Dynamic RF Path Allocation for Multi-SIM UE Tune-Away
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Multi-SIM UE designs face challenges in optimizing the number of RF paths to reduce PCR wastage and improve data throughput, especially during tune away operations, as existing mechanisms are inadequate for handling multiple SIMs and do not efficiently manage RFIC resources.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to dynamically allocate and manage RF paths by detecting events associated with secondary SIMs, determining tune away duration, and optimizing the number of RF paths based on resource loss and throughput reduction, allowing for efficient allocation of paths from a free pool of RFIC paths to reduce wastage and enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single Rx path and single Tx path are shared among multiple SIMs, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but PCR wastage increases and data throughput degrades during tune away operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path allocation where the number of Rx and Tx paths is not fixed but adjusted based on real-time operational requirements. The system monitors events associated with secondary SIMs and dynamically allocates paths from a free pool, enabling the RFIC to transition between different path configurations (single path, dual Rx paths, dual Tx paths) to optimize performance during tune away operations while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
2Productivity
If more Rx paths and Tx paths are provided in the RFIC, then data throughput and performance are improved, but device complexity, area, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal free pool of RF paths that can be dynamically allocated to serve multiple SIMs under different conditions. The same pool of paths serves both primary and secondary SIMs, providing multi-functionality. This eliminates the need for dedicated separate paths for each SIM while ensuring adequate resources are available when needed, thus improving throughput without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the RF paths by dynamically adjusting the number of active paths based on traffic conditions and event priorities. Rather than maintaining a fixed high number of paths, the system varies the path count parameter (from 1 to 2 Rx paths, from 1 to 2 Tx paths) according to real-time requirements, optimizing the balance between performance and complexity.
3Loss of energy
If RF paths are allocated to secondary SIMs during tune away operations, then PCR wastage is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allocating RF paths to secondary SIMs only when and to the extent necessary. Rather than continuously maintaining multiple paths active (which would consume excessive power), the system activates additional paths partially - only during tune away operations when PCR wastage would otherwise occur. This selective partial allocation reduces energy waste while minimizing power consumption increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a number of paths between a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) and a plurality of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMS) of a User Equipment (UE), the plurality of SIMS including a primary SIM and a secondary SIM, the method including detecting, by the UE, at least one event associated with the secondary SIM, determining, by the UE, a tune away duration associated with the primary SIM based on the at least one event associated with the secondary SIM, determining, by the UE, an amount of resource loss by the primary SIM and a data throughput reduction of the primary SIM based on the tune away duration, and determining, by the UE, the number of paths between the RFIC and the plurality of SIMS based on the amount of resource loss by the primary SIM and the data throughput reduction of the primary SIM.