UE Sidelink Communication RAT Switching via Segmented RF Chains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack an efficient method for a user equipment (UE) to seamlessly switch between LTE and NR sidelink communications while maintaining effective Uu communication, leading to interruptions during RF switching between different frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a UE to perform sidelink communication by switching between different radio access technologies (RATs), such as LTE and NR, allowing for simultaneous support of sidelink and Uu communications by managing RF switching times and synchronization to minimize interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RF switching is performed between LTE V2X SL communication and NR V2X SL communication, then sidelink communication capability is improved, but Uu communication is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesidelink communication capabilityVSAvoidUu communication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication interfaces by introducing separate RF chains for sidelink (PC5) and uplink (Uu) communications. This allows independent RF switching for sidelink without affecting Uu communication, resolving the contradiction between sidelink adaptability and Uu communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary RF chain structure that acts as a mediator between the sidelink and Uu interfaces. This intermediary RF chain enables sidelink RF switching while Uu communication continues through its dedicated RF path, maintaining both sidelink versatility and Uu communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single RF chain is used for both LTE V2X SL and NR V2X SL communication, then device complexity is reduced, but communication interruption occurs during RAT switching

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF chain structureVSAvoidcommunication interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the RF architecture into multiple segmented RF chains, with dedicated RF paths for sidelink and Uu communications. This segmentation eliminates the need for time-consuming RAT switching by allowing simultaneous operation of different radio access technologies without communication interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares multiple RF chains in advance, each configured for specific communication types (sidelink or Uu). This preliminary configuration allows immediate switching between communication modes without interruption, as the required RF chain is already ready and configured before switching is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12127050B2Systems and methods for performing sidelink communication involving multiple radio access technologies

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

One disclosure of the present specification provides a method by which a UE performs sidelink communication. The method may comprise the steps of: performing sidelink communication on the basis of a first RAT; switching a RAT for the sidelink communication from the first RAT to a second RAT; performing the sidelink communication on the basis of the second RAT; and communicating with a base station on the basis of NR.