allowing the system to dynamically reallocate frequency resources between FDD uplink and TDD downlink based on traffic demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible resource allocation is implemented with real-time monitoring and reallocation, then adaptability to traffic demands improves, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic demand adaptationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors uplink and downlink traffic demands in real-time and uses this information to dynamically adjust frequency resource allocation between FDD uplink and TDD downlink transmissions. The system continuously receives feedback on traffic conditions and adapts resource allocation accordingly, enabling automatic adaptation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3192293B1Flexible transmissions on one or more frequency division duplexing resources
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3192293B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3192293B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3192293B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for flexible transmissions on one or more frequency division duplexing resources. In some aspects, a subset of resources originally allocated for transmissions in a frequency division duplex (FDD) mode of operation associated with a first base station is identified for reallocation, and the identified subset of resources is reallocated to transmissions in a time division duplex (TDD) mode of operation, for example, associated with a second base station.