Resource mapping for multi SIM multi active multi RAT scenarios using WLAN transceiver supporting partial WWAN transceiver capabilities

In a user equipment (UE) supporting multiple radio access technologies (RATs) and operating in an multiple-SIM multiple-active (MSMA) scenario, at least a portion of the wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver may be used opportunistically to support the operation of the wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceiver to support the multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs). For example, when a first SIM is in an active mode and using the WWAN transceiver for transmit and/or receive operations, at least a portion of the WLAN transceiver may be used in addition to the WWAN transceiver to support the WWAN operation of a second (or third, etc.) SIM. The WLAN transceiver may be used for transmit, receive, or both for the second SIM, while the first SIM continues to use the resources of the WWAN transceiver.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure, for example, relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to resource mapping in scenarios where a single wireless device has multiple active subscriber identity modules (SIMs) accessing multiple-radio access technologies (RATs) using a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver to support wireless wide area network (WWAN) capabilities.

Description of Related Art

By way of example, a wireless multiple-access communication system may include a number of base stations or access points (APs), each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, otherwise known as user equipment (UEs). UEs may contain multiple radios or transceivers, each configured to support various radio access technologies (RATs). A base station or AP may communicate with UEs on downlink channels (e.g., for transmissions from a base station to a UE) and uplink channels (e.g., for transmissions from a UE to a base station). Communication between a UE and a base station may use a wireless wide area network (WWAN), while communication between a UE and an AP may use a wireless local area network (WLAN). Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are examples of WLAN technologies that may be supported by a UE. UEs typically include different WWAN and WLAN receive (Rx) and transmit (Tx) chains. For example, a UE may have one or more Rx and Tx chains used for WWAN transmissions, and may also have separate Rx and Tx chains used for WLAN transmissions.

Although WWAN and WLAN transceivers may initially be designed for specific communication needs, with advances in technology and a need for higher data rates, the use of specific transceivers for particular RATs has begun to change. It is possible to use a WLAN transceiver whenever it is available to assist the WWAN modem. A WLAN transceiver may support a subset of WWAN transceiver capabilities, e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) only. Furthermore, it may support only Tx, only Rx, or both Tx and Rx. Such assistance may be in support of one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs) supported by the UE. These SIMs may be used to enable the UE to communicate on a particular network. Some UEs are dual- or multiple-SIM devices, meaning that the UE is configured to receive and use more than one SIM card. Thus, a multiple-SIM device may simultaneously operate in either an active or a standby mode on more than one network. For example, a dual-SIM, dual-active (DSDA) device is configured to actively transmit and receive on two different networks at the same time. A dual-SIM, dual standby (DSDS) device is configured to allow active transmission on one network while being in standby mode on a second network. Multiple-SIM, multiple active (MSMA) and/or multiple-SIM, multiple standby (MSMS) devices may also be used. For each additional SIM, additional Tx and/or Rx chains may be used, adding to the cost and complexity of the UE.

SUMMARY

In a UE supporting multiple RATs (including at least one WWAN transceiver and at least one WLAN transceiver) and that is operating in an MSMA scenario (including DSDA), at least a portion of the WLAN transceiver may be opportunistically used to support the operation of the WWAN transceiver. For example when a first SIM (SIM1) is in an active mode and using the WWAN transceiver for Tx and/or Rx operations, at least a portion of the WLAN transceiver may be used to support the WWAN operation of a second SIM (SIM2). The WLAN transceiver may be used to support the WWAN operations for only Tx, only Rx, or both Tx and Rx for SIM2, while SIM1 may continue to use the resources of the WWAN transceiver. Selective resource mapping—where SIM2 is sometimes supported by the WWAN transceiver and sometimes supported by the WLAN transceiver—may reduce the impact of the opportunistic WLAN usage on the regular WLAN functions handled by the WLAN transceiver.

In a first set of illustrative examples, a method for wireless communication is described. In one example, the method may include operating a wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceiver to support a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a user equipment (UE); and selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver to support a second SIM of the UE.

In some examples of the method, the method also includes detecting that the first SIM has switched from a first SIM standby mode to a first SIM active mode; and transferring from operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM to operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM. In some examples of the method, selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM further comprises: operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a first period while the first SIM is in a first SIM active mode; and operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a second period while the first SIM is in a first SIM standby mode and the second SIM is in a second SIM standby mode. In some examples of the method, the method also includes monitoring paging, by the WWAN transceiver, for the second SIM to detect a voice call for the second SIM; and operating the WLAN transceiver to support the voice call for the second SIM while the first SIM is in a first SIM active mode.

In some examples of the method, selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM comprises: operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a first period while the first SIM is in a first SIM active mode. In some examples of the method, operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during the first period while the first SIM is in the first SIM active mode further comprises: processing, with a receive chain of the WLAN transceiver, a first signal received at the UE from a WWAN for the second SIM during the first period; and processing, with a transmit chain of the WWAN transceiver, a second signal to be transmitted from the UE to the WWAN for the second SIM during the first period. In some examples of the method, operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM during the first period further comprises: processing, with a receive chain of the WWAN transceiver, a first signal received at the UE from a WWAN for the second SIM during the first period; and processing, with a transmit chain of the WLAN transceiver, a second signal to be transmitted from the UE to the WWAN for the second SIM during the first period. In some examples of the method selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM further comprises: operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a second period while the first SIM is in a first SIM standby mode and the second SIM is in a second SIM standby mode. In some examples of the method selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM further comprises: operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a second period while the first SIM is in a first SIM standby mode and the second SIM is in a second SIM active mode. In some examples of the method selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM further comprises: operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a second period while the first SIM is in a first SIM standby mode and the second SIM is in a second SIM active mode.

In some examples of the method selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM further comprises: detecting a voice call for the second SIM; and switching from operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a first period while the first SIM is in a first SIM standby mode to operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a second period while the first SIM is in a first SIM active mode. In some examples of the method operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during the second period while the first SIM is in the first SIM active mode comprises: operating one of a receive chain or a transmit chain of the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during the second period while the first SIM is in the first SIM active mode. In some examples of the method detecting the voice call for the second SIM comprises: receiving, at the UE, a page for the voice call from a WWAN. In some examples of the method the voice call comprises a global system for mobile communications (GSM) voice call.

In some examples of the method selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM further comprises: terminating a voice call for the second SIM; and switching from operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a first period while the first SIM is in a first SIM active mode to operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM during a second period while the first SIM is in a first SIM standby mode. In some examples of the method operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM during the second period while the first SIM is in the first SIM standby mode comprises: operating one of a receive chain or a transmit chain of the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM during the second period while the first SIM is in the first SIM standby mode.

In some examples of the method selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM comprises: operating the WLAN transceiver to support a second SIM active mode, regardless of a first SIM active mode. In some examples of the method selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM further comprises: operating the WLAN transceiver to support a second SIM standby mode, regardless of the first SIM active mode. In some examples of the method selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM further comprises: operating the WWAN transceiver to support a second SIM standby mode, regardless of the first SIM active mode. In some examples of the method operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM active mode, regardless of the first SIM active mode comprises: processing, with a receive chain of the WLAN transceiver, a first signal received at the UE from a WWAN for the second SIM; and processing, with a transmit chain of the WWAN transceiver, a second signal to be transmitted from the UE to the WWAN for the second SIM. In some examples of the method operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM active mode, regardless of the first SIM active mode comprises: processing, with a receive chain of the WWAN transceiver, a first signal received at the UE from a WWAN for the second SIM; and processing, with a transmit chain of the WLAN transceiver, a second signal to be transmitted from the UE to the WWAN for the second SIM.

