Multi-SIM Dual Connectivity Switching for Active Link Quality

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) face increased complexity and current consumption due to supporting dual connectivity, leading to inefficient communication quality.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device selectively activates or deactivates dual connectivity based on the connected state of each SIM, reducing complexity and current consumption by managing communication with a first SIM for data communication and switching to an idle state with a second SIM when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device supports dual connectivity through communication protocol stacks related to multiple subscriber identity modules, then the communication capability is improved, but the device complexity and current consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic management of dual connectivity by allowing the electronic device to flexibly activate or deactivate the second SCG network based on the communication state of the first MCG network. When the first network is in connected state, dual connectivity is restricted; when in idle state, dual connectivity is allowed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system configurable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication protocol stacks by selectively enabling or disabling dual connectivity functionality based on network state. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between full capability and reduced complexity depending on current communication requirements, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode by monitoring the communication state of the primary network and selectively activating the secondary network only when needed. This prevents continuous operation of multiple protocol stacks, thereby reducing unnecessary current consumption while maintaining communication capability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic state checking of the first MCG network connection status, and based on this periodic assessment, selectively activates or deactivates the second SCG network. This periodic action pattern ensures that dual connectivity is maintained only during periods when the primary network is idle, optimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device maintains dual connectivity for both subscriber identity modules simultaneously, then the communication versatility is improved, but the communication quality of the first subscriber identity module deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidcommunication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic priority mechanism where the first subscriber identity module's communication quality is prioritized by restricting second SCG network addition when the first MCG network is in connected state. This ensures that resources are concentrated on maintaining high-quality communication for the active data communication SIM, while still allowing versatility when the primary network is idle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12550212B2Electronic device comprising multiple subscriber identity modules and operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and/or a method for providing dual connectivity (DC) in an electronic device which may include multiple SIMs. An electronic device may include: 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.