Uplink Transmission Switching Across Multiple Bands and Tx Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uplink transmission switching schemes are limited to 2 configured frequency bands and 2 Tx chains, failing to efficiently manage scenarios with more than 2 Tx chains and bands, leading to inefficiencies and complexities in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic UL Tx switching mechanism that allows for configurations with more than 2 Tx chains by using combination indexes and switching gaps, enabling efficient switching across multiple bands through RRC signaling and DCI/MAC CE triggers, even when the number of configured bands exceeds the maximum number of Tx chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of configured UL Tx switching bands M is greater than the maximum number of UL Tx chains N, then the system can support more frequency bands for uplink transmission, but the device complexity and switching management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the band switching management into two parts: RRC signaling for semi-static configuration of band combinations and switching parameters, and DCI/MAC CE for dynamic triggering of specific band switches. This segmentation allows the system to support more bands (M > N) while managing complexity through hierarchical control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic triggering mechanisms where DCI or MAC CE signals can dynamically activate or deactivate specific band combinations based on current transmission needs. This dynamic approach allows flexible adaptation to varying traffic conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through on-demand switching rather than continuous management of all possible band combinations.
2Speed
If dynamic triggering signals (DCI/MAC CE) are used for UL Tx switching, then the switching responsiveness and flexibility improve, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using DCI/MAC CE triggers only when dynamic band switching is actually needed, rather than continuously signaling all possible switching states. The RRC signaling provides the necessary configuration framework, and dynamic triggers are used selectively to activate specific band combinations, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining fast switching capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring band combinations and switching parameters through RRC signaling before dynamic triggering occurs. This preliminary configuration establishes the framework of available band combinations, so that subsequent DCI/MAC CE triggers only need to indicate which pre-configured combination to activate, rather than transmitting full switching information each time, thereby reducing signaling overhead.
3Reliability
If switching gaps are introduced for UL Tx switching, then the switching accuracy and reliability improve, but the transmission time efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows dynamic adjustment of switching gap duration as a configurable parameter. The network can optimize the switching gap length based on specific deployment scenarios, traffic conditions, and device capabilities. This parameter flexibility enables the system to achieve reliable switching (by providing sufficient time for band transitions) while minimizing time loss (by using the shortest adequate gap duration).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent structures band switching as a periodic or scheduled action where switching gaps are introduced at predetermined intervals or at specific transmission boundaries. This periodic approach allows the system to plan switching events in advance, coordinate with transmission schedules, and minimize disruption to ongoing transmissions, thereby balancing reliability with time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are disclosed for Uplink (UL) Transmission (Tx) switching in a wireless network. Some embodiments a base station (BS) can receive first UL Txs, transmit, a dynamic trigger signal for UL Tx switching, where a number of configured UL Tx switching bands, M, is greater than a maximum number of UL Tx chains, N, where M and N are integers. The BS can receive second UL Txs according to the dynamic trigger signal. In some examples, the first UL Txs and the second UL Txs correspond to a first pair of bands of the M configured UL Tx switching bands, or the first UL Txs correspond to a first pair of bands of the M configured UL Tx switching bands, and the second UL Txs correspond to one band of the first pair of bands and a different band of the M configured UL Tx switching bands.