In some examples of the method, the method further includes detecting that the first SIM has switched from a first SIM standby mode to a first SIM active mode; and switching from operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM to operating one of a receive chain or a transmit chain of the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM while the first SIM is in the first SIM active mode. In some examples of the method, the method further includes detecting that the first SIM has switched from a first SIM active mode to a first SIM standby mode; and switching from operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM to operating one of a receive chain or a transmit chain of the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM while the first SIM is in the first SIM active mode. In some examples of the method, the method further includes operating the WLAN transceiver to support a WLAN function of the UE that is unrelated to support of the first SIM and that is unrelated to support of the second SIM; and switching operation of the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM while operating the WLAN transceiver to support the WLAN function.

In a second set of illustrative examples, an apparatus for wireless communication is described. In one example, the apparatus may include means for operating a wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceiver to support a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a user equipment (UE); and means for selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver to support a second SIM of the UE. The apparatus may further include means for detecting that the first SIM has switched from a first SIM standby mode to a first SIM active mode; and means for transferring from operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM to operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM.

In a third set of illustrative examples, another apparatus for wireless communication is described. In one example, the apparatus may include a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to: operate a wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceiver to support a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a user equipment (UE); and selectively operate the WWAN transceiver and a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver to support a second SIM of the UE. The instructions stored in the memory further include instructions executable by the processor to: operate the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM; detect that the first SIM has switched from a first SIM standby mode to a first SIM active mode; and transfer from operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM to operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM.

In a fourth set of illustrative examples, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code for wireless communication is described. In one example, the code may be executable by a processor to operate a wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceiver to support a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a user equipment (UE); and selectively operate the WWAN transceiver and a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver to support a second SIM of the UE. In some examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium, the code may also be executable by the processor to detect that the first SIM has switched from a first SIM standby mode to a first SIM active mode; and transfer from operating the WWAN transceiver to support the second SIM to operating the WLAN transceiver to support the second SIM.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For a UE supporting multiple SIMs, it may be desirable to operate in an MSMA scenario, including DSDA, where both a first SIM and a second SIM are active at the same time. UEs may contain multiple RATs, including at least one WWAN radio and one WLAN radio. Although WWAN radios and WLAN radios may have been initially designed for specific communications needs of the UE (e.g. 2G, 3G, or 4G wireless technology, etc., for a WWAN radio, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, etc., for a WLAN radio), with advances in technology and a need for higher data rates, the use of WWAN and WLAN radios has started to overlap. In a UE supporting multiple SIMs that has a WWAN radio and a WLAN radio, a first SIM may be supported by the WWAN radio and its resources, while the WLAN transceiver may be used to support the WWAN modem when there is not a second WWAN available to support the second SIM as well. The WLAN radio may be used to support a subset of WLAN transceiver capabilities (e.g. supporting only GSM). The WLAN transceiver may also support the WWAN modem in different operating scenarios such as for single-SIM simultaneous GSM Long-Term Evolution (LTE) (SGLTE) or S1×LTE (e.g. page monitoring on idle RAT operations), multiple-SIM multiple-active (e.g. DSDA) scenarios using the WLAN transceiver, or multiple-RAT dual-active (MRDA) scenarios using the WLAN transceiver.

Different resource mapping scenarios may be used in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in a first resource mapping scenario, the WLAN transceiver is used to support WWAN SIM2 operations only when both SIM1 and SIM2 are operating in an active mode (otherwise SIM2 operations use WWAN resources). In a second exemplary resource mapping scenario, the WLAN transceiver is used to support WWAN SIM2 operations, including when SIM2 is in either an active mode or a standby mode. In this second scenario, the WLAN transceiver is used to support SIM2 operations when operating in an active mode for one of Tx, Rx, or both Tx and Rx. In a third exemplary resource mapping scenario, the WLAN transceiver is used to support WWAN SIM2 operations when SIM2 is in an active mode, regardless of whether SIM1 is in an active mode. In this third scenario, WWAN resources are used to support SIM2 operation when in a standby mode.

Referring first toFIG. 1, a system diagram illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100. The wireless communications system100may include base station(s)105, AP(s)110, and mobile devices such as UEs115. The AP110may provide wireless communications via a WLAN radio access network (RAN) such as, e.g., a network implementing at least one of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. The AP110may provide, for example, WLAN or other short range (e.g., Bluetooth and Zigbee) communications access to a UE115. Each AP110has a geographic coverage area122such that UEs115within that area can typically communicate with the AP110. UEs115may be multi-access mobile devices that communicate with the AP110and a base station105via different radio access networks. The UEs115, such as mobile stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptops, display devices (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, etc.), printers, etc., may be stationary or mobile and traverse the geographic coverage areas122and/or120, the geographic coverage area of a base station105. While only one AP110is illustrated, the wireless communications system100may include multiple APs110. Some or all of the UEs115may associate and communicate with an AP110via a communication link135and/or with a base station105via a communication link125.

The wireless communications system100may also include a core network130. The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The base stations105interface with the core network130through backhaul links132(e.g., S1, etc.) and may perform radio configuration and scheduling for communication with the UEs115, or may operate under the control of a base station controller (not shown). In various examples, the base stations105may communicate, either directly or indirectly (e.g., through core network130), with each other over backhaul links134(e.g., X1, etc.), which may be wired or wireless communication links.

A UE115can be covered by more than one AP110and/or base station105and can therefore associate with multiple APs110or base stations105at different times. For example, a single AP110and an associated set of UEs115may be referred to as a basic service set (BSS). An extended service set (ESS) is a set of connected BSSs. A distribution system (DS) (not shown) is used to connect APs110in an extended service set. A geographic coverage area122for an AP110may be divided into sectors making up only a portion of the geographic coverage area (not shown). The wireless communications system100may include APs110of different types (e.g., metropolitan area, home network, etc.), with varying sizes of coverage areas and overlapping coverage areas for different technologies. Although not shown, other wireless devices can communicate with the AP110.

In some examples, the wireless communications system100includes portions of an LTE/LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. In LTE/LTE-A networks, the term evolved Node B (eNB) may be generally used to describe the base stations105, while the term UE may be generally used to describe the UEs115. The wireless communications system100may be a Heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A network in which different types of eNBs provide coverage for various geographical regions. For example, each eNB or base station105may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, and/or other types of cell. The term “cell” is a 3GPP term that can be used to describe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated with a base station, or a coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier or base station, depending on context.

A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A small cell is a lower-powered base station, as compared with a macro cell, that may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may include pico cells, femto cells, and micro cells according to various examples. A pico cell may cover a relatively smaller geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femto cell also may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may provide restricted access by UEs having an association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs for users in the home, and the like). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells (e.g., component carriers).

The communication links125shown in wireless communications system100may include uplink (UL) transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, and/or downlink (DL) transmissions, from a base station105to a UE115. The downlink transmissions may also be called forward link transmissions while the uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions. Each communication link125may include at least one carrier, where each carrier may be a signal made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., waveform signals of different frequencies) modulated according to the various radio technologies described above. Each modulated signal may be sent on a different sub-carrier and may carry control information (e.g., reference signals, control channels, etc.), overhead information, user data, etc. The communication links125may transmit bidirectional communications using FDD (e.g., using paired spectrum resources) or TDD operation (e.g., using unpaired spectrum resources). Frame structures for FDD (e.g., frame structure type 1) and TDD (e.g., frame structure type 2) may be defined. Similarly, communication links135, also shown in wireless communications system100, may include UL transmissions from a UE115to an AP110, and/or DL transmissions from an AP110to a UE115.

In some embodiments of the system100, base stations105, APs110, and/or UEs115may include multiple antennas for employing antenna diversity schemes to improve communication quality and reliability between base stations105, APs110, and UEs115. Additionally or alternatively, base stations105, APs110, and/or UEs115may employ multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques that may take advantage of multi-path environments to transmit multiple spatial layers carrying the same or different coded data.

