Wireless Device RF Chain Segmentation for Parallel Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices with multiple RF signal chains are limited in their ability to measure multiple cells simultaneously during measurement gaps, as they typically suspend data reception from all carriers, idle RF circuitry, and can only listen to one cell at a time, which hampers parallel signal reception and measurement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Configuring wireless communication devices to use multiple RF receive signal chains during measurement gaps to simultaneously receive data from one serving cell and measure signals from additional cells, allowing for parallel communication and measurement across multiple carriers and radio access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wireless communication device suspends data reception from all carriers during measurement gaps to measure signals from additional cells, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data reception is interrupted and RF circuitry is idle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RF receive signal chains into different functional groups: some chains are dedicated to measuring signals from additional cells during measurement gaps, while other chains continue to receive data from serving cells. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement and data reception without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and data reception continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement function and data reception function into the same measurement gap time period by using different RF signal chains concurrently. Instead of separating these functions in time (which would cause data interruption), they are combined in space (using multiple parallel signal chains), thereby maintaining both measurement accuracy and data reception continuity.
2Device complexity
If a wireless communication device uses a single RF signal chain to measure signals from additional cells during measurement gaps, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement speed and accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each RF signal chain universal by enabling it to function both as a data reception chain and as a measurement chain depending on configuration. During normal operation, chains receive data from serving cells; during measurement gaps, chains can be reconfigured to measure signals from additional cells. This multi-functionality increases measurement capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless communication device halts data reception on all carriers during measurement gaps as specified by current protocols, then inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements are enabled, but RF wireless circuitry is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different RF signal chains to have different operational states during measurement gaps: some chains are configured for measurement (with appropriate frequency tuning and signal processing), while other chains maintain data reception functionality. This localized differentiation enables measurement capability while maintaining efficient utilization of the RF circuitry as a whole.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and computer readable media are described that configure wireless circuitry of a wireless communication device connected to a wireless network. Processing circuitry in the wireless communication device establishes a connection to a access network subsystem of the wireless network using a plurality of radio frequency carriers and provides an indication of wireless circuitry included therein. The wireless network provides a measurement gap configuration, and the wireless communication device suspends communication on at least one carrier and measures signals from one or more additional access network subsystems during a measurement gap time period. The wireless communication device provides a measurement report to the access network subsystem based at least in part on measured signals. In an embodiment, the wireless communication device also receives downlink communication from the wireless network during at least a portion of the measurement gap time period.