WO2019125508A1

WO2019125508A1 - Techniques for resource sharing

Info

Publication number: WO2019125508A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/016790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alok Saxena; Rishav DEV
Original assignee: Intel IP Corporation
Priority date: 2017-12-22
Filing date: 2018-02-05
Publication date: 2019-06-27

Abstract

This disclosure relates to user equipment (UE) circuitry comprising: a lookup table configured to provide for at least one bitrate requirement of a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a multi-SIM module and at least one bitrate requirement of a second SIM of the multi-SIM module a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs, wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE; and an arbitration entity configured to select a specific combination of UE categories from the lookup table based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM. Next using the NAS-AS Framework in the Protocol Stack the above selected UE Category combination from the Look Up Table is reported to the network in the ECM-Idle state without network detach and network re-attach to minimize the delays using the method provided in the MSCs.

Description

TECHNIQUES FOR RESOURCE SHARING

FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to techniques for resource sharing, in particular a user equipment (UE) circuitry selecting a specific combination of UE categories for a multi-SIM module and a corresponding method. The disclosure particularly relates to Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) dynamic update methods for balanced resource sharing.

BACKGROUND

[ 0002 ] In the DSDA mode of Multi-SIM operation of current mobile terminals or user equipments (UEs) 100, e.g. as shown in Fig. 1, the UE capability is statically configured across the two SIMs 101, 102 after attaching to the respective networks . However, this static configuration restricts the user to flexibly utilize the available resources 111, 112 fairly across both the SIMs 101, 102 when the bitrate requirements for each SIM 101, 102 dynamically change over a period of time. Hence the available resources 111, 112 are inefficiently utilized in the DSDA mode of operation and the user is deprived of a higher possible throughput when required from the network in some scenarios .

[ 0003 ] In the disclosure, techniques are presented to solve the problems described above and to provide a higher flexibility in utilizing the available resources of the

UE . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments . Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a high level architecture of a user equipment (UE) with a multi- SIM module.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an

exemplary lookup table 200 for a UE circuitry according to the disclosure.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a process flow block diagram 300

illustrating an exemplary process flow in a communication network according to the disclosure.

[0008] Fig. 4 is a message sequence chart 400 illustrating an exemplary high level message sequence for a communication network according to the disclosure.

[0009] Fig. 5 is a message sequence chart 500 illustrating an exemplary mid-level message sequence for a communication network according to the disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a user equipment (UE) circuitry 600 according to the disclosure. [ 0011 ] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a method 700 for resource sharing for a UE according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific aspects in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims .

[ 0013 ] The following terms, abbreviations and notations will be used herein:

SIM: Subscriber Identity Module

DSDA : Dual SIM Dual Active

PHY : Physical device

Rx: Receive

Tx: Transmit

AP : Application Processor

UMTS : Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications

LTE : Long Term Evolution

UE : User Equipment, mobile device, cellular

handset

NodeB, eNB,

eNodeB : Radio cell, radio access, base station

RRC : Radio Resource Control

MME : Mobility Management Entity V_OLTE : Voice over LTE

FTP : File Transfer Protocol

MIMO : Multiple Input Multiple Output

BB : Baseband

HW : Hardware

QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

TAU Tracking Area Update

NAS Non-Access Stratum

AS : Access Stratum

[0014] It is understood that comments made in connection with a described method may also hold true for a corresponding device configured to perform the method and vice versa. For example, if a specific method step is described, a

corresponding device may include a unit to perform the described method step, even if such a unit is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. Further, it is understood that the features of the various exemplary aspects described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0015] The techniques described herein may be implemented in wireless communication networks, in particular communication networks based on mobile communication standards such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, in particular LTE-A and/or OFDM and successor standards such as 5G. The methods are also applicable for high speed communication standards from the 802.11 family according to the WiFi alliance, e.g. 802. Had and successor standards. The methods and devices described below may be implemented in electronic devices such as cellular handsets, mobile or wireless devices (or mobile stations or User

Equipment (UE) ) . The described devices may include integrated circuits and/or passives and may be manufactured according to various technologies. For example, the circuits may be designed as logic integrated circuits, analog integrated circuits, mixed signal integrated circuits, optical circuits, memory circuits and/or integrated passives.