System100includes a UE115-awhich is in communication with both a base station105and an AP110. As an example, UE115-amay communicate with the AP110using Wi-Fi or other WLAN communications, while the UE115-amay communicate with the base stations105using LTE, GSM, or other WWAN communications. The communications may be at the same time. As an example, the UE115-amay be a DSDA or MSMA device having a first SIM (SIM1) and a second SIM (SIM2) and may communicate with one base station105using LTE communications for SIM1, another base station105using GSM communications for SIM2, and an AP110using Wi-Fi communications. As another example, the UE115-amay communicate with one base station105using LTE communications for SIM1, the same base station105using GSM communications for SIM2, and an AP110using Wi-Fi communications.

The UE115-amay include a single WWAN Rx and Tx chain that may be shared between multiple WWAN communications. For example, a first WWAN communication (such as an LTE communication) may utilize the WWAN Rx chain during a first time period, and a second WWAN communication (such as a GSM communication) may utilize the WWAN Rx chain during a second time period. When a WWAN communication facilitated by SIM1 is utilizing the WWAN Rx or Tx chains, the WWAN Rx or Tx chains may be unavailable for use for different WWAN communications facilitated by SIM2. Therefore, while the multiple WWAN communications are occurring, the UE115-amay utilize a portion of a WLAN module in the UE to offload a portion of the processing for one of the WWAN communications from the WWAN module to the WLAN module. In this way, the availability of the single WWAN Rx and Tx chains may be increased. However, the WLAN module in the UE115-amay also often be in communication with an AP110using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other WLAN communications. Overuse of the WLAN module in the UE115-ato offload WWAN communication may degrade UE performance. For example, exclusive use of the WLAN module to support GSM voice calls for SIM2 may result in poor GSM voice call quality during WLAN communication while the WLAN module is shared, and WLAN throughput for Wi-Fi may be adversely affected by the GSM voice call. If the WWAN module is available to support GSM voice call for SIM2, then the GSM voice call may be switched to the WWAN module when that resource becomes available so that the WLAN module is more available to support WLAN communications. WWAN and WLAN Rx and Tx chains may also be treated separately, for example so that the Rx chain of the WWAN module and the Tx chain of the WLAN module may support GSM voice calls for SIM2. Therefore, resource mappings, including separate treatment of Rx and Tx chains, may opportunistically use the WLAN module in support of the WWAN module.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a system diagram that shows an example of a wireless communications system200-a. The wireless communications system200-amay include base stations105-a-1,105-a-2, AP110-aand UE115-b. The UE115-bmay be an example of UE115-ain system100ofFIG. 1and may be engaged in both WWAN and WLAN communications. The base stations105-a-1,105-a-2may be examples of base stations105included in system100ofFIG. 1, and the AP110-amay be an example of the AP110in system100ofFIG. 1.

In system200-a, the UE115-bmay include at least two different sets of antennas, WWAN antennas205-aand WLAN antennas210-a. For example, WWAN antennas205-amay be a WWAN antenna associated with a WWAN module. Using the WWAN antennas205-a, the UE115-bmay engage in WWAN communications with base station105-a-1and base station105-a-2via communication links125. The WWAN antennas205-aand associated WWAN module may include both Rx and Tx chains used during WWAN communications. The WWAN antennas205-amay include one or more diversity WWAN antennas for WWAN communications with base station105-a-1and/or base station105-a-2, where each WWAN communication supports a different SIM. The one or more diversity WWAN antennas205-amay also be used for WWAN communications with base station105-a-1and/or base station105-a-2, where the WWAN communication supports one SIM in a carrier aggregation (CA) or multi-carrier mode.

In system200-a, the UE115-bmay use the WLAN antennas210-ato communicate with the AP110-a(via communication link135). The communications with the AP110-amay be Wi-Fi or other WLAN communications. As described in greater detail below, both the WWAN communications and the WLAN communications may share portions of the Tx and Rx chains of a WLAN module associated with the WLAN antennas210-a. For example, while a WWAN communication from base station105-a-1may be received by the WWAN antennas205, the WWAN communication may be processed by a portion of the WLAN Rx chain while the WWAN Rx chain is processing a different WWAN communication from base station105-a-2. Similarly, a WWAN communication may be processed by a portion of the WLAN Tx chain that may be transmitted to base station105-a-1using WWAN antennas205-awhile the WWAN Tx chain is processing a different WWAN communication that may be transmitted to base station105-a-2using WWAN antennas205-a. Each of the WWAN communications may support different SIMs included in the UE115-b.

FIG. 2Bshows a system200-bfor use in wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-b-1may include a WWAN module260-aand a WLAN module265-a. The WWAN module260-amay facilitate communications over a WWAN. The WWAN module260-amay support communications within a first frequency bandwidth F1 or first RAT. The WLAN module265-amay facilitate communications over a WLAN. The WLAN module265-amay support communications within a second frequency bandwidth F2 or second RAT. In some examples the first frequency bandwidth F1 and the second frequency bandwidth F2 may be adjacent bandwidths. In these examples, the UE115-b-1may send and/or receive WWAN communications using components of the WLAN module265-a.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a first example timing diagram300-afor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115operating according to a first resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. UE115may be an example of the UEs115ofFIGS. 1 and/or 2that support at least two SIMs: SIM1 and SIM2. SIM1 may be associated with a first subscription for communicating over a first network (e.g., via the first base station105-a-1), and SIM2 may be associated with a second subscription for communicating over a second network (e.g., via the second base station105-a-2). By way of example, the first subscription may be a voice or data LTE/LTE-A, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), 1× Evolution-Data Only (1×EV-DO), GSM, or Wi-Fi subscription, and the second subscription may be a GSM voice subscription, or vice versa. The first and second subscriptions may be with the same or different providers. Each of SIM1 and SIM2 may be operating in an active mode or operating in a standby mode, or neither, at a particular time.

According to the first resource mapping, the WWAN transceiver may operate to support SIM1 when SIM1 is operating in either its standby mode or active mode, regardless of the operating mode of SIM2. For SIM2, the WWAN transceiver may operate to support SIM2 when SIM2 is operating in its standby mode, regardless of whether SIM1 is in a standby mode or an active mode. The WWAN transceiver may also operate to support SIM2 when SIM2 is operating in its active mode, if SIM1 is operating in a standby mode. However, if SIM1 is operating in its active mode, the Tx chain of the WWAN transceiver may operate to support transmit for SIM2 while SIM2 is in its active mode, but the Rx chain of the WLAN transceiver (rather than of the WWAN transceiver) may operate to support receive for SIM2. This is desirable for various reasons. For example, the WWAN transceiver may have the capability of supporting simultaneous Tx operation of SIM1 and SIM2, but may be only capable of one Rx operation. In another example, simultaneous Rx operation of SIM1 and SIM2 by the WWAN transceiver may create undesired performance degradation due to mutual coupling, etc.

Turning back toFIG. 3A, timing axis320represents the mode state for SIM1 with respect to the WWAN transceiver over time (time period350-aprecedes time period355-a, which in turn precedes time period360-a, etc.), such that during a time period350-a, SIM1 is operating in a standby mode310using the resources of the WWAN transceiver of UE115. Timing axis330represents the mode state for SIM2 with respect to the WWAN transceiver over the same time periods, and timing axis340represents the mode state for SIM2 with respect to the WLAN transceiver, once again over the same time periods.FIG. 3Aillustrates that during time period350-a, SIM2 is also operating in a standby mode310using the resources of the WWAN transceiver of UE115, and is not using the resources of the WLAN transceiver.

