RedCap UE Bandwidth Part Selection for SSB and Uplink Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

RedCap UEs with reduced bandwidth face compatibility issues with existing system configurations, particularly in terms of uplink control channels and synchronization signal block reception, leading to potential interference and inefficiencies in signaling processes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for RedCap UEs to utilize a shared initial downlink bandwidth part (BWP) and a separate initial downlink BWP, along with BWP-specific uplink parameters, allowing them to switch between these BWPs for optimal information reception and transmission, while coexisting with non-RedCap UEs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If RedCap UEs use the shared initial downlink BWP for both synchronization signal block reception and uplink control channels, then device complexity is reduced, but interference and signaling inefficiencies occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRedCap UE complexityVSAvoidInterference and signaling inefficiencies

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the initial downlink BWP into two separate BWPs: a first initial downlink BWP for synchronization signal block reception and a second initial downlink BWP for uplink control channels. This segmentation eliminates interference between different signal types while allowing RedCap UEs to operate with reduced bandwidth complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If RedCap UEs operate on narrower bandwidths, then power consumption is reduced, but compatibility issues with existing system configurations arise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePower consumptionVSAvoidSystem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures the second initial downlink BWP with BWP-specific uplink parameters tailored for RedCap UEs, allowing these devices to operate on narrower bandwidths with optimized local configurations while maintaining compatibility with the overall system through the shared first initial downlink BWP for synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If a separate initial downlink BWP is configured for RedCap UEs, then signaling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSignaling efficiencyVSAvoidBWP configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first initial downlink BWP serves as an intermediary that carries synchronization signal blocks and system information applicable to both RedCap and non-RedCap UEs. This intermediary structure enables efficient signaling for RedCap-specific operations on the second BWP while maintaining a unified reference point that simplifies overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12445908B2Selection of different initial bandwidth parts for reduced capability user equipment

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for a reduced capability (RedCap) user equipment (UE) and supporting cell. The RedCap UE is configured with multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs). A maximum bandwidth of the RedCap UE is lower than a maximum bandwidth of a non-RedCap UEs. The UE receives a cell-defining synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) that defines a shared initial downlink BWP for RedCap UEs and non-RedCap UEs. The UE switches to a separate initial downlink BWP for RedCap UEs. The UE accesses the cell via the separate initial downlink BWP. The UE receives a configuration of an active downlink BWP for RedCap UEs. The UE determines whether to switch from the active downlink BWP to the shared initial BWP or the separate initial downlink BWP to obtain information such as updated system information, system measurements, and uplink configuration information.