IDC Subframe Signaling for LTE Transceiver Coexistence Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-device coexistence interference occurs in wireless networks due to the small form factor of mobile devices equipped with multiple transceivers, such as LTE and Bluetooth modules, which operate simultaneously in adjacent bands, causing interference and requiring effective methods to mitigate this issue.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an IDC module within the user equipment (UE) that detects interference and manages it by adjusting transceiver configurations or generating an IDC indication to the enhanced Node B (eNB) to abstain from using specific subframes, thereby minimizing interference through DRX configuration information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceivers operate simultaneously in adjacent bands, then wireless service ubiquity is improved, but in-device coexistence interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time division multiplexing where transceivers operate in periodic time slots rather than simultaneously. The source eNB provides TDM information indicating specific time periods when the target eNB should not transmit, allowing the UE to switch between LTE and WiFi transceivers periodically without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary interference detection and TDM information provision during the handover procedure before the actual handover occurs. The source eNB detects potential IDC interference and pre-configures TDM parameters that will be applied during the handover to the target eNB, preventing interference before it occurs
2Object-affected harmful factors
If TDM information is provided during handover, then in-device coexistence interference is avoided, but handover procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing handover signaling mechanism to serve dual purposes: traditional handover execution and IDC interference management. The TDM information is embedded within existing handover messages (Handover Command, Handover Request Acknowledge), allowing the same signaling infrastructure to handle both functions without adding separate complex procedures
3Volume of moving object
If transceivers are collocated in small form factor devices, then device portability is improved, but in-device coexistence interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time dimension to separate the operation of collocated transceivers. Instead of trying to physically separate transceivers in space (which would increase device size), the solution schedules LTE and WiFi transmissions in different time dimensions, allowing collocated transceivers to operate without spatial interference
Data Source
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AI summary
A device, method and system of handling in-device coexistence (IDC) interference in a wireless network, may comprise detecting the IDC interference between a first communication module operating over a first protocol and a second communication module operating over a second protocol; generating an IDC indication having a bit string comprising four bits, wherein the four bits correspond to a subframe pattern comprising four subframes, a value of a bit of the bit string indicates whether an enhanced node B (eNB) is requested to abstain from using a subframe of the four subframes of the subframe pattern; and transmit the IDC indication to the eNB via a wireless network.