Beginning at time period355-a, SIM2 is operating in an active mode315. In the particular example where SIM2 is associated with a GSM voice subscription, SIM2 in an active mode315may represent that a GSM voice call has been initiated for SIM2 and is currently active. During time period355-a, SIM1 is in a standby mode supported by the WWAN transceiver, so that the active mode for SIM2 may also be supported by the WWAN transceiver, and is still not using the resources of the WLAN transceiver.

Beginning at time period360-a, in addition to SIM2 being in an active mode, SIM1 is now also in an active mode315. In the example where SIM1 is associated with a voice or data LTE subscription, SIM1 in active mode315may represent that an LTE voice call has been initiated for SIM1 and is currently active. Once SIM1 goes into an active mode315, the WWAN transceiver continues to support transmit for SIM2 in the active mode, illustrated as active (Tx)375on timing axis330, but support for receive for SIM2 in the active mode is transferred from the WWAN transceiver to the receive chain of the WLAN transceiver, which is illustrated by active (Rx)380on timing axis340during time period360-a.

During time period365-a, SIM1 has gone back into a standby mode, illustrated by standby mode310on timing axis320. In the example above where SIM1 is associated with a voice or data LTE subscription, SIM1 going from active mode315during time period360-ato standby mode310during time period365-amay represent that the LTE voice call was terminated. Once SIM1 goes into standby mode310, support for receive for SIM2 in the active mode is transferred back to the WWAN transceiver, which is illustrated by active mode315on timing axis330during time period350-a, and no WLAN transceiver support for SIM2 illustrated on timing axis340.

During time period370-a, SIM2 has gone back into standby, which mode is supported by the WWAN transceiver as illustrated by standby mode310on timing axis330. SIM1 is also supported by the WWAN transceiver in its standby mode during time period370-a, as illustrated by standby mode310on timing axis320.

FIG. 3Billustrates a second example timing diagram300-bfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the first resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 3Aillustrated SIM2 going into an active mode prior to SIM going into an active mode, for example because SIM2 began a voice call prior to SIM1 beginning a voice call. InFIG. 3B, SIM1 goes into an active mode supported by the WWAN transceiver, which is illustrated by active mode315during time period355-bfor the timing axis320, while SIM2 is still in a standby mode supported by the WWAN transceiver which is illustrated by standby mode310during time period355-bfor the timing axis330. Now, when SIM2 goes into an active mode beginning with time period360-b, transmit for SIM2 is supported by the WWAN transceiver from the outset and receive for SIM2 is also supported by the WLAN transceiver from the outset, as shown with active (Tx)375on timing axis330and active (Rx) on timing axis340, respectively, during time period360-b.

In this second example timing diagram, after SIM1 returns to a standby mode during time period365-b, SIM2 remains in an active mode. However, responsibility for the support of receive for SIM2 is transferred from the WLAN transceiver supporting an active (Rx)380during time period360-b, illustrated on timing axis340, back to the WWAN transceiver during time period365-b, such that the WWAN transceiver supports both transmit and receive for SIM2 during time period365-b. The WWAN transceiver continues to support SIM2 in its standby mode, once SIM2 returns to a standby mode during time period370-b, shown on timing axis330.

FIG. 3Cillustrates a third example timing diagram300-cfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the first resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 3Billustrated SIM2 going back into a standby mode after SIM1 had already returned to a standby mode, for example because SIM1 had terminated an ongoing LTE voice call supported by the WWAN transceiver while a SIM2 continued with a GSM voice call supported both by the WWAN transceiver (for transmit) and the WLAN transceiver (for receive). InFIG. 3C, both SIM1 and SIM2 are in an active mode during time period360-c. The WWAN transceiver is operating to support both transmit and receive for SIM1, illustrated by active mode315on timing axis320, and transmit for SIM2, illustrated by the active (Tx)375on timing axis330, while the WLAN transceiver is operating to support receive for SIM2, illustrated by active (Rx)380on timing axis340. By time period365-c, SIM2 has returned to a standby mode, which the WLAN transceiver is operating to support as shown on timing axis330, while SIM1 continues to operate in an active mode315shown on timing axis320. In this third example, SIM2 transitioned to an active mode, then back to a standby mode, entirely within the time SIM1 had been in an active mode315during time period355-c, time period360-c, and time period365-c.

FIG. 3Dillustrates a fourth example timing diagram300-dfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the first resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this fourth example, SIM2 transitions to an active mode315during time period355-das shown on timing axis330prior to when SIM1 transitions to an active mode315during time period360-dand time period365-das shown on timing axis320. Initially, during time period355-d, the WWAN transceiver operates to support the active mode315of SIM2. However, upon detecting, for example by a resource mapping controller, that SIM1has also transitioned to an active mode, during time period360-d, support for receive for the active mode is transferred from the WWAN transceiver to the WLAN transceiver, as shown by active (Rx)380on timing axis340. The WWAN transceiver continues to operate to support transmit for the active mode of SIM2, as shown by active (Tx)375on timing axis330. Once the active mode for SIM2 terminates, SIM2 returns to a standby mode310shown on timing axis330supported by the WWAN transceiver beginning with time period365-dand continuing during time period370-dwhen SIM1 also returns to a standby mode310, shown on timing axis320.

Each ofFIGS. 3A through 3Dillustrate timing diagrams for operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the first resource mapping where the WLAN transceiver operates to support receive for SIM2, illustrated as active (Rx)380during time period360, when the WWAN transceiver is operating to support both SIM1 in an active mode315and transmit for SIM2 in an active mode, active (Tx)375. According to other examples, WLAN and WWAN transceiver support for receive and transmit for SIM2 may be switched, such that the WLAN transceiver may operate to support transmit for SIM2 (active (Tx)375) during a time period when the WWAN transceiver may operate to support both SIM1 in an active mode, active (Tx)315, and receive for SIM2 in an active mode, active (Rx)380.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a first example timing diagram400-afor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using a variation of the first resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this variation of the first resource mapping, the WLAN transceiver may operate to support both transmit and receive for SIM2, shown as active (Rx+Tx)410during time period360-eon timing axis340, when the WWAN transceiver is operating to support SIM1 in an active mode315, shown during time period360-eon timing axis320. SIM2 is supported by the WWAN transceiver during a standby mode310during time period350-e, shown on timing axis330, when SIM1 is also in a standby mode310as shown on timing axis320. When SIM2 becomes active during time period355-e, the WWAN transceiver supports the active mode315shown on timing axis330, while the WWAN transceiver continues to support the standby mode310for SIM1 as shown on timing axis320. In the particular example where SIM2 is associated with a GSM voice subscription, SIM2 in an active mode315may represent that a GSM voice call has been initiated for SIM2 and is currently active.

Beginning at time period360-e, in addition to SIM2 being in an active mode, SIM1 is now also in an active mode315. In the example where SIM1 is associated with a voice or data LTE subscription, SIM1 in active mode315may represent that an LTE voice call has been initiated for SIM1 and is now currently active. Once SIM1 goes into an active mode315, the WWAN transceiver no longer supports any of transmit or receive for SIM2 in its active mode315, illustrated on timing axis330during time period360-e. Instead, support for both receive and transmit for SIM2 in the active mode is transferred from the WWAN transceiver to the WLAN transceiver, which is illustrated by active (Rx+Tx)410on timing axis340during time period360-e.

Once SIM1 is no longer in an active mode, for example when an LTE voice call has been terminated at the end of time period360-e, SIM1 returns to a standby mode310supported by the WWAN transceiver, shown on timing axis320during time period365-e. A resource mapping controller may detect that SIM1 is now back in a standby mode, and transfer support for both transmit and receive for SIM2 back to the WWAN transceiver, shown as active mode315on timing axis330during time period365-e. Once SIM2 is no longer in an active mode, it returns to a standby mode310during time period370-esupported by the WWAN transceiver as shown on timing axis330. In the particular example where SIM2 is associated with a GSM voice subscription and the SIM2 active mode represents a GSM voice call, support for the GSM voice call for SIM2 starts with the WWAN transceiver during time period355-e, is transferred to the WLAN transceiver for support during time period360-e, and then is transferred back to the WLAN transceiver for support during time period365-e, triggered by detection of a change in mode state of SIM1 between an active mode and a standby mode.

