TDD-FDD Joint Operation Subframe Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE systems cannot perform TDD-FDD joint operation, limiting bandwidth efficiency and flexibility as they can only operate on either TDD or FDD modes simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A communication device and method that enables TDD-FDD joint operation by allowing reception in a TDD carrier and transmission in a FDD carrier, or vice versa, using specific subframe configurations and HARQ feedback mechanisms to manage data transfer across different carrier types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE operates in TDD mode or FDD mode exclusively, then the operation rules are simple and well-defined, but the bandwidth efficiency and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth efficiency and flexibilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operation into two distinct parts: TDD operation following TDD rules and FDD operation following FDD rules. The UE determines which operation mode to use based on the carrier type, applying the appropriate rule set for each segment. This segmentation allows the UE to maintain simple operation within each mode while achieving flexibility through carrier aggregation of both TDD and FDD carriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the UE universally capable of operating in both TDD and FDD modes simultaneously through carrier aggregation. The UE is designed to handle multiple carrier types with different operation rules, making it multi-functional. This universality is achieved by maintaining separate rule sets for TDD and FDD operations while allowing both to coexist in the same UE.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the UE performs transmission/reception via TDD carriers and FDD carriers jointly, then the bandwidth efficiency and flexibility are improved, but the operation becomes complex due to different rules for each carrier type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth efficiency and flexibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different operation rules to different carrier types within the same UE. TDD carriers follow TDD-specific rules while FDD carriers follow FDD-specific rules. This local differentiation allows each carrier to operate optimally according to its characteristics while being managed by a unified UE architecture that recognizes and applies the appropriate rules based on carrier type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2835928B1Methods of handling communication operation
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 ACER INC
  • EP2835928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2835928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2835928B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of handling a communication operation for a communication device comprising performing a reception in a first subframe of a time-division duplexing (TDD) carrier from a network; and performing a transmission for responding the reception via a second subframe of a uplink (UL) carrier to the network; wherein the UL carrier is a frequency-division duplexing (FDD) UL carrier, or is another TDD carrier with an UL/downlink (DL) configuration where all subframes are UL subframes.