UE-Specific TDD Configurations for Full-Duplex TRP Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in accommodating simultaneous urgent uplink and downlink transmissions in cells with semi-statically configured channels, particularly in unpaired spectrum, due to limitations in half-duplex TDD mode which restricts simultaneous UL/DL operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-TRP based full-duplex cell operation, where multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs) within a cell allow for simultaneous downlink and uplink traffic handling on unpaired spectrum, using UE-specific TDD UL/DL configurations that override cell-specific configurations based on spatial information, enabling flexible symbol usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If half-duplex TDD mode is used with cell-specific semi-static UL/DL configuration, then system complexity is reduced and compatibility is maintained, but simultaneous uplink and downlink transmissions cannot be accommodated leading to inefficient spectral reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cell into multiple TRPs (Transmission Reception Points), each with independent UL/DL configurations. This segmentation allows different spatial regions to operate in different duplex modes simultaneously, enabling urgent UL transmissions at one TRP while DL transmissions occur at another TRP, thus achieving spectral reuse without requiring full cell-wide configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies UE-specific TDD UL/DL configurations that are spatially differentiated based on TRP location and propagation characteristics. Each TRP can have customized UL/DL symbol allocations tailored to local traffic demands, allowing urgent transmissions to be accommodated in specific spatial regions without affecting the entire cell's semi-static configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If semi-static UL/DL configuration is used, then system stability and predictability are improved, but flexibility to accommodate urgent transmissions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic UE-specific TDD UL/DL configurations that can be rapidly adjusted per UE and per TRP based on real-time traffic conditions. While the cell-specific configuration remains semi-static for stability, the UE-specific configurations can dynamically switch between UL and DL modes to accommodate urgent transmissions, achieving adaptability without compromising overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges semi-static cell-specific UL/DL configuration with dynamic UE-specific configurations. The semi-static layer provides stable baseline resource allocation, while the dynamic UE-specific layer overlays flexible adjustments for urgent transmissions. This combination allows the system to maintain stability from the semi-static configuration while gaining adaptability through dynamic UE-specific overrides.
3Productivity
If multiple TRPs with different UL/DL configurations are deployed, then simultaneous UL and DL transmissions are enabled improving spectral efficiency, but interference management and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gNB-side coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary to manage interference between multiple TRPs with different UL/DL configurations. The central gNB coordinates transmission timing and power levels across TRPs, ensuring that when one TRP is in UL mode and another in DL mode, interference is minimized through centralized control rather than distributed negotiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves interference issues by adding the spatial dimension to the UL/DL configuration problem. Instead of managing temporal or frequency interference only, the system exploits spatial separation between TRPs, allowing simultaneous UL and DL transmissions in different spatial directions. This dimensional approach transforms interference management from a scalar problem into a vector problem that can be solved through spatial processing and beamforming.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for UE-specific TDD UL/DL configurations for full-duplex operation. One method includes receiving information of a cell-specific TDD UL/DL configuration and receiving information of a plurality of UE-specific TDD UL/DL configurations, where each of the plurality of UE-specific TDD UL/DL configurations is associated with particular spatial information. The method includes performing—based on the plurality of UE-specific TDD UL/DL configurations—a transmission in a first set of symbols of a slot, where at least one symbol of the first set of symbols of the slot overlaps with a downlink symbol indicated by the cell-specific TDD UL/DL configuration, or a reception in a second set of symbols of the slot, where at least one symbol of the second set of symbols of the slot overlaps with an uplink symbol indicated by the cell-specific TDD UL/DL configuration.