Multi-SIM Dual Connectivity Control for Lower Protocol Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) face increased complexity and current consumption due to unnecessary dual connectivity, which affects the quality of data communication.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device selectively activates or deactivates dual connectivity based on the connected state of each SIM, optimizing communication with one SIM for data and switching to an idle state with another SIM not in use, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device simultaneously supports dual connectivity through communication protocol stacks related to multiple subscriber identity modules, then the device can perform wireless communication with multiple cellular networks, but the complexity (hardware and software) and current consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual connectivity supportVSAvoidprotocol stack complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the dual connectivity support by subscriber identity module. Instead of implementing full dual connectivity for all SIMs simultaneously, the system enables dual connectivity only for the active data communication session, while other SIMs operate in simplified mode. This segmentation reduces the overall protocol stack complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic capability updates where the device can switch between different operational modes (full dual connectivity vs. simplified mode) based on the active SIM and network conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to optimize complexity and power consumption according to actual usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device simultaneously supports dual connectivity through communication protocol stacks related to multiple subscriber identity modules, then the device can perform wireless communication with multiple cellular networks, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual connectivity supportVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power consumption by limiting dual connectivity operations to only the active data communication session. Other subscriber identity modules operate without full dual connectivity capabilities, significantly reducing the overall current consumption while preserving the ability to communicate with multiple networks when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on which SIM is active and network conditions. When dual connectivity is not needed for the current data session, the device transitions to a lower-power mode, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining network versatility when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If dual connectivity is maintained for all subscriber identity modules, then communication availability is maximized, but the quality of data communication deteriorates due to unnecessary dual connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication availabilityVSAvoiddata communication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments dual connectivity support by subscriber identity module, enabling it only for the active data communication session. This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to the currently active SIM, improving data communication quality by eliminating interference from unnecessary dual connectivity operations on other SIMs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically activates or deactivates dual connectivity based on the active SIM and network conditions. This dynamic control optimizes data communication quality by ensuring dual connectivity is only present when actually needed for the current data session, rather than being forcibly maintained for all SIMs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4432769B1Electronic device comprising plurality of subscriber identity modules, and operation method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4432769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4432769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4432769B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and a method for providing dual connectivity (DC) in an electronic device comprising multiple SIMs. According to various embodiments, the electronic device may comprise: a first SIM comprising first subscriber identity information; a second SIM comprising second subscriber identify information; a wireless communication circuit; and at least one processor operatively connected to the first SIM, the second SIM, and the communication circuit, wherein the at least one processor: connects to a first MCG network or a first SCG network, based on the first subscriber identity information when data communication using the first subscriber identity information is configured; identifies a state of communication with the first MCG network; restricts addition of a second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is a connected state; and allows addition of the second SCG network, based on the second subscriber identity information when the state of communication with the first MCG network is in an idle state. Other embodiments may be also possible.