Multi-Carrier Self-Jamming Reduction via CCA

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks face interference issues due to asymmetric interference between adjacent carriers in multi-carrier transmissions, leading to degraded performance and congestion in busy networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing extended clear channel assessment (ECCA) countdowns on primary unlicensed carriers and simple CCA on secondary carriers, or using large bandwidth load-based equipment (LBE) carriers with additional CCA timeslots to synchronize and reduce self-jamming between adjacent channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multi-carrier transmissions are performed over adjacent channels, then network capacity and throughput are improved, but self-jamming and asymmetric interference occur between carriers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidself-jamming
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) checks before transmitting on each carrier to detect potential interference. By checking the channel status in advance and adjusting transmission parameters proactively, the system prevents self-jamming from occurring rather than reacting after it happens. This preliminary detection and adjustment mechanism allows multiple carriers to operate simultaneously without causing mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different transmission parameters and power levels to different carriers based on their specific interference conditions. Each carrier is configured with localized quality adjustments, such as modifying CCA thresholds, transmission power, or timing parameters individually, rather than applying uniform settings across all carriers. This allows optimal performance for each carrier while minimizing its impact on adjacent carriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-generated harmful factors

If CCA checks are performed on all carriers before transmission, then self-jamming is reduced, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-jammingVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing full CCA checks on all carriers before every transmission, the system performs CCA checks selectively based on interference conditions. When interference is detected on certain carriers, CCA checks are performed; when conditions are clear, transmissions proceed without extensive checking. This partial action approach reduces the overall time loss while still preventing self-jamming when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs CCA checks at periodic intervals rather than continuously before every transmission. By establishing regular assessment cycles and using historical channel state information, the system reduces the frequency of full CCA procedures while maintaining adequate interference detection. This periodic approach balances thoroughness with transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3158814B1Method and apparatus for reducing self-jamming of transmissions on adjacent carriers
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3158814B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3158814B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3158814B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for multi-carrier transmissions over adjacent channels that reduce self-jamming due to asymmetric interference. In an aspect, a large bandwidth load-base equipment (LBE) carrier may be provided such that CCA is performed jointly over the entire bandwidth. In another aspect, additional CCA timeslots may be used to synchronize the two carriers. In a further aspect, an extended CCA may be performed on a primary unlicensed carrier while a simple CCA may be performed on a secondary unlicensed carrier. In yet another aspect, LBE may be deployed on some carriers while frame-base equipment (FBE) may be deployed on other carriers.