LTE Channel Sensing and Signal Transmission in Unlicensed Bands

Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE systems using unlicensed frequency bands, ensuring the quality of service (QoS) is challenging due to interference from other communication systems, and existing channel sensing mechanisms are inefficient in managing reference signals and data signals transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method for channel sensing and signal transmission that reserves specific time-frequency resources for reference signals, allowing for effective transmission while minimizing interference, by performing channel sensing before sending data or reference signals and using different time-frequency resources for CCA detection, thereby improving frequency domain multiplexing and coexistence with other access technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If channel sensing is performed before sending reference signals in unlicensed frequency bands, then interference with other systems is reduced, but transmission reliability of reference signals cannot be ensured due to uncertain channel availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs channel sensing (CCA/LBT) in advance before the DMTC window to determine channel availability. Based on this preliminary channel status information, the base station proactively adjusts the reference signal transmission strategy, either transmitting normally or skipping transmission, ensuring reliable decision-making while respecting unlicensed band sharing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reference signal transmission mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the base station to adaptively adjust transmission parameters based on real-time channel sensing results. The system dynamically switches between different transmission modes (normal transmission, reduced power transmission, or skipped transmission) according to channel conditions and coexistence requirements with other systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the duration of discovery signal is shortened to increase transmission probability, then frequency domain multiplexing coefficient is improved, but measurement precision and synchronization accuracy are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension of time-frequency resource allocation by reserving specific resources at the beginning of DMTC windows. This creates a structured framework where short-duration reference signals can be transmitted with guaranteed resources, while longer data transmissions are scheduled in remaining resources, achieving both high transmission probability and maintained signal quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The DMTC window resources are segmented into distinct portions: reserved resources at the beginning for reference signals with guaranteed transmission, and remaining resources for data transmissions subject to LBT. This segmentation allows reference signals to maintain adequate duration for accurate measurement while increasing overall transmission probability through dedicated resource allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If multiple candidate locations for reference signals are increased in each DMTC window, then transmission probability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary channel sensing before the DMTC window and determines the optimal reference signal transmission location in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time decisions about multiple candidate locations, reducing device complexity while maintaining high transmission probability through pre-planned resource allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3281353B1Method and equipment for channel sensing and signal transmission
Publication Date: 2023.12.27
  • EP3281353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3281353B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3281353B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method for channel sensing and signal transmission is provided. The method includes that a signal transmission mode of a communication node in a predefined time window is different from a signal transmission mode of the communication node outside the predefined time window, which includes at least one of a channel sensing mode and a data transmission mode. By performing the method, a frequency domain multiplexing coefficient among nodes adopting the same access technology can be improved, and the coexistence of the access technology and others can be ensured.