In-Device Coexistence Interference Management in Multi-Radio Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-radio environments, such as those with LTE, ISM, Wi-Fi, and WiMax technologies, the close frequency separation between bands leads to in-device co-existence interference due to limited dynamic range of power amplifiers and imperfect filtering, causing receiver blocking and interference between transmitters and receivers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that measure adjacent band interference in LTE bands before switching states, apply specific radio filters to mitigate interference, and report co-existence issues to an eNB, using a coordinator to manage interference between LTE and ISM radio entities by applying first and second radio filters based on activity overlap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio entities (LTE, ISM, Wi-Fi, WiMax) operate simultaneously in close frequency bands, then multi-radio functionality is provided, but in-device co-existence interference occurs due to limited dynamic range of power amplifiers and imperfect filtering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-radio functionalityVSAvoidin-device co-existence interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures adjacent band interference values before switching the LTE radio entity to active state, and determines whether to apply specific radio filters in advance, preventing interference issues before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A coordinator entity is introduced to manage and coordinate between LTE and ISM radio entities, measuring interference values and controlling filter application to resolve interference issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If radio filters are applied to mitigate interference between LTE and ISM bands, then in-device co-existence interference is reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple filter entities and coordination mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvein-device co-existence interferenceVSAvoidfilter coordination mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coordinator entity performs multiple functions including measuring adjacent band interference, determining filter application decisions, and controlling both LTE and ISM radio entities, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the LTE radio entity switches between active and inactive states frequently to avoid interference, then in-device co-existence interference is minimized, but loss of time occurs due to repeated state transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvein-device co-existence interferenceVSAvoidstate transition delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously measures adjacent band interference values and uses this feedback to dynamically control radio filter application and radio entity state, optimizing both interference reduction and time efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts filter application and radio entity active/inactive states based on real-time interference measurements, adapting to changing conditions rather than using fixed patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Power

If higher portion of LTE band 40 is used to increase bandwidth, then data transmission capacity is improved, but receiver blocking occurs due to interference from ISM transmitters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidreceiver blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A radio filter is introduced as an intermediary between the ISM transmitter and LTE receiver, blocking interfering frequencies while allowing desired LTE signals to pass through, enabling full bandwidth utilization without receiver blocking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9496970B2Method and apparatus of handling in-device co-existence interference in a multi-radio environment

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method and apparatus of handling in-device co-existence interference in a multi-radio environment are provided. The method includes measuring an adjacent band interference value indicating an amount of adjacent band interference in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) band associated with an LTE radio entity prior to switching the LTE radio entity to an active state from an inactive state, comparing the adjacent band interference value with a predetermined threshold value, and reporting in-device co-existence interference in the LTE band to an evolved Node B (eNB) according to an outcome of the comparing of the adjacent band interference value with the predetermined threshold value.