[0016] In the following, embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally utilized to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of embodiments . However, it may be evident to a person skilled in the art that one or more aspects of the embodiments may be practiced with a lesser degree of these specific details. The following description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0017] The various aspects summarized may be embodied in various forms . The following description shows by way of illustration various combinations and configurations in which the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] In the following, user equipments (UEs) and

circuitries for such UEs are described which are using multiple SIMs . Operational modes for such UEs may be one or more of the following: Passive, Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) and Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) . In the passive mode the device contains two SIMs, but only one can be selected for use at any given time. Passive Dual SIM devices are

effectively a single SIM device; the SIMs share a single transceiver and only have logical connection to a single network at any given time. In the DSDS mode both SIMs can be used for idle-mode network connection, but when a radio connection is active the second connection is disabled. As in the passive case, the SIMs in a DSDS device share a single transceiver. Through time multiplexing two radio connections are maintained in idle mode. When in-call on one network it is no longer possible to maintain radio connection to the second network, hence that connection is unavailable for the duration of the call. Registration to the second network is maintained. In the DSDA mode both SIMs can be used in both idle and connected modes . Each SIM has a dedicated

transceiver, meaning that there are no interdependencies on idle or connected mode operation at the modem level . Note that in some DSDA devices the second transceiver may be 2G- only .

[0019] A basic concept of solutions presented in this disclosure is to dynamically trigger the change of UE

Capability information to the respective networks on a "need" basis in conjunction with the number of available phone (or hardware) resources and their valid combinations. Since the change is driven by the user requirements with respect to the camped networks at any point of time, the user may be provided the interface or any other means to choose the combination of "best effort" throughput across both the SIMs or some application in the higher layers on the AP side that may heuristically determine it from the applications run by the user at any point of time. Alternatively, the Arbitration Entity in the Modem itself detects the required bitrate change based on function calls to the relevant entities within the Modem. The user "need" can be taken as an input from any of the identification methods in the higher layers or the Modem itself and can be applied to a pre-defined lookup table which is based on the available phone (or hardware) resources to determine a meaningful UE Category requirement combination for both SIMs. Following this, the herein presented techniques can be used to dynamically update the UE Capability Change towards the network side in ECM-Idle state .

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a high level architecture of a user equipment (UE) with a multi- SIM module. The multi-SIM module includes a first SIM 101 connected to first hardware resources 111 of the UE 100 and a second SIM 102 connected to second hardware

resources 112 of the UE 100.

[0021] In the DSDA mode of Multi-SIM operation, the UE Capability is statically configured across the 2 SIMs after attaching to the respective networks . However this static configuration restricts the user to flexibly utilize the available resources fairly across both the SIMs 101, 102 when the bitrate requirements for each SIM dynamically change over a period of time. Hence the available resources are inefficiently utilized in the DSDA mode of operation and the user is deprived of a higher possible throughput when required from the network in some scenarios. The user is not necessarily a human being. It can be for example, an application run by the car

manufacturer or a service provider across thousands of connected cars or machines etc.

[0022] To exemplify the above problem, a typical scenario is briefly described as below: A UE is statically

configured during the network attach with a UE Category that supports Carrier Aggregation of up to N-l Component Carriers with a given modulation type on the downlink for one SIM (SIM1) and 1 Component Carrier with a given modulation type on the downlink for another SIM (SIM2) .

And the UE as such in Single SIM mode of operation is capable of Carrier Aggregation of N Component Carriers with a given modulation type on the downlink. However during the course of operation of the UE, the user on SIM1 may just be idle or may not need as much throughput .

Whereas the user on SIM2 requires a much higher throughput than what it is pre-configured with while the UE resources are available. As a result, the available UE resources are inefficiently utilized in this DSDA mode of operation and the user is deprived of higher throughput .

[0023] Techniques as described hereinafter solve the above described problems and provide a higher flexibility in utilizing the available resources of the UE and therefore can increase the total data throughput and improve the user experience.

[0024] The disclosure presents a UE circuitry for the UE 100 and a corresponding method by which the available hardware resources 111, 112 can be efficiently assigned to both SIMs 101, 102. An overview of the solution is given in the following .

[0025] UE configuration is performed as described in the following: 1) DSDA capable platform is pre-configured with appropriate UE Categories on SIM1 101 and SIM2 102 after attaching with the respective networks. 2) Hardware, e.g. LTE BB HW, supports a total of "x" Rx Chains and "y" Tx Chains where "x" is greater than or equal to N and "y" is greater than or equal to 2. As precondition "Bitrate Identifier" in the higher layer (on AP side) or the Modem itself senses a change in bitrate requirement for both the operational SIMs 101, 102. The new needed requirement is then presented to the lower layer.

