RFFE TDD Path Control for Stable Inter-Band Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user equipment (UE) experiences throughput degradation and transmission efficiency issues due to Inter-band Carrier Aggregation (ICA) in Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD) modes, particularly during transitions between TDD uplink and downlink transmissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radio frequency front-end (RFFE) module with controlled Time Division Duplexing (TDD) paths and gain/phase compensation to stabilize phase/gain variations during TDD transitions, preventing throughput degradation by maintaining consistent states during guard symbols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Inter-band Carrier Aggregation (ICA) is executed to aggregate multiple carriers from different frequency bands, then data transmission rates and bandwidth are increased, but throughput degradation occurs and transmission efficiency is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the first TDD transmission path to maintain a specific state (either TDD transmitting or receiving state) during the guard symbol period before actual data transmission begins. This advance preparation prevents phase/gain variations that would otherwise occur during state transitions, thereby preventing throughput degradation while maintaining the high data transmission rates enabled by ICA
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using the guard symbol as a buffer period where the transmission path state is deliberately controlled and stabilized. This cushioning period absorbs potential phase/gain variations and prevents them from affecting the actual data transmission, thus protecting throughput stability while allowing ICA to operate at high data rates
2Adaptability or versatility
If TDD transmission transitions between uplink and downlink modes are executed rapidly, then communication flexibility is improved, but phase/gain variations occur causing throughput degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-controlling the transmission path state during the guard symbol period before mode transitions occur. By establishing the desired state in advance during the guard period, the system prevents phase/gain variations during the actual transition, thereby maintaining phase/gain stability while preserving communication flexibility for rapid TDD mode switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the guard symbol as an intermediary element that mediates between uplink and downlink modes. During this intermediary period, the transmission path state is controlled to act as a buffer that absorbs transitions, preventing direct phase/gain variations from occurring during mode switching. This allows flexible mode transitions while maintaining signal stability
Data Source
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AI summary
A user equipment, a controlling method and a processing module thereof are provided. The user equipment comprises a radio frequency front-end (RFFE) module and a processing module. The radio frequency front-end module comprises a first transmission path and a second transmission path. The first transmission path is a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) path. The second transmission path is another TDD path or a Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) path. The processing module is configured to control the RFFE module. A special slot for a TDD transmission on the first transmission path comprises at least one downlink symbol, at least one uplink symbol and at least one guard symbol. During the guard symbol, the first transmission path is controlled to be either a TDD receiving state for executing a TDD downlink transmission or a TDD transmitting state for executing a TDD uplink transmission.