FIG. 4Billustrates a second example timing diagram400-bfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the variation of the first resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Like the example timing diagram400-aofFIG. 4A, the timing diagram400-bofFIG. 4Billustrates that the WLAN transceiver supports both transmit and receive for SIM2, shown as active (Rx+Tx) during time period360-fon timing axis340, while SIM1is in an active mode315supported by the WWAN transceiver, shown during time period355-fand time period360-f. Because SIM1 is in an active mode315supported by the WWAN transceiver during time period355-fas shown on timing axis320, when SIM2 goes into an active mode beginning with time period360-f, both transmit and receive for SIM2 are supported by the WLAN transceiver from the outset, as shown with active (Rx+Tx)410on timing axis340. In this second example timing diagram, after SIM1 returns to a standby mode310during time period365-f, SIM2 remains in an active mode. However, responsibility for the support of both transmit and receive for SIM2 is transferred from the WLAN transceiver back to the WWAN transceiver during time period365-f, such that the WWAN transceiver supports both transmit and receive for SIM2 during time period365-f. The WWAN transceiver continues to support SIM2 in its standby mode, once SIM2 returns to a standby mode during time period370-b, shown as standby mode310on timing axis330.

FIG. 4Cillustrates a third example timing diagram400-cfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the variation of the first resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 4Billustrated SIM2 going back into a standby mode after SIM1 had already returned to a standby mode, for example because SIM1 had terminated an ongoing LTE voice call supported by the WWAN transceiver while a SIM2 continued with a GSM voice call supported both by the WWAN transceiver (for transmit) and the WLAN transceiver (for receive). InFIG. 4C, both SIM1 and SIM2 are in an active mode during time period360-g. The WWAN transceiver is operating to support both transmit and receive for SIM1, illustrated by active mode315on timing axis320, while the WLAN transceiver is operating to support both transmit and receive for SIM2, illustrated by active (Rx+Tx)410on timing axis340. By time period365-g, SIM2 has returned to a standby mode, which the WLAN transceiver is operating to support as shown on timing axis330, while SIM1 continues to operate in an active mode315shown on timing axis320. In this third example, SIM2 transitioned to an active mode, then back to a standby mode, entirely within the time SIM1 had been in an active mode315during time period355-g, time period360-g, and time period365-g, such the WWAN transceiver operated to support the standby mode310of SIM2 during time period350-g, time period355-g, time period365-g, and time period370-g, while the WLAN transceiver operated to support the active mode of SIM2, including both transmit and receive, during time period360-gwithout transferring support for the SIM2 active mode between the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver.

FIG. 4Dillustrates a fourth example timing diagram400-dfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the variation of the first resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In this fourth example, SIM2 transitions to an active mode315during time period355-has shown on timing axis330prior to when SIM1 transitions to an active mode315during time period360-hand time period365-has shown on timing axis320. Initially, during time period355-d, the WWAN transceiver operates to support the active mode315of SIM2. However, upon detecting that SIM1 has also transitioned to an active mode, during time period360-h, support for transmit and receive for the active mode is transferred from the WWAN transceiver to the WLAN transceiver, as shown by active (Rx+Tx)410on timing axis340. Once the active mode for SIM2 terminates, SIM2 returns to a standby mode310shown on timing axis330supported by the WWAN transceiver beginning with time period365-hand continuing during time period370-hwhen SIM1 also returns to a standby mode310, shown on timing axis320during time period370-h.

FIG. 5shows an example message flow500between a multiple SIM UE and a network node using the variation of the first resource mapping, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-cmay be an example of UE115-ain system100ofFIG. 1or UE115-bin system200ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, and may be engaged in both WWAN and WLAN communications. The base station105-bmay be an example of base station105included in system100ofFIG. 1or of base stations105-a-1or105-a-2included in system200ofFIGS. 2A and 2B. WWAN module260-band WLAN module265-bmay be an example of WWAN module260-aand WLAN module265-a, respectively, included in system200-bofFIG. 2B.

Initially, both SIM1 and SIM2 are operating in standby modes supported by WWAN module260-bof the transceiver module for UE115-c. UE115-cmonitors paging505for SIM2 using the resources of the WWAN module260-b. WWAN module260-bthen receives a paging510for a voice call for SIM2 from base station105-b, so that UE115-cthen determines whether SIM1 is currently operating in an active mode. Since the determination515is made that SIM is not currently operating in an active mode, WWAN module260-bof the WWAN transceiver supports the voice call520for SIM2, for both transmit and receive.

During voice call520, where SIM2 is operating in an active mode and SIM1 is operating in a standby mode, UE115-ccontinues to monitor the mode state of SIM1. Once the determination has been made that SIM1 has transitioned to an active mode525, the WWAN module260-btransfers support for the voice call to the WWAN module260-bvia one or more messages530exchanged between the WWAN module260-band the WLAN module265-b. The transferred voice call535then continues, supported by the WLAN module265-b

In the example where SIM2 is associated with a GSM voice subscription, base station105-bmay be a GSM base station, paging510for a voice call may be paging for a GSM voice call, and the voice call520and the transferred voice call535may be GSM voice calls.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a first example timing diagram600-afor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using a second resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. According to the second resource mapping, the WWAN transceiver may operate to support SIM1 when SIM1 is operating in either its standby mode or active mode, regardless of the operating mode of SIM2. For SIM2, the WLAN transceiver may operate to support SIM2 when SIM2 is operating in its standby mode, regardless of whether SIM1 is in a standby mode or an active mode. However, the Rx chain of the WLAN transceiver may operate to support receive for SIM2, and the Tx chain of the WWAN transceiver may operate to support transmit for SIM2, when SIM2 is operating in its active mode.

In this first example of the second resource mapping, initially, during a time period650-a, SIM1 and SIM2 are each operating in a standby mode610. The WWAN transceiver is operating to support SIM1, shown on timing axis620during time period650-a, and the WLAN transceiver is operating to support SIM2, shown on timing axis640during time period650-a. During time period655-a, SIM2 is now operating in an active mode, where the WLAN transceiver operates to support receive for SIM2, shown by active (Rx)680on timing axis640, and the WWAN transceiver operates to support transmit for SIM2, shown by active (Tx)675on timing axis630. During time period655-a, the WWAN transceiver is still operating to support SIM1 in a standby mode610, but then SIM1 transitions to an active mode615during time period660-a. However, because the WWAN transceiver operates to support the active (Tx) mode675of SIM2, and the WLAN transceiver operates to support the standby mode610and active (Rx) mode680of SIM2 without regard to the current mode of SIM1, support is not transferred between the WLAN transceiver and WWAN transceiver between time period655-aand time period660-a. Similarly, support for SIM2 remains the same when SIM1 returns to a standby mode610starting with time period665-aas shown on timing axis620, even as the WWAN transceiver continues to operate to support the active (Tx) mode675of SIM2, and the WLAN transceiver operates to support the active (Rx) mode680of SIM2 during time period665-a. The WLAN transceiver supports the operation of SIM2 once SIM2 returns to the standby mode610during time period670-aas shown on timing axis640.

Thus, in the second resource mapping for resource communications where SIM2 is associated with a GSM voice subscription, the WLAN transceiver handles the idle state, and one of transmit or receive for a standalone GSM voice call when SIM1 is inactive, and also handles one of transmit or receive for a GSM voice call when SIM1 is active, without transferring support for some or all of the GSM voice call between the WLAN transceiver and the WWAN transceiver.

