SBFD-to-HD Guard Period Configuration for Symbol Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communications systems face challenges in efficiently switching between subband full duplex (SBFD) and half duplex (HD) operations due to latency issues in component switching and timing adjustments, leading to inefficiencies and interference.

Innovation Solution

Configuring guard periods based on determined latencies and subcarrier spacing to facilitate smooth transitions between SBFD and HD communications, allowing UEs to adjust RF blocks, filters, and timing advances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the system switches between subband full duplex and half duplex operations, then communication flexibility and spectrum efficiency are improved, but latency increases due to component switching and timing adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidswitching latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs timing adjustments and component switching preparations in advance during the guard period before the actual duplex mode switch occurs. This preliminary action reduces the effective switching latency by pre-configuring the necessary parameters and components before the transition is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A guard period is introduced as an intermediary time interval between subband full duplex and half duplex operations. This guard period acts as a buffer that facilitates smooth transitions by providing dedicated time for component switching and timing adjustments without interfering with active communication periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If rapid switching between duplex modes is implemented, then communication efficiency is improved, but inter-UE cross-link interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidinter-UE cross-link interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guard period, which initially appears as wasted time reducing communication efficiency, is actually converted into a beneficial resource that enables interference-free switching. By dedicating this time for switching operations, the system eliminates inter-UE cross-link interference that would otherwise occur during rapid mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If guard period is extended to allow proper switching, then interference is reduced, but communication throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference reductionVSAvoidcommunication throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the guard period duration based on the specific switching requirements and traffic conditions. By optimizing the guard period length rather than using a fixed extended duration, the system achieves sufficient interference reduction while minimizing the impact on communication throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12413379B2Guard period configuration between subband full duplex and half duplex symbols and slots

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for guard period configuration between subband full duplex and half duplex symbols and slots. An example method that may be performed at a user equipment (UE) includes obtaining an indication of a guard period during which a cell in which the UE is communicating will switch between subband full duplex (SBFD) communications and half duplex (HD) communications; and performing one or more actions during the guard period, in accordance with the indication.