Aligning Frequency Hopping Switching Timings With Measurement Gaps

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communications, the alignment of frequency hopping patterns with measurement gap patterns is not efficiently managed, leading to increased power consumption and reduced data rates due to redundant RF retuning gaps at user equipment (UE) devices.

Innovation Solution

The techniques involve identifying and aligning switching timings of frequency hopping patterns with reference points associated with measurement gap patterns, allowing for shared or adjusted switching gaps to minimize redundant retuning and optimize communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If frequency hopping patterns and measurement gap patterns are not aligned, then the UE can independently manage each pattern, but redundant RF retuning gaps occur leading to increased power consumption and reduced data rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpattern alignment management

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frequency hopping pattern and measurement gap pattern by aligning their switching timings. The UE identifies switching timings of the frequency hopping pattern and aligns them with reference points of the measurement gap pattern, such that RF retuning operations for both purposes occur during the same time gaps, eliminating redundant retuning and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameters of the frequency hopping pattern or measurement gap pattern to achieve alignment. The UE adjusts switching timings, hop durations, or measurement gap positions so that the boundaries of frequency hops coincide with reference points of measurement gaps, thereby optimizing the use of RF retuning gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If frequency hopping patterns and measurement gap patterns are not aligned, then configuration is simpler, but data rates are reduced due to redundant retuning gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidpattern alignment management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frequency hopping pattern and measurement gap pattern by aligning their switching timings. The UE identifies switching timings of the frequency hopping pattern and aligns them with reference points of the measurement gap pattern, such that RF retuning operations for both purposes occur during the same time gaps, eliminating redundant retuning and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameters of the frequency hopping pattern or measurement gap pattern to achieve alignment. The UE adjusts switching timings, hop durations, or measurement gap positions so that the boundaries of frequency hops coincide with reference points of measurement gaps, thereby optimizing the use of RF retuning gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If frequency hopping patterns and measurement gap patterns are aligned, then redundant RF retuning gaps are minimized, but the system requires complex alignment management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss from redundant retuningVSAvoidalignment management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frequency hopping pattern and measurement gap pattern by aligning their switching timings. The UE identifies switching timings of the frequency hopping pattern and aligns them with reference points of the measurement gap pattern, such that RF retuning operations for both purposes occur during the same time gaps, eliminating redundant retuning and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameters of the frequency hopping pattern or measurement gap pattern to achieve alignment. The UE adjusts switching timings, hop durations, or measurement gap positions so that the boundaries of frequency hops coincide with reference points of measurement gaps, thereby optimizing the use of RF retuning gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11974155B2Techniques for time alignment of measurement gaps and frequency hops

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described in which a user equipment (UE) may be configured with a frequency hopping pattern for communication between the UE and a base station, and also may be configured with a measurement gap pattern for measurement of one or more reference signals from one or more neighboring base stations. One or more switching timings of a set of switching timings of the frequency hopping pattern may be aligned with a reference point associated with the measurement gap pattern, which may provide aligned switching gaps in the frequency hopping pattern and the measurement gap pattern.