Repeater TDD Switching via Power Change Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G NR relay systems, complex demodulation and decoding are required to obtain TDD switching information, which complicates the switching between uplink and downlink operations.

Innovation Solution

A repeater that detects synchronization signals and identifies a TDD switching pattern based on power changes over time, allowing it to switch operations without separate complex demodulation and decoding, using components like a sync detector, TDD pattern identifier, and switching signal generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex demodulation and decoding are performed to obtain TDD switching information, then accurate TDD switching information can be obtained, but the device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTDD switching information accuracyVSAvoiddemodulation and decoding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary power change information from the communication signal, separating this extraction function from the complex demodulation and decoding processes. By taking out just the power change detection capability, the system obtains TDD switching information without requiring full signal demodulation, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the signal analysis process that focuses only on power changes rather than full demodulation. This copying approach allows the system to obtain TDD switching information through a reduced-function process, maintaining accuracy for the specific purpose of TDD switching while avoiding the complexity of complete signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If complex demodulation and decoding are performed to obtain TDD switching information, then accurate TDD switching information can be obtained, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTDD switching information accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary power change information from the communication signal, separating this extraction function from the complex demodulation and decoding processes. By taking out just the power change detection capability, the system obtains TDD switching information without requiring full signal demodulation, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary power change detection rather than complete demodulation and decoding. This partial processing approach provides sufficient TDD switching information for operational purposes while significantly reducing processing time, avoiding the excessive action of full signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If separate amplification is performed for uplink and downlink communication sections, then signal quality is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidseparate amplification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between uplink and downlink operations based on detected TDD switching patterns. Instead of maintaining separate amplification paths, the system dynamically reconfigures its operation mode according to the detected communication direction, allowing a single amplification path to serve both uplink and downlink functions while maintaining signal quality through proper timing and mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11778485B2Repeater and method of operation thereof

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 SOLID

AI summary

A method of operating a repeater comprises detecting a synchronization signal from a received communication signal, identifying a time division duplex (TDD) switching pattern based on a power change of the communication signal over time and switching an uplink operation and a downlink operation of the repeater based on the detected synchronization signal and the TDD switching pattern.