FIG. 6Billustrates a second example timing diagram600-bfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the second resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. InFIG. 6B, SIM1 goes into an active mode615supported by the WWAN transceiver during time period655-b, shown on timing axis620, before SIM2 goes into an active mode during time period660-b, including active (Tx) mode675supported by the WWAN transceiver as shown on timing axis630and active (Rx) mode680supported by the WLAN transceiver as shown on timing axis640. SIM1 then transitions into a standby mode610supported by the WWAN transceiver during time period665-b, shown on timing axis620, before SIM2 goes into a standby mode610during time period670-bsupported by the WLAN transceiver as shown on timing axis640. Similar to the timing diagram ofFIG. 6A, the WLAN and WWAN transceiver provide support for SIM2 without regard to the current mode of SIM1, such that support for the active (Tx) mode675and active (Rx) mode680is not transferred between the WLAN transceiver and the WWAN transceiver during an active mode of SIM2 even if the mode state of SIM1 changes.

FIG. 6Cillustrates a third example timing diagram600-cfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the second resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Here, SIM2 transitions between a standby mode610during time period655-cto an active (Rx) mode680supported by the WLAN transceiver during time period660-cand back to the standby mode during time period665-cas shown on timing axis640. During time period660-cthe active (Tx) mode of SIM2 is supported by the WWAN transceiver as shown on timing axis630. These two transitions occur while SIM1 is in an active mode615supported by the WWAN transceiver during time period655-c, time period660-c, and time period665-c, and do not affect the support of SIM1 by the WWAN transceiver as shown on timing axis620. Similarly, the transitions of SIM1 from a standby mode610during time period650-cto an active mode615during time period655-c, and from an active mode615during time period665-cto a standby mode610during time period670-c, as shown on timing axis620, do not affect the support of SIM2 by the WWAN and WLAN transceivers as shown on timing axis630and timing axis640.

FIG. 6Dillustrates a fourth example timing diagram600-dfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the second resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. SIM2 goes into an active mode during time period655-d, including active (Tx) mode675supported by the WWAN transceiver, as shown on timing axis630, and active (Rx) mode680supported by the WLAN transceiver, as shown on timing axis640, before SIM1 goes into an active mode615supported by the WWAN transceiver during time period660-d, shown on timing axis620. SIM2 then transitions back into a standby mode610supported by the WLAN transceiver during time period665-d, shown on timing axis640, before SIM1 goes into a standby mode610during time period670-dsupported by the WWAN transceiver as shown on timing axis620. Similar to the timing diagrams ofFIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, the WLAN and WWAN transceiver provide support for SIM2 without regard to the current mode of SIM1, such that support for the active (Tx) mode675and active (Rx) mode680is not transferred between the WLAN transceiver and the WWAN transceiver during an active mode of SIM2 even if the mode state of SIM1 changes.

ThoughFIGS. 6A through 6Dare shown where the active (Tx) mode675of SIM2 is handled by the WWAN transceiver and the active (Rx) mode680is handled by the WLAN transceiver, according to other examples, the active (Tx) mode675of SIM2 may be handled by the WLAN transceiver and the active (Rx) mode680may be handled by the WWAN transceiver.

According to a variation of the second resource mapping, the WLAN transceiver may operate to support both the active (Tx) mode and the active (Rx) mode of SIM2, in addition to supporting the standby mode of SIM2.

FIG. 7shows an example message flow700between a multiple SIM UE and a network node using the variation of the second resource mapping, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-dmay be an example of UE115-ain system100ofFIG. 1or UE115-bin system200ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, and may be engaged in both WWAN and WLAN communications. The base station105-cmay be an example of base station105included in system100ofFIG. 1or of base stations105-a-1or105-a-2included in system200ofFIGS. 2A and 2B. WWAN module260-cand WLAN module265-cmay be an example of WWAN module260-aand WLAN module265-a, respectively, included in system200-bofFIG. 2B.

Initially, SIM2 is operating in a standby mode supported by WLAN module265-cof the transceiver module for UE115-d. UE115-dmonitors paging705for SIM2 using the resources of the WLAN module265-c. WLAN module265-cthen receives a paging710for a voice call for SIM2 from base station105-c. WLAN module265-cof the WLAN transceiver then supports the voice call715for SIM2, for both transmit and receive. Throughout, the WWAN may be operating to support SIM1 in a standby mode or in an active mode.

In the example where SIM2 is associated with a GSM voice subscription, base station105-cmay be a GSM base station, paging710for a voice call may be paging for a GSM voice call, and the voice call715may be a GSM voice call.

FIG. 8Aillustrates a first example timing diagram800-afor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using a third resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. According to the third resource mapping, the WWAN transceiver may operate to support SIM1 when SIM1 is operating in either its standby mode or active mode, regardless of the operating mode of SIM2. For SIM2, the WWAN transceiver may operate to support SIM2 when SIM2 is operating its standby mode, and the Tx chain of the WWAN transceiver may operate to support transmit for SIM2 when operating in its active mode. The Rx chain of the WLAN transceiver may operate to support receive for SIM2 when SIM2 is operating in its active mode. However, support for SIM2 is not transferred between the WLAN transceiver and the WWAN transceiver during an active mode of SIM2 even if the mode state of SIM1 changes.

In this first example of the third resource mapping, initially, during a time period650-a, SIM1 and SIM2 are each operating in a standby mode810. The WWAN transceiver is operating to support SIM1, shown on timing axis820during time period850-a, and the WWAN transceiver is operating to support SIM2, shown on timing axis830during time period850-a. During time period855-a, SIM2 is now operating in an active mode, where the WWAN transceiver operates to support transmit for SIM2, shown by active (Tx)875on timing axis830, and the WLAN transceiver operates to support receive for SIM2, shown by active (Rx)880on timing axis840. During time period855-a, the WWAN transceiver is still operating to support SIM1 in a standby mode810. SIM1 then transitions to an active mode815during time period860-ashown on timing axis820. The WWAN transceiver operates to support the active (Tx) mode875of SIM2, and the WLAN transceiver operates to support the standby mode810and active (Rx) mode880of SIM2 without regard to the current mode of SIM1, support is not transferred between the WLAN transceiver and WWAN transceiver between time period855-aand time period860-a. Similarly, support for SIM2 remains the same when SIM1 returns to a standby mode810starting with time period865-aas shown on timing axis820, even as the WWAN transceiver continues to operate to support the active (Tx) mode875of SIM2, and the WLAN transceiver operates to support the active (Rx) mode880of SIM2 during time period865-a. The WWAN transceiver supports the operation of SIM2 once SIM2 returns to the standby mode810during time period870-aas shown on timing axis830.

Thus, in the second resource mapping for resource communications where SIM2 is associated with a GSM voice subscription, the WWAN transceiver handles the idle state, and one of transmit or receive for a standalone GSM voice call when SIM1 is inactive, and also handles one of transmit or receive for a GSM voice call when SIM1 is active, without transferring support for some or all of the GSM voice call between the WLAN transceiver and the WWAN transceiver.

FIG. 8Billustrates a second example timing diagram800-bfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the third resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The timing diagram illustrated inFIG. 8Bis similar to the timing diagram illustrated inFIG. 6B. However, as shown inFIG. 8B, the standby mode810for SIM2 is supported by the WWAN transceiver during time period850-b, time period855-b, and time period870-b, as shown on timing axis830, whereas as shown inFIG. 6B, the standby mode610for SIM2 is supported by the WLAN transceiver during time period650-b, time period655-b, and time period670-b, as shown on timing axis630. The WWAN transceiver operates to support the active (Tx) mode for SIM2 during time period860-band time period865-b, and the WLAN transceiver operates to support the active (Rx) mode for SIM2 during time period860-band time period865-b, as shown on timing axis830and timing axis840, respectively. Support for the active (Tx) mode875and active (Rx) mode880of SIM2 is not transferred between the WLAN transceiver and the WWAN transceiver during an active mode of SIM2 even if the mode state of SIM1 changes.

