TDD Subframe Structure for Flexible Single-Multiple Interlace Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for mobile broadband access has led to a need for improved multiple access technologies, particularly in wireless communication networks where paired carriers are not available or not available in matched bandwidth configurations, necessitating the use of time division duplex (TDD) carriers, which require efficient subframe structures to support both single and multiple interlace modes of operation.

Innovation Solution

A time division duplex (TDD) subframe structure that supports both single and multiple interlace modes, allowing control, data, and acknowledgement information to be included in the same or different subframes, with scheduling entities determining the appropriate mode for each subordinate entity based on factors like throughput, latency, and link budget.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a single interlace mode is used where control, data, and acknowledgement information are included in a single subframe, then processing time is reduced and latency is lowered, but device complexity increases and scheduling flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between single interlace mode and multiple interlace mode based on channel conditions, traffic requirements, and device capabilities. The scheduling entity can switch between modes to optimize performance, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions rather than being locked into a fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of subframe structure configuration by introducing multiple interlace modes with different configurations. In single interlace mode, all information is in one subframe; in multiple interlace mode, information is distributed across multiple subframes. This parameter change allows optimization of processing time versus device complexity trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interlace modes are supported with information distributed across different subframes, then scheduling flexibility and resource utilization improve, but processing time increases and latency is higher

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission of control, data, and acknowledgement information across multiple subframes in multiple interlace mode. This segmentation allows flexible scheduling and resource allocation while managing processing loads, as information is divided and transmitted in manageable portions across different time slots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic transmission patterns where control, data, and acknowledgement information are transmitted in a structured sequence across multiple subframes. This periodic action in multiple interlace mode provides predictable timing and facilitates efficient resource allocation while controlling processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If TDD carriers are used when paired carriers are not available, then spectrum utilization is improved and deployment flexibility increases, but spectral efficiency and data transmission rates may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoiddata transmission rates
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The TDD carrier structure is designed to universally support both single interlace mode and multiple interlace mode operations, making it adaptable to different deployment scenarios and traffic requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same TDD infrastructure to optimize for either low latency or high spectral efficiency depending on the selected mode, thereby maintaining high data transmission rates despite using unpaired spectrum.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3326317B1Time division duplex (TDD) subframe structure supporting single and multiple interlace modes
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3326317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3326317B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3326317B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a time division duplex (TDD) subframe structure that supports both single and multiple interlace modes of operation. In a single interlace mode, control information, data information corresponding to the control information and acknowledgement information corresponding to the data information are included in a single subframe. In a multiple interlace mode, at least one of the control information, the data information corresponding to the control information or the acknowledgement information corresponding to the data information is included in a different subframe. Both single and multiple interlace modes can be multiplexed together within the TDD subframe structure.