Sidelink TDM for In-Device Coexistence Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in managing in-device coexistence interference (IDC) between different radio access technologies (RATs) within a multi-RAT dual connectivity (MR DC) user equipment (UE), particularly due to frequency overlap and intermodulation products, which affect signal quality and interference mitigation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sidelink time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques to dynamically manage and avoid IDC interference by configuring sidelink discontinuous reception (DRX) patterns and gaps, allowing each RAT to use its resources without overlapping, thereby reducing interference between 3GPP and non-3GPP RATs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RATs operate simultaneously in a wireless communication device, then communication versatility and connectivity are improved, but in-device coexistence interference occurs between different RATs due to frequency overlap and intermodulation products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time-frequency resources by introducing sidelink DRX patterns that divide operation into active periods (for sidelink communication) and sleep periods (for avoiding interference with other RATs). This temporal segmentation allows different RATs to operate in different time slots, preventing simultaneous interference while maintaining multi-RAT capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic sidelink DRX patterns where the wireless device alternates between active listening/transmission periods and dormant periods. This periodic action creates predictable interference windows that can be coordinated between different RATs, allowing the device to systematically manage IDC interference while maintaining communication versatility.
2Reliability
If sidelink DRX patterns are configured to avoid IDC interference, then signal quality and interference mitigation are improved, but device complexity increases due to dynamic TDM management and coordination between RATs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sidelink DRX configuration where the network can adjust the pattern parameters (such as drx-OnDuration, drx-SlotOffset, and periodicity) based on current communication conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing traffic demands and interference conditions without requiring complete reconfiguration, thereby managing complexity while maintaining signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the wireless device reports sidelink channel conditions and interference levels to the network, which then adjusts the DRX pattern configuration accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to automatically optimize signal quality while managing device complexity through intelligent, condition-based parameter adjustment rather than exhaustive configuration management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If time division multiplexing is used to separate RAT operations, then IDC interference is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency decreases due to time slots being allocated for interference avoidance rather than data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes configurable DRX parameters (such as drx-OnDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimer, and periodicity values) that can be adjusted to optimize the balance between interference avoidance and resource utilization. By dynamically changing these parameters based on traffic patterns and interference conditions, the system minimizes the time spent in low-activity states while ensuring adequate protection against IDC interference, thereby improving overall resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A device uses a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT. It transmits a first signal indicative of a first sidelink (SL) discontinuous reception (DRX) pattern selected to avoid in-device coexistence (IDC) interference at the device between the RATs and receives a second signal indicative of a second SL DRX pattern obtained in view of the first SL DRX pattern and is configured according to the second SL DRX pattern. It transmits a third signal indicative of a first periodic or aperiodic SL gap selected to avoid IDC interference between the RATs. It receives a fourth signal indicative of at least one of a second periodic or aperiodic SL gap obtained in view of the first gap and is configured according to the second periodic or aperiodic SL gap. The device autonomously denies a sidelink transmission in response to the sidelink transmission prospectively causing IDC interference.