Mitigating RF Chain Conflict in EN-DC Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication networks, particularly in non-standalone (NSA) configurations using both LTE and NR radio access technologies, there is a challenge in mitigating RF chain conflicts and disruptions caused by antenna switching during sounding reference signal (SRS) transmissions, which can lead to interruptions in LTE operations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves configuring SRS transmissions based on the switching order of antennas shared between LTE and NR connections, and modifying communication or SRS transmissions to avoid disruptions. This includes rescheduling, blanking, or omitting SRS transmissions to ensure continuous LTE communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are shared between LTE and NR radio chains to support multiple RATs, then device versatility and resource efficiency are improved, but RF chain conflicts and communication disruptions occur due to antenna switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of SRS transmission occasions and antenna switching events before they occur. By detecting the conflict between NR SRS transmissions and LTE communications in advance, the device can proactively adjust the transmission timing or antenna configuration to prevent disruptions to LTE communication, thus maintaining reliability while supporting multi-RAT operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of SRS transmission parameters based on real-time detection of antenna switching events. When a conflict is detected between NR SRS transmissions and LTE communications, the system dynamically modifies the SRS transmission timing or antenna selection, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to maintain both multi-RAT functionality and communication reliability
2Measurement precision
If SRS transmissions are performed with antenna switching to enable channel sounding, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but LTE communication is disrupted due to RF chain reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by identifying potential conflicts between SRS transmissions and LTE communications before they occur. When a conflict is detected, the system preemptively adjusts the SRS transmission timing or antenna configuration to counteract the potential disruption, thereby preserving LTE communication continuity while still enabling accurate channel estimation through SRS transmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that mediates between NR SRS transmissions and LTE communications. This intermediary function detects antenna switching events and coordinates the timing of SRS transmissions to avoid conflicts with LTE operations, allowing both functions to operate effectively without mutual interference
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) can connect to an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) new radio (NR) dual-connectivity (EN-DC) network using both a Long Term Evolution (LTE) anchor link and a 5G NR non-anchor link. The UE shares RF chain components (e.g., antennas) between the LTE and NR links. The UE uses various techniques for controlling or modifying NR sounding reference signal (SRS) transmissions and/or LTE operations to avoid interruption on LTE operations due to NR SRS transmissions.