Dynamic Uplink Gap Configuration For 5G FR2 Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR communication systems, enhancing coverage and signal quality in higher frequency ranges like FR2 is challenging due to hardware sharing issues, which necessitates periodic uplink gaps for self-calibration and monitoring operations without disrupting data or control signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamically configurable uplink (UL) gap mechanism, where the UE receives UL gap configurations from the base station via RRC signaling or MAC-CEs, allowing for specific gap lengths, periodicities, and types (Type 1 without UL grant and Type 2 with UL grant) to perform operations like PA calibration and transceiver calibration during designated periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic uplink gaps are implemented for self-calibration and monitoring operations, then hardware sharing issues are resolved and signal quality is improved, but uplink scheduling and throughput are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic uplink gap configurations where the base station can adjust gap parameters (periodicity, duration, offset) based on real-time network conditions and UE capabilities. This allows the system to optimize the balance between calibration needs and throughput requirements, making the gap structure adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple configurable parameters for uplink gaps including periodicity (e.g., 20, 40, 80, 160 slots), duration (1-8 slots), and offset values. By adjusting these parameters, the system can fine-tune the impact of calibration operations on uplink throughput while ensuring adequate calibration opportunities.
2Reliability
If uplink gaps are configured for transceiver calibration, then hardware sharing conflicts are resolved, but uplink scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments uplink resources by introducing distinct gap patterns (Type 1 without UL grant, Type 2 with UL grant) and configuring multiple gap sets. This segmentation allows different calibration scenarios to be handled by appropriate gap types, simplifying the overall scheduling logic while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that manages gap configurations and coordinates between UE calibration needs and network scheduling requirements. Through RRC signaling and MAC CE commands, the base station mediates the allocation of gap resources, reducing the scheduling burden on individual UEs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic uplink gap configurations are implemented, then flexibility in calibration operations is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal gap configuration framework that supports multiple calibration scenarios (PA calibration, transceiver calibration, body proximity sensing) through a single configurable gap structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms for different calibration types.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station pre-configures multiple gap patterns and parameters through RRC signaling before calibration operations are needed. This preliminary configuration reduces real-time signaling overhead by establishing a library of gap configurations that can be activated or deactivated as needed through lighter MAC CE commands.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods for triggering and using uplink gaps in cellular networks. A method of an embodiment comprises: transmitting, to a base station, an indication of an uplink (UL) gap capability or preference of the UE for body proximity sensing (BPS) or transceiver calibration; activating a UL gap configuration based on an activation command received from a network; and performing operations for BPS or transceiver calibration within a UL gap defined by the UL gap configuration.