Terminal SRS Frequency Hopping Across Unlicensed RB Sets

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Solution Overview

Problem

The application of frequency hopping in wireless communication systems operating in frequency bands higher than conventional frequencies, such as 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz, is not specified, particularly for UL transmissions involving RB sets defined by regulations.

Innovation Solution

A terminal is equipped with a reception unit to receive parameters for frequency hopping applied to SRS in an unlicensed band and a transmission unit to perform frequency hopping using multiple RB sets based on these parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frequency hopping is applied in unlicensed bands using multiple RB sets, then frequency domain diversity is improved and flexibility is enhanced, but device complexity and configuration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency hopping flexibilityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting frequency hopping parameters (starting RB index, hopping distance, RB set configuration) based on channel conditions and regulatory requirements. The terminal configures multiple RB sets with different parameter combinations, allowing flexible adaptation to unlicensed band requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through parameterized configurations rather than hard-coded structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the terminal to dynamically select and switch between different RB sets based on real-time channel conditions, interference levels, and regulatory constraints. The frequency hopping pattern is dynamically adjusted through parameter updates from the network, allowing the system to adapt to changing environments while keeping the underlying terminal structure relatively static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequency hopping is applied in unlicensed bands using multiple RB sets, then frequency domain diversity is improved and flexibility is enhanced, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency hopping flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the unlicensed band spectrum into multiple RB sets, each with specific frequency ranges and characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to configure frequency hopping across different RB sets with tailored parameters for each set, managing configuration complexity through modular organization while achieving comprehensive frequency domain diversity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages configuration complexity through parameterized RB set definitions, where each RB set is characterized by configurable parameters (frequency offset, bandwidth, hopping distance). The network can configure multiple RB sets with different parameter combinations, allowing flexible frequency hopping patterns without requiring complex hard-coded configurations in the terminal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If frequency hopping is applied in unlicensed bands using multiple RB sets, then transmission reliability is improved through frequency domain diversity, but loss of time increases due to hopping transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidhopping transition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing structured frequency hopping patterns where the terminal systematically transitions between RB sets at predetermined intervals and time points. This periodic hopping structure ensures adequate frequency domain diversity sampling while minimizing transition overhead through regular, predictable timing patterns that allow efficient resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple RB sets and their associated parameters before actual data transmission begins. The network provides advance configuration information about available RB sets and hopping patterns, allowing the terminal to prepare transmission parameters in advance and execute frequency hopping transitions more efficiently during actual transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4608031A1Terminal and communication method
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4608031A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4608031A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4608031A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal includes: a reception unit configured to receive, from a base station, a parameter related to frequency hopping to be applied to SRS (Sounding reference signal) in an unlicensed band; and a transmission unit configured to perform transmission to the base station using a plurality of RB (Resource block) sets by applying the frequency hopping to the SRS, based on the parameter.