Time-Division Carrier Aggregation for Partially Overlapped Spectrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing carrier aggregation with partially overlapped spectrum, particularly in unlicensed bands, due to regulatory restrictions on power spectral density and minimum occupied channel bandwidth, which can hinder effective utilization of additional bandwidth in unlicensed frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

Implementing time division multiplexing of communications in partially overlapping frequency bands, allowing simultaneous transmission and reception of signals in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands while adhering to regulatory requirements, using guard bands for interference protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If carrier aggregation is implemented with partially overlapped spectrum in unlicensed bands, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but regulatory restrictions on power spectral density and minimum occupied channel bandwidth create interference issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency bands are segmented into overlapping and non-overlapping portions. The patent applies time division multiplexing specifically to the overlapping portion while allowing simultaneous transmission in non-overlapping portions, thus resolving the interference issue while maximizing bandwidth utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically allocates time resources for transmissions in overlapping frequency bands based on scheduling decisions. The network can flexibly assign time slots for uplink and downlink communications in the overlapping portion, adapting to varying traffic conditions while preventing interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If simultaneous transmission and reception is allowed in overlapping frequency bands, then spectral efficiency is improved, but self-interference between transmit and receive signals worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidself-interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic time division multiplexing where the network scheduler assigns different time slots for uplink and downlink transmissions in the overlapping frequency portion. This dynamic allocation allows the system to achieve full-duplex spectral efficiency while preventing self-interference through proper time separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous communication throughput by allowing simultaneous transmissions in non-overlapping frequency portions while using time-division multiplexing only where necessary in overlapping portions, thus keeping the system continuously productive without unnecessary interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250310068A1Transmit schemes for carrier aggregation with partially overlapped spectrum

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Wireless communications systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) may include transmitting a first communication in a first frequency band and receiving a second communication in a second frequency band, wherein a portion of the second frequency band partially overlaps the first frequency band and the first communication is time division multiplexed with the second communication in the portion of the second frequency band that partially overlaps the first frequency band.