Dynamic Filter Configuration for LTE-ISM Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LTE systems face coexistence issues due to interference between LTE uplink signals and other radios like Bluetooth and WLAN, which are not adequately addressed by current interference estimation methods, leading to performance degradation and inefficiencies in multi-radio devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for user equipment (UE) to autonomously switch to a new channel or Radio Access Technology (RAT) when coexistence issues occur, using customizable filter configurations to reduce interference between LTE and ISM bands, and employing a Coexistence Manager (CxM) to coordinate radio operations and mitigate interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If LTE uplink transmission is performed in frequency bands adjacent to ISM band, then LTE communication performance is improved, but interference with ISM band radios (Bluetooth, WLAN) occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLTE communication performanceVSAvoidInterference with ISM band radios

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting filter configurations based on the operating state of ISM band radios. When Bluetooth or WLAN is detected to be active, the LTE radio modifies its filter parameters to reduce spectral overlap and interference, allowing LTE to maintain productivity while mitigating harmful effects on ISM band operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary element between the LTE uplink transmission and the ISM band radios. This filter acts as a mediator that selectively attenuates frequencies that would cause interference to Bluetooth and WLAN while preserving the necessary LTE signal transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining LTE performance and protecting ISM band operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radios operate simultaneously in a single device, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but in-device coexistence issues and interference occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDevice functionalityVSAvoidIn-device coexistence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing radio-specific filter configurations tailored to each radio type's interference characteristics. Instead of a uniform approach, the system applies targeted filtering solutions locally to each radio pair (LTE-Bluetooth, LTE-WLAN) based on their specific frequency relationships and interference patterns, thereby maintaining high device versatility while ensuring reliable coexistence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the filter configuration adaptive and changeable in real-time based on the operational state of different radios. The system can dynamically switch between different filter configurations depending on which radios are active, allowing the device to maintain reliable coexistence across various operational scenarios while preserving full functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If conventional interference estimation methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but coexistence issues are not adequately addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSystem complexityVSAvoidCoexistence issue resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the interference mitigation function into separate, specialized filter configurations for different radio pairs and interference scenarios. Rather than implementing a single complex universal solution, the system segments the problem into manageable pieces (different filter configs for Bluetooth vs WLAN interference, uplink vs downlink) that can be independently managed, maintaining reasonable system complexity while improving coexistence reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively reduces in-device coexistence issues, improves performance by minimizing interference, and enables efficient resource management, ensuring stable operation of multiple radios in multi-radio devices.

Implementation Method 1

configuring a user equipment with a first filter configuration and a second filter configuration for use when communicating in a first frequency band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS9130656B2Multi-radio coexistence

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A method of wireless communication includes monitoring coexistence issues among supported radios in a User Equipment (UE). The method includes configuring a UE with first and second filter configurations. The first filter configuration covers a first frequency band, for example a portion of the ISM band. The first filter configuration may be wider than the second filter configuration, which excludes a portion of the first frequency band that is adjacent to a proximate second frequency band, for example LTE Band 7 or LTE Band 40. The UE selects between the first and second filter configurations based on the frequency of a first UE event. If the UE event is in a frequency in the adjacent portion excluded by the second filter configuration, the UE arbitrates depending on event priority. The second filter configuration may be chosen to reduce or minimize arbitration.