FR2 Cell Access Handling for Unsupported P-Max Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The introduction of P_MAX in Frequency Range 2 (FR2) in 3GPP release 16 poses a challenge for terminals that support older specifications, as they may not be able to properly operate when P_MAX is introduced in an updated technical specification without support for the new function.

Innovation Solution

A terminal is equipped with a receiving unit to handle P-Max configuration in FR2 and a control unit to either ignore or consider the cell in FR2 as barred when P-Max is not supported, allowing it to operate correctly in both old and updated specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If P_MAX is introduced in FR2 in updated technical specification, then system capacity and power control capability are improved, but compatibility with older terminals is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with older terminals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal dynamically adapts its behavior based on whether it supports P_MAX in FR2. When P_MAX is not supported, the terminal switches to alternative operation modes (ignoring P_MAX or treating cells as barred). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain backward compatibility while enabling advanced power control for newer terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the terminal based on its capability to support P_MAX in FR2. Terminals can operate in different modes: using P_MAX when supported, ignoring P_MAX when not supported, or treating FR2 cells as barred. This parameter change approach enables seamless coexistence of terminals with different capability levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If terminal ignores P_MAX in FR2, then compatibility with old specification is maintained, but power control precision is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidpower control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

For terminals that cannot support P_MAX in FR2, the invention provides a simplified operation mode where P_MAX is ignored or cells are treated as barred. This 'simpler' mode ensures basic compatibility while more advanced terminals can utilize the full power control precision. The system accepts that older terminals will operate with reduced precision in exchange for maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If terminal considers FR2 cell as barred when P_MAX is not supported, then operational consistency is improved, but frequency range utilization is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational consistencyVSAvoidfrequency range utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the cell access behavior based on P_MAX support capability. Terminals are divided into two groups: those that support P_MAX in FR2 and can access all cells, and those that do not support P_MAX and must treat FR2 cells as barred. This segmentation ensures operational consistency within each group while enabling broader frequency utilization across the entire terminal population.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4040864B1Terminal and communication method
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4040864B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4040864B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4040864B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A terminal includes a receiving unit that receives P-Max that is configuration information of maximum transmit power in a cell in Frequency Range 2 (FR2) among Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and the FR2; and a control unit that performs, when the P-Max of the cell in the FR2 is not supported, an operation of ignoring the P-Max of the cell in the FR2 or an operation of considering the cell in the FR2 as a barred cell.