Multiple SUL Carrier Configuration for Uplink Coverage and Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional use of a UL carrier and a SUL carrier is limited in extending the UL communication range or increasing peak throughput in wireless communication systems, particularly for devices with limited capabilities and under changing network conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple supplemental uplink (SUL) carriers, including a non-SUL carrier and multiple SUL carriers, with a base station configuring UE to use one or more carriers based on capabilities and network conditions for enhanced UL communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single SUL carrier is used to extend UL communication range, then coverage is improved, but peak throughput is limited due to narrow bandwidth and single antenna transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple SUL carriers (first SUL carrier and second SUL carrier) with different bandwidths and transmission characteristics into a unified uplink transmission system. The UE can simultaneously transmit on multiple SUL carriers, merging their capabilities to achieve both extended coverage and increased peak throughput that neither carrier could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional uplink system where SUL carriers serve multiple purposes: the first SUL carrier provides coverage extension for cell edge users, while the second SUL carrier provides high bandwidth for peak throughput. The system can dynamically select or combine carriers based on whether the priority is coverage or throughput, making the uplink system universally adaptable to different operational requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If SUL carrier is used for cell edge coverage extension, then coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple carrier configuration and selection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary configuration of multiple SUL carriers with different characteristics (bandwidths, frequencies) before the UE needs to transmit. The UE receives and stores carrier configuration information in advance, including SRS (Sounding Reference Signal) configuration for each carrier. When transmission is needed, the UE can quickly select from pre-configured options based on current channel conditions without complex real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the UE measures channel conditions and transmits SRS on configured carriers, and the network provides feedback on which carrier or combination of carriers should be used. This feedback loop simplifies the UE's decision process by allowing the network (with better global knowledge) to make the carrier selection decision based on UE capability information and current network conditions.
3Productivity
If multiple UL carriers are configured to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but interference from multiple transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different local qualities to different SUL carriers by configuring them with different bandwidths, frequencies, and transmission parameters. The first SUL carrier may use narrower bandwidth for lower interference, while the second SUL carrier uses wider bandwidth for higher throughput. The UE and network can select the appropriate carrier quality based on local channel conditions, minimizing interference while maintaining throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of multiple transmissions causing interference into a benefit by using carrier aggregation. Instead of treating interference as a problem to be avoided, the system uses multiple carriers with different characteristics where the diversity of transmission paths actually reduces the impact of interference on any single carrier. The network can schedule transmissions to exploit favorable conditions on each carrier while mitigating interference through spatial and frequency diversity.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication that support use of a supplemental uplink (SUL) carrier. In a first aspect, a user equipment (UE) is configured to receive, from a base station, a carrier set configuration indicating multiple uplink (UL) carriers. The multiple UL carriers include multiple SUL carriers and a non-SUL carrier. The UE is further configured to select one or more carriers of the multiple UL carriers, and transmit a channel on each carrier of the one or more carriers. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.