[0026] The lower layer determines an appropriate combination of UE Categories for each SIM based on the needed bitrate requirement presented to it by the higher layer and based on this assessment it initiates a UE Capability Update towards the respective networks . The user is able to operate with optimal throughputs for both SIMs simultaneously and the available hardware resources, e.g. BB HW resources, are efficiently utilized.

[0027] The Higher Layers monitor the applications run for each SIM in the DSDA mode. Based on the applications run and other factors the Higher Layers can heuristically determine the required bitrate class combination. Alternatively, the Arbitration Entity in the Modem itself detects the required bitrate change based on function calls to the relevant entities within the Modem or by any other means in the scope of machine to machine communication governed by the car manufacturer/ service provider. If there is any change in the required bitrate class combination across both SIMs then it will be indicated to the Arbitration Entity in the Protocol Stack as described below.

[0028] An example to illustrate the required bitrate class combination in downlink at any point of time for various applications categories is shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1: required bitrate class combinations

[0029] On receiving the indication of changed combination, the Arbitration Entity will search the lookup table to identify the corresponding UE Category combination for both SIMs. The Lookup Table which may reside in the Arbitration Entity can be pre-configured based on the knowledge of BB HW resources available in the relevant platform. BB HW resources imply the supported LTE PHY "x" Rx Chains and LTE PHY "y" Tx chains in that platform. An exemplary lookup table is shown in Fig . 2.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an

exemplary lookup table 200 for a UE circuitry according to the disclosure. The lookup table 200 is related to an exemplary platform with 5 LTE PHY Rx chains which can process 2x2 MIMO streams with 256 QAM modulation. Hence as a Single SIM, this platform can support UE Category 15 with a maximum downlink data rate of 800 Mbps . With this platform as a reference, the Lookup Table corresponding to the above required bitrate class combination is illustrated in Figure

2.

[0031] In the first and second columns 201, 202 of the lookup table 200, different combinations of activity at both SIMs (SIM1 101 and SIM2 102 according to Fig. 1) are shown. In a first scenario, the activity can be Idle or VoLTE call and/or browsing resulting in a low/medium bitrate activity. In a second scenario, the activity can be media streaming or FTP (file transfer protocol) resulting in high bitrate activity. The lookup table 200 stores all four combinations of these two scenarios. The lookup table 200 includes a third and fourth column 203, 204 indicating a UE DL Category for SIM1 and a UE DL category for SIM2. For example, UE DL categories 4, 11 and 13 are provided in this example. The lookup table 200 includes a fifth column 205 indicating the combined DS data rate for the four combinations of requirements for SIM1 and SIM2. For example, for the first combination, the combined DL data rate is 400+400, for the second combination, the combined DL data rate is 600+150, for the third

combination, the combined DL data rate is 400+400 and for the fourth combination, the combined DL data rate is 150+600.

[0032] In one implementation of the lookup table 200 that maps the Bitrate Requirements to UE Category Combinations, the lookup table may perform the mapping based on the following criterion: "The total bitrate supported by the individual SIM UE category combinations shall not exceed the bitrate supported on the highest possible UE category that the Single SIM is capable of with some additional margins to take care of additional overheads on the data-path" . Next, the Arbitration Entity can trigger the dynamic change in UE Capability towards the network using the below described techniques. The process flow block diagram is shown in Figure 3 and the related message sequence diagrams are shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[ 0033 ] Fig. 3 is a process flow block diagram 300

[ 0034 ] The process flow starts with a first block 301 in which higher layers monitor the required bitrate for the applications running on both SIMs or alternatively, the Arbitration Entity in the Modem itself detects the required bitrate change based on function calls to the relevant entities within the Modem. In a second block 302 higher layers indicate the change in required bitrate class for any of the SIM to Arbitration Entity 303 or alternatively the Arbitration Entity 303 by itself detects the change in bitrate, e.g. Arbitration Entity 602 as described below with respect to Figure 6.

[ 0035 ] In a third block 304, Arbitration Entity 303 matches the Lookup Table with a newly presented bitrate combo to get a new Category Combination that may be implemented in

Arbitration Entity 303. Arbitration Entity 303 matches the lookup table for newly presented bitrate combo (i.e.

combination) . In block 307 the network is updated with new UE category combination matching the current bitrate class. This block 307 is also performed after block 304. Then, in block 308, the NAS-AS framework as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 is used for UE to dynamically update the network with new UE category combination. [0036] Fig. 4 is a message sequence chart 400 illustrating an exemplary high level message sequence for a communication network according to the disclosure.

