Interference Mitigation for Remote Wireless Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communications systems face interference issues due to downlink signals from remote base stations overlapping with uplink signals at victim base stations, causing communication hindrances.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where a victim base station detects interference and transmits remote interference reference signals to an aggressor base station, which then determines a back-off duration to mute downlink transmissions, thereby reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If downlink signals are transmitted by remote base stations, then communication coverage is extended, but interference is caused to uplink signals at victim base stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The victim base station performs preliminary interference detection by measuring the interference-to-thermal-noise ratio before normal communication operations. When interference is detected, the system proactively initiates the back-off procedure by signaling the aggressor base station to mute its downlink transmissions, preventing interference from affecting uplink communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the victim base station measures interference levels, determines whether they exceed a threshold, and communicates this information to the aggressor base station. The aggressor base station responds by adjusting its transmission behavior (muting downlink signals), creating a closed-loop control system that dynamically manages interference based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If remote base stations transmit downlink signals continuously, then data transmission efficiency is maintained, but uplink signal reception at victim base stations is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoiduplink signal reception
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic interference detection at the victim base station, measuring the interference-to-thermal-noise ratio at regular intervals. Based on these periodic measurements, the system dynamically adjusts the aggressor base station's transmission behavior, creating a rhythm of transmission and muting that balances data efficiency with uplink reception quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The victim base station performs preliminary interference detection before uplink reception is affected. When interference is detected in advance, the system triggers the aggressor base station to mute its downlink transmissions, preventing degradation of uplink signal reception while maintaining overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If interference detection and mitigation procedures are implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The victim base station autonomously performs interference detection by measuring the interference-to-thermal-noise ratio using its existing reception capabilities. The system uses already-available signaling mechanisms to communicate interference status to the aggressor base station, eliminating the need for additional dedicated hardware or complex external coordination systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by focusing on a single key parameter - the interference-to-thermal-noise ratio - rather than attempting to manage multiple interference dimensions. By detecting and responding to changes in this specific parameter, the system achieves reliable interference mitigation through simple threshold-based decision making and straightforward signaling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3871463B1Interference mitigation for remote devices
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3871463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3871463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3871463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support interference mitigation for remote devices. A first wireless device (e.g., a base station) may detect remote interference with its communications caused by a second wireless device (e. g., a second, remote base station) based on, for example, a measured interference over thermal noise level exceeding a threshold. The first wireless device may identify a set of time-frequency resources for remote interference reference signals and a data transmission for a user equipment (UE) that is in communication with the first wireless device. The first wireless device may transmit a remote interference signal to a second wireless device (e. g., a second base station) via the set of time-frequency resources. The first wireless device may further signal a resource allocation to the UE for the UE to use for transmitting uplink transmissions to the first wireless device.