Similarly,FIGS. 8C and 8Dillustrates a third example timing diagram800-cand fourth example timing diagram800-dfor operation of a multiple-SIM UE115using the third resource mapping for wireless communications, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The timing diagrams illustrated inFIGS. 8C and 8Dare similar to the timing diagrams illustrated inFIGS. 6C and 6D, but as shown inFIGS. 8C and 8D, the standby mode810for SIM2 is supported by the WWAN transceiver during time period850-c, time period855-c, time period865-c, time period870-c, time period850-d, time period865-d, and time period870-d, as shown on timing axis830, whereas as shown inFIGS. 6C and 6D, the standby mode610for SIM2 is supported by the WLAN transceiver during time period650-c, time period655-c, time period665-c, time period670-c, time period650-d, time period665-d, and time period670-d, as shown on timing axis630. As also illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 8A and 8B, support for the active (Tx) mode875and active (Rx) mode880of SIM2 is not transferred between the WLAN transceiver and the WWAN transceiver during an active mode of SIM2 even if the mode state of SIM1 changes.

ThoughFIGS. 8A through 8Dare shown where the active (Tx) mode875of SIM2 is handled by the WWAN transceiver and the active (Rx) mode880is handled by the WLAN transceiver, according to other examples, the active (Tx) mode875of SIM2 may be handled by the WLAN transceiver and the active (Rx) mode880may be handled by the WWAN transceiver.

According to a variation of the third resource mapping, the WLAN transceiver may operate to support both the active (Tx) mode and the active (Rx) mode of SIM2, while the WWAN transceiver may operate to support the standby mode of SIM2.

FIG. 9shows an example message flow900between a multiple SIM UE and a network node using the variation of the third resource mapping, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE115-dmay be an example of UE115-ain system100ofFIG. 1or UE115-bin system200ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, and may be engaged in both WWAN and WLAN communications. The base station105-dmay be an example of base station105included in system100ofFIG. 1or of base stations105-a-1or105-a-2included in system200ofFIGS. 2A and 2B. WWAN module260-dand WLAN module265-dmay be an example of WWAN module260-aand WLAN module265-a, respectively, included in system200-bofFIG. 2B.

Initially, SIM2 is operating in a standby mode supported by WWAN module260-dof the transceiver module for UE115-d. UE115-dmonitors paging905for SIM2 using the resources of the WLAN module265-d. WLAN module265-dthen receives a paging910for a voice call for SIM2 from base station105-d. Configuration messaging915then passes between WWAN module260-dand WLAN module265-d, and then WLAN module265-dof the WLAN transceiver supports the voice call920for SIM2, for both transmit and receive. Throughout, the WWAN may be operating to support SIM1 in a standby mode or in an active mode.

In the example where SIM2 is associated with a GSM voice subscription, base station105-dmay be a GSM base station, paging910for a voice call may be paging for a GSM voice call, and the voice call920may be a GSM voice call.

FIG. 10Ashows a block diagram1000-aof an apparatus1005-afor use in wireless communication, in accordance with various examples. The apparatus1005-amay be an example of one or more aspects of a UE115described with reference toFIGS. 1 and/or 2. The apparatus1005-amay include a receiver module1010-a, a resource mapping controller1015-a, and/or a transmitter module1020-a. The apparatus1005-amay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components may be in communication with each other.

The receiver module1010-amay include a WWAN module260-eand a WLAN module265-e. The WWAN module260-emay be used for processing a received WWAN communication. The WWAN module260-emay include some or all of the components of Tx and Rx chains of a WWAN modem. The WWAN module260-emay also route the received WWAN communication to the WLAN module265-efor processing. The WLAN module265-emay include some or all of the components of Tx and Rx chains of a WLAN modem. The WLAN module265-emay process both WLAN and WWAN communications. The WWAN communications may be processed by a portion of the components in the WLAN module265-e, and then passed to the resource mapping controller1015-afor baseband processing.

The resource mapping controller1015-amay include some or all of the components of the WWAN module260-eand/or WLAN module265-e, and/or control the operation of the WWAN module260-eand WLAN module265-e. The resource mapping controller1015-amay include a first SIM (SIM1)1025-aand a second SIM (SIM2)1030-a. In some examples, the resource mapping controller1015-amay include additional SIMs (not shown). WWAN communications over a first communications network may support the first SIM1025-a. WWAN communications over a second communications network may support SIM21030-a. Each additional SIM (not shown) may support WWAN communications over additional communications networks. SIM11025-aand SIM21030-amay be active simultaneously, which may allow the apparatus1005-ato support active communications over two communications networks. The resource mapping controller1015-amay also support WLAN communications at the same time as WWAN communications according to different resource mapping scenarios, including, for example, the first resource mapping scenario described above (including with respect toFIGS. 3A through 3DandFIGS. 4A through 4D), the variation on the first resource mapping scenario (including with respect toFIG. 5), the second resource mapping scenario described above (including with respect toFIGS. 6A through 6D), the variation on the second resource mapping scenario (including with respect toFIG. 7), the third resource mapping scenario described above (including with respect toFIGS. 8A through 8D), and the variation on the third resource mapping scenario (including with respect toFIG. 9).

The transmitter module1020-amay be co-located with the receiver module1010-aand may also include the WWAN module260-eand the WLAN module265-e. The WWAN module260-emay be used for processing a WWAN communication prior to transmission. The WLAN module265-emay process both WLAN and WWAN communications prior to transmission. The WWAN communication may be processed by a portion of the components in the WLAN module265-e. The WLAN module265-emay then route the WWAN communication to the WWAN module260-efor further processing and transmission over a WWAN antenna.

FIG. 10Bshows a block diagram1000-bof an apparatus1005-bthat is used in a wireless device for wireless communication, in accordance with various examples. The apparatus1005-bmay be an example of one or more aspects of a UE115described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. It may also be an example of an apparatus1005-adescribed with reference toFIG. 10A. The apparatus1005-bmay include a receiver module1010-b, a resource mapping controller1015-b, and/or a transmitter module1020-b, which may be examples of the corresponding modules of apparatus1005-a. The apparatus1005-bmay also include a processor (not shown). Each of these modules may be in communication with each other. The resource mapping controller1015-bmay include a SIM state monitor1035, a WWAN transceiver assignment manager1040, a WLAN transceiver assignment manger1045, a WWAN/WLAN transfer manager1050, and a WLAN usage monitor1055. The receiver module1010-band the transmitter module1020-bmay perform the functions of the receiver module1010-aand the transmitter module1020-a, ofFIG. 10A, respectively, and may each include a WWAN module260-fand a WLAN module265-f.

The SIM state monitor1035monitors the operating mode of each SIM of the UE115, including each of SIM11025and SIM21030, and including any additional SIMs (not shown) also present in UE115. SIM11025may operate in one of a number of modes, including an active mode and a standby (or idle) mode.

The a WWAN transceiver assignment manager1040allocates WWAN transceiver resources to support one or more, or none, of the SIMs present in UE115, where such allocation may be based in part on the operating mode of one or more SIMs. For example, where SIM1 is in an active mode, the WWAN transceiver may allocate portions of the WWAN transceiver chain to operate in support of a voice call for SIM1, to the exclusion of resource allocations in support of other SIMs of UE115.

