Switched Reception Path for Non-Contiguous Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently processing multiple target spectrums received via a single antenna port, leading to intercarrier interference and limitations in dynamic bandwidth extension, particularly in non-contiguous carrier aggregation scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a switching arrangement to couple the reception path to downstream receiver circuitry during reception time slots and the feedback path during transmission time slots, allowing for separate processing of multiple bandwidths and enabling dynamic bandwidth extension without quantization, thereby avoiding intercarrier interference and optimizing the use of licensed spectrum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple target spectrums are processed through a single receiver chain, then device complexity is reduced, but intercarrier interference occurs and processing reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiver chain complexityVSAvoidsignal processing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the received signal into multiple discrete target spectrums using separate reception paths, each with dedicated low noise amplifiers and downstream receiver circuitry. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple carriers without intercarrier interference, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and processing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If fixed predefined bandwidths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to dynamic spectrum conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth configuration complexityVSAvoidbandwidth adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth extension by allowing the bandwidth of each reception path to be dynamically adjusted based on spectrum availability and service requirements. The bandwidth can be extended in an analogue fashion without quantization, enabling flexible adaptation to dynamic spectrum conditions while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate processing paths are used for multiple carriers, then intercarrier interference is eliminated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintercarrier interferenceVSAvoidreceiver path complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple reception paths that share common downstream receiver circuitry and processing resources. Each path processes a specific target spectrum independently to avoid intercarrier interference, while sharing common resources reduces overall device complexity compared to fully independent processing chains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If spectrum is not aligned with existing predefined bandwidths, then spectrum utilization efficiency improves, but compatibility with existing systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous bandwidth adjustment by changing the bandwidth parameter in an analogue fashion without quantization, allowing the system to adapt to spectrum allocations that do not align with existing predefined bandwidths. This maintains compatibility with existing systems while improving spectrum utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4354742A1Flexible reception
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4354742A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2A
  • EP4354742A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3B
  • EP4354742A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An apparatus comprising: a first reception path comprising a first low noise amplifier; a first feedback path comprising a second low noise amplifier; first downstream receiver circuitry; a switching arrangement configured to, in a first state, couple the first reception path to the first downstream receiver circuitry and configured to, in a second state, couple the first feedback path to the first downstream receiver circuitry; and a controller configured to place the switching arrangement in the first state during a reception time slot and in the second state during a transmission time slot.