Inter-band Carrier Aggregation TDD Configuration for Half-Duplex UE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to specify User Equipment (UE) behavior for monitoring Physical Downlink Control Channels (PDCCH) subframes and handling Discontinuous Reception (DRX) timers in inter-band carrier aggregation with cell-specific Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration, particularly for UE implementations not capable of simultaneous reception and transmission in overlapped Downlink (DL)-Uplink (UL) subframes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that define UE behavior for monitoring PDCCH subframes and handling DRX timers by signaling the resultant TDD configuration through Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or physical layer signaling, allowing the UE to determine whether to monitor or transmit during DL-UL overlap, and specifying active times for common DRX operations across all component carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing methods (follow PCell, union, intersection) are used to specify UE behavior for PDCCH monitoring, then full duplex UE implementation is supported, but half duplex UE implementation lacks clear specification and creates ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a dedicated parameter 'tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon' that specifically addresses the TDD configuration for half duplex UEs. This parameter provides localized, targeted specification for the subset of UEs that cannot simultaneously transmit and receive, rather than using a generic configuration for all UEs. The network can now provide different TDD configurations tailored to specific UE capabilities, resolving the ambiguity for half duplex devices while maintaining support for full duplex devices through existing methods.
2Productivity
If cell specific TDD configuration is used on each component carrier in inter-band CA, then spectral efficiency is enhanced, but UE behavior during DL-UL overlap becomes implementation-dependent and ambiguous for half duplex UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary parameter 'tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon' that acts as a mediator between the cell-specific TDD configurations and the UE implementation. This intermediary configuration provides a common reference that resolves conflicts arising from cell-specific configurations, particularly during DL-UL overlap periods. By using this intermediary layer, the system maintains the spectral efficiency benefits of cell-specific configurations while ensuring consistent and unambiguous UE behavior across all implementations, including half duplex UEs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous reception and transmission is supported in overlapped DL-UL sub frames, then full duplex capability is achieved, but additional specification is required for UEs not capable of simultaneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a unified parameter 'tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon' that serves multiple functions simultaneously. This single parameter provides TDD configuration guidance for both full duplex and half duplex UEs, eliminating the need for separate specification mechanisms. The parameter can be interpreted differently by different UE types: full duplex UEs can use it in conjunction with their capability to simultaneously transmit and receive, while half duplex UEs use it to determine their behavior during overlap periods. This universal approach reduces specification complexity while maintaining adaptability to different UE capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system to handle behavior of a carrier aggregation capable User Equipment (UE) that does not support simultaneous reception and transmission in overlapped Downlink (DL)-Uplink (UL) sub frames during inter-band Carrier Aggregation (CA) for cell specific TDD configuration is disclosed. The method specifies whether the UE is allowed or not allowed to monitor the PDCCH sub frames during overlap of DL-UL sub frames by signaling the UE with a resultant TDD configuration that is applicable to component carriers of the PCell and one or more SCells. The method also addresses handling of the DRX timers by defining the active time for common DRX operation by the UE for all component carriers. The method enhances the 3GPP specification to enable UE to better handle reception and transmission during overlap of DL-UL sub frames in cell specific TDD configuration during inter-band CA.