The WLAN transceiver assignment manger1045allocates WLAN transceiver resources to support one or more, or none, of the SIMs present in UE115, where such allocation may be based in part on the operating mode of one or more SIMs. The allocation of resources may also be based in part on the usage of the WLAN transceiver to support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other WLAN functions unrelated to the SIMs. For example, the WLAN transceiver is actively communicating with a Wi-Fi network, the WLAN transceiver may allocate the transmit portion of a WLAN transceiver chain, but not a receive portion of a WLAN transceiver chain, to operate in support of a voice call for SIM2 rather than allocating both the transmit and receive portion of the WLAN transceiver chain to operate in support of the voice call for SIM2.

The WWAN/WLAN transfer manager1050helps manage a transfer of operation in support of a SIM between one or more WWAN transceivers and one or more WLAN transceivers.

The WLAN usage monitor1055monitors the usage of the WLAN transceiver to determine availability of resources of the WLAN transceiver chain to support one or more of the SIMs. For example, the WLAN usage monitor1055may report to the WLAN transceiver assignment manger1045that the WLAN transceiver is actively communicating with a Wi-Fi network.

FIG. 11shows a system1100for use in wireless communication, in accordance with various examples. System1100may include a UE115-f, which may be an example of the UEs115ofFIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7, and/or9. UE115-fmay also be an example of one or more aspects of apparatus1005ofFIGS. 10A and/or 10B.

The UE115-fmay generally include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting communications and components for receiving communications. The UE115-fmay include WWAN antenna(s)205-b, WLAN antenna(s)210-b, a transceiver module1125, a processor module1110, and memory1115(including software (SW)1120), which each may communicate, directly or indirectly, with each other (e.g., via one or more buses1130). The transceiver module1125may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via the WWAN antenna(s)205-b, the WLAN antenna(s)210-b, and/or one or more wired or wireless links, with one or more networks, as described above. For example, the transceiver module1125may be configured to communicate bi-directionally with base stations105and with the APs110with reference toFIGS. 1 and/or 2. The transceiver module1125may include a WWAN module260-gconfigured to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the WWAN antenna(s)205-bfor transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the WWAN antenna(s)205-b.

The UE115-fmay have multiple WWAN antenna(s)205-bcapable of concurrently transmitting and/or receiving multiple wireless communications. The transceiver module1125may be capable of concurrently communicating with one or more base stations105via multiple component carriers and/or communications networks. Additionally, the transceiver module1125may include a WLAN module265-gconfigured to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the WLAN antenna(s)210-bfor transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the WLAN antenna(s)210-b. The UE115-fmay have multiple WLAN antenna(s)210-bcapable of concurrently transmitting and/or receiving multiple wireless communications. The transceiver module1125may be capable of communicating with one or more APs110via the WLAN antenna(s)210-b. The transceiver module1125may use a portion of the components in the WLAN module265-gto process WWAN communications received over the WWAN antenna(s)205-b. The transceiver module1125may also use a portion of the components in the WLAN module265-gto process WWAN communications prior to transmission over the WWAN antenna(s)205-b.

The UE115-fmay include a resource mapping controller1015-c, which may perform the functions described above for the resource mapping controller1015of apparatus1005ofFIGS. 10A and 10Band/or of UE115ofFIGS. 5, 7, and 9and/or as described for a UE115with respect to the timing diagrams ofFIGS. 3A through 4D, 6A through 6D, and 8A through 8D. The resource mapping controller1015-cmay include a SIM11025-band a SIM21030-b. WWAN communications over a first communications network may support SIM11025-b, and WWAN communications over a second communications network may support SIM21030-b.

The memory1115may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory1115may store computer-readable, computer-executable software/firmware code1120containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the processor module1110to perform various functions described herein (e.g., map support for a SIM operation for a wireless communication to one or both of the WWAN transceiver and WLAN transceiver according to a resource mapping, etc.). Alternatively, the computer-readable, computer-executable software/firmware code1120may not be directly executable by the processor module1110but be configured to cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein. The processor module1110may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

FIG. 12is a flow chart illustrating a first example of a method1200for wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method1200is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the wireless devices described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 10A, 10B, and/or11. In some examples, a wireless device may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the wireless device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device may perform one or more of the functions described below using-purpose hardware.

At block1205, the method1200may include operating a wireless wide area network WWAN transceiver to support SIM1 of a UE. Such operation may be in accord with one or more of the resource mappings shown and described with respect to the timing diagrams and message flows ofFIGS. 3A through 9, and specifically with respect to the operation of the WWAN transceiver to support SIM1 during one or more of an active mode and a standby mode of SIM1.

At block1210, the method1200may include selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and a WLAN transceiver to support or not SIM2 of the UE. Such operation may be in accord with one or more of the resource mappings shown and described with respect to the timing diagrams and message flows ofFIGS. 3A through 9, and specifically with respect to the operation of the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support or not SIM2 during one or more of an active mode and a standby mode of SIM2.

The operations at blocks1205and1210may be performed using the resource mapping controller1015described with reference toFIGS. 10A, 10B and 11.

Thus, the method1200may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method1200is just one implementation and that the operations of the method1200may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 13is a flow chart illustrating a first example of a method1300for wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. For clarity, the method1300is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the wireless devices described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 10A, 10B, and/or11. In some examples, a wireless device may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the wireless device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device may perform one or more of the functions described below using-purpose hardware.

At block1305, the method1300may include operating a wireless wide area network WWAN transceiver to support SIM1 of a UE. Such operation may be in accord with one or more of the resource mappings shown and described with respect to the timing diagrams and message flows ofFIGS. 3A through 9, and specifically with respect to the operation of the WWAN transceiver to support SIM1 during one or more of an active mode and a standby mode of SIM1.

At block1310, the method1300may include selectively operating the WWAN transceiver and a WLAN transceiver to support or not SIM2 of the UE. Such operation may be in accord with one or more of the resource mappings shown and described with respect to the timing diagrams and message flows ofFIGS. 3A through 9, and specifically with respect to the operation of the WWAN transceiver and the WLAN transceiver to support or not SIM2 during one or more of an active mode and a standby mode of SIM2.

At block1315, the method1300may include detecting that SIM1 has switched from a SIM1 standby mode to a SIM1 active mode. Such operation may be in accord with one or more of the resource mappings shown and described with respect to the timing diagrams and message flows ofFIGS. 3A through 9, and specifically with respect to the operation of the WWAN transceiver to support SIM1 during transitions from a standby mode310to an active mode315as shown on timing axis320forFIGS. 3A through 4D, during transitions from a standby mode610to an active mode615as shown on timing axis620forFIGS. 6A through 6D, and/or during transitions from a standby mode810to an active mode815as shown on timing axis820forFIGS. 8A through 8D.

At block1320, the method1300may include transferring from operating the WWAN transceiver to support SIM2 to operating the WLAN transceiver to support SIM2. Such operation may be in accord with one or more of the resource mappings shown and described with respect to the timing diagrams and message flows ofFIGS. 3A through 9, and specifically with respect to transferring the operation of the WWAN transceiver to support SIM2 as shown on timing axis330forFIGS. 3A through 4D, as shown on timing axis630forFIGS. 6A through 6D, and/or as shown on timing axis830forFIGS. 8A through 8D, to operating the WLAN transceiver to support SIM2 as shown on timing axis340forFIGS. 3A through 4D, as shown on timing axis640forFIGS. 6A through 6D, and/or as shown on timing axis840forFIGS. 8A through 8D.

The operations at blocks1305,1310,1315, and1320may be performed using the resource mapping controller1015described with reference toFIGS. 10A, 10B and 11.

Thus, the method1300may provide for wireless communication. It should be noted that the method1300is just one implementation and that the operations of the method1300may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

In some examples, aspects from two or more of the methods1200and1300may be combined. It should be noted that the methods1200,1300are just example implementations, and that the operations of the methods1200.1300may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.