Fragmented Carrier BWP Configuration With Guard Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3GPP networks face challenges in configuring fragmented carrier arrangements for user equipments (UEs), particularly in bandwidth parts (BWPs), which can lead to interference between non-contiguous carrier assignments.

Innovation Solution

The configuration of fragmented carriers in BWPs involves approaches such as configuring a single active BWP covering both frequency blocks, multiple active BWPs with block center frequency shifts, or multiple configured carrier bandwidths without shifts, ensuring guard bands to mitigate interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fragmented carriers are assigned to UEs in non-contiguous frequency blocks, then carrier utilization is improved, but interference between carriers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier utilizationVSAvoidinterference between carriers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces guard bands as intermediary frequency blocks between non-contiguous carrier assignments. These guard bands act as buffers that prevent direct interference between fragmented carriers while allowing the carriers to be utilized separately, thus resolving the contradiction between improved carrier utilization and increased interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple non-contiguous carrier blocks assigned to different UEs. By dividing the spectrum into separable fragments with guard bands between them, the system achieves better carrier utilization while managing interference through the segmented structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If guard bands are introduced between non-contiguous carriers, then interference is reduced, but spectrum efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference between carriersVSAvoidspectrum efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies guard bands selectively only between non-contiguous carrier assignments where interference would occur, rather than across the entire spectrum. This partial application of guard bands reduces interference where necessary while minimizing the impact on overall spectrum efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250380249A1Carrier bandwidth and bandwidth part configuration for fragmented carriers

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods for configuring carrier bandwidths and bandwidth parts for fragmented carriers in wireless communication systems.