MSD-Based EN-DC Sensitivity Relaxation for 5G Band Combinations

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G mobile communication systems, the harmonics component and intermodulation distortion (IMD) from uplink signals can cause sensitivity degradation in downlink signals, making it challenging to maintain the reference sensitivity power level, particularly in dual connectivity scenarios using multiple frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

A device configured with Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA)-New Radio (NR) Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) that applies a Maximum Sensitivity Degradation (MSD) value to pre-configured band combinations to relax the reference sensitivity requirements, allowing for effective operation across various band combinations such as 39, n41 and n79, 2, n66 and n78, and others, thereby mitigating the impact of harmonics and IMD.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the device transmits uplink signals via multiple bands in EN-DC configuration, then the device can achieve enhanced data transmission capability and bandwidth utilization, but harmonics and intermodulation distortion components are generated that degrade downlink signal sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiddownlink signal sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing MSD (Maximum Sensitivity Degradation) values that modify the reference sensitivity requirements for downlink signals. Different MSD values are assigned based on specific band combinations (e.g., bands 39, n41, n79) to account for the varying degrees of sensitivity degradation caused by uplink transmissions in EN-DC configurations. This allows the system to maintain reliable downlink reception by adjusting sensitivity thresholds according to the active band configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device operates with multiple band combinations for dual connectivity, then the device can access more frequency resources and improve network flexibility, but the complexity of managing harmonics and IMD across different band combinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency resource accessVSAvoidband combination management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring MSD values for various band combinations before actual operation. The device is provided with a lookup table or configuration data containing predetermined MSD values for different EN-DC band scenarios (e.g., bands 2, n66, n78; bands 7, n66, n78; etc.). When a specific band combination is activated, the device simply retrieves the corresponding pre-calculated MSD value, avoiding complex real-time calculations and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the reference sensitivity requirement is maintained at the standard level, then the downlink signal quality can be ensured under ideal conditions, but the device cannot operate reliably when harmonics and IMD are present from uplink transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownlink signal qualityVSAvoidoperation under interference conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reference sensitivity requirement adaptive rather than fixed. The device dynamically adjusts the downlink reference sensitivity based on the currently active uplink band configuration. When EN-DC is configured with specific band combinations, the device retrieves the appropriate MSD value and applies it to relax the reference sensitivity requirement accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows reliable operation under varying interference conditions while maintaining optimal performance when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11785659B2Method for applying MSD and apparatus thereof
Publication Date: 2023.10.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11785659B2 patent drawing
  • US11785659B2 patent drawing
  • US11785659B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A disclosure of this specification provides a device configured to operate in a wireless system. The device may comprise: a transceiver configured with an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA)-New Radio (NR) Dual Connectivity (EN-DC). The EN-DC may be configured to use three bands. The device may comprise: a processor operably connectable to the transceiver. The processer may be configured to: control the transceiver to receive a downlink signal and control the transceiver to transmit an uplink signal via at least two bands among the three bands. A value of Maximum Sensitivity Degradation (MSD) may be applied to a reference sensitivity. The value of the MSD may be pre-configured for one or more band combinations.