Patent ID: 9119211
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for managing radio frequency (RF) chains in a carrier aggregation capable wireless communication device, the method comprising the wireless communication device: using a first RF chain associated with a first component carrier and a second RF chain associated with a second component carrier to support a connection to a network implementing a carrier aggregation capable Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology; formatting a deactivation message configured to trigger deactivation of the second component carrier; sending the deactivation message to the network to trigger deactivation of the second component carrier; discontinuing usage of the second RF chain to support the connection to the network via the second component carrier after sending the deactivation message; and repurposing the second RF chain for a function other than communication via the second component carrier in support of the connection to the network while the first RF chain is used to support the connection to the network via the first component carrier, wherein: the formatting the deactivation message comprises formatting a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) comprising a deactivation indication for the second component carrier, and wherein the MAC CE includes a MAC packet data unit (PDU) with a reserved Logical Channel ID (LCID) designated for component carrier deactivation signaling, and the repurposing the second RF chain comprises using the second RF chain to scan for a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) associated with the wireless communication device, the HPLMN having a higher priority than the network, when the network comprises a public land mobile network (PLMN), other than the HPLMN, to which the wireless communication device is roaming, while the first RF chain is used to support the connection to the network via the first component carrier.