Multi-Band Uplink Switching Gaps for Limited-Chain UEs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in signal transmission and reception due to limitations in uplink switching between multiple bands, particularly when a UE with limited transmission chains needs to perform UL transmission effectively across multiple carriers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for configuring at least three uplink bands, applying a switching gap in specific bands for each band combination, and omitting UL transmission during the switching gap to enhance efficiency in signal transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a UE with limited transmission chains performs UL transmission across multiple carriers, then spectrum utilization is improved, but switching complexity and transmission reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidswitching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink transmission by introducing switching gaps between different band transitions. The switching gap divides the transmission timeline into distinct segments, allowing the UE to switch transmission chains between bands without interference. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling multi-carrier transmission (improving spectrum utilization) while managing switching complexity through structured time division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring switching gaps in advance for specific band combinations. The network pre-defines when switching gaps should occur based on the UE's capability and the selected band combination, allowing the UE to prepare for chain switching beforehand. This reduces real-time switching complexity while maintaining adaptability across multiple carriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a UE with limited transmission chains performs UL transmission across multiple carriers, then spectrum utilization is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the transmission timeline with switching gaps, the patent ensures that band transitions occur in dedicated time periods without overlapping with data transmission. This prevents transmission errors during switching and maintains reliability while enabling multi-carrier operation for improved spectrum utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching gap acts as an intermediary period between band transitions. During this gap, the UE switches transmission chains without affecting ongoing transmissions. This intermediary mechanism protects transmission reliability by isolating the switching operation from active data transmission, while still allowing flexible multi-carrier access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If switching gap is applied for all band combinations, then transmission reliability is improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring switching gaps selectively for specific band combinations rather than universally. The network evaluates each band combination's characteristics and applies switching gaps only where necessary to ensure reliable transmission. This localized approach maintains reliability for problematic combinations while preserving transmission efficiency for combinations that don't require switching gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of switching gap application from a fixed universal rule to a dynamic configuration based on band combination parameters. The network can adjust whether switching gaps are applied by changing the configuration parameters for each specific band combination, optimizing the balance between reliability and transmission efficiency for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4586533A1Method and device for transmitting and receiving signals in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4586533A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4586533A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4586533A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4(b)

AI summary

A method and a device for transmitting/receiving signals in a wireless communication system, disclosed in the present specification, allow uplink switching to be performed between three or more bands. For each of all combinations of bands that can be configured, a specific uplink band to which a switching gap is to be applied may be set.