[0037] The message sequence chart 400 illustrates a method to dynamically update the network with the UE Categories. This is supported with a simple example scenario where the required bitrate class activity changes from SIM1 in

connected mode with high bitrate activity and SIM2 in Idle mode to SIM1 in Idle mode and SIM2 in connected mode with high bitrate activity without any SIM swap.

[0038] In the message sequence chart 400, the following network entities are illustrated: a higher layer network entity 430 with "bitrate needed" identifier, a first Non- Access Stratum (NAS) entity 431 related to first SIM (SIM#1), a second Non-Access Stratum (NAS) entity 432 related to second SIM (SIM#2), the arbitration entity 420 that may be implemented in the UE, a first evolved Radio Resource Control (eRRC) entity 433 related to first SIM (SIM#1), a second evolved Radio Resource Control (eRRC) entity 434 related to second SIM (SIM#2), a physical device (PHY) 435, a first evolved NodeB 436, e.g. base station, related to first SIM (SIM#1), a second evolved NodeB 437 related to second SIM (SIM#2), a first mobility management entity (MME) 438 related to first SIM (SIM#1) and a second mobility management entity (MME) 439 related to second SIM (SIM#2) .

[0039] As precondition 401, after attaching with the

respective networks, for example, SIM1 is in connected state with high bitrate activity and SIM2 is in idle state. After some time, bitrate requirements change, SIM1 is in idle state and SIM2 is in connected state with high titrate activity. A titrate change requirement indication 402 is transmitted by higher layer network entity 430 to arbitration entity 420. Alternatively, the arbitration entity in the modem itself detects bitrate changes in both SIMs, 403. Next, UE category change combination is determined 404 and UE capability change is reported 405. Next, tracking area update procedure for "UE radio capability update with both SIMs in ECM-Idle" is performed, 407. Then, both MMEs, 438, 439 delete the already stored UE capability 409 and Sl-AP context setup is re initialized 410. Next, UE capability enquiry is re-solicited by both networks (NWs) 412 and UE capability info with updated UE category is provided by both SIMs, 414.

[ 0040 ] Fig. 5 is a message sequence chart 500 illustrating an exemplary mid-level message sequence for a communication network according to the disclosure. The message sequence chart 500 is a detailed version of the message sequence chart 400 shown in Fig. 4. The network elements 420 and 430 to 439, the precondition 401 and the initial messages 402, 403, 404 correspond to the respective blocks and messages described above with respect to Fig. 4.

[ 0041 ] The Arbitration Entity 420 triggers the UE Capability Update by reporting 505, 506 the Update requirement to the respective NAS instances 431, 432. Next, the respective NAS instances 431, 432 depending on the SIM RRC state use or setup the RRC connections to send the Tracking Area Update (TAU) message 507, 508 to the network with the UE Capability Information Updated Flag as Set in the relevant information element (IE) . The respective MMEs 438, 439 on receiving this message 507, 508 will delete 509 all the stored UE Capability from the past updates and initiate the setup 510, 511 of new context on the Sl-AP interface with the eNB 436, 437. This will lead to eNB 436, 437 triggering a UE Capability Enquiry 512, 513 to the UE to send the UE Capability Information 514, 515 which will eventually result in providing the UE with the expected throughputs across both SIMs.

[ 0042 ] Next using the NAS-AS Framework in the Protocol Stack the above selected UE Category combination from the Lookup table is reported to the network in the ECM-Idle state without network detach and network re-attach to minimize the delays using the method provided in the above described message sequence charts 400, 500.

[ 0043 ] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a user equipment (UE) circuitry 600 according to the disclosure. The UE circuitry 600 may be implemented in a UE, e.g. a UE 100 as shown in Fig. 1. The UE circuitry 600 includes a lookup table 601, e.g. corresponding to the lookup table 200 described above with respect to Fig. 2, and an arbitration entity 602, e.g. corresponding to the arbitration entity 420 described above with respect to Figs . 4 and 5 or corresponding to the arbitration entity 303 described above with respect to Fig.

3.

[ 0044 ] The lookup table 601 is configured to provide for at least one bitrate requirement of a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a multi-SIM module and at least one bitrate requirement of a second SIM of the multi-SIM module a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs . A specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE . The arbitration entity 602 is configured to select a specific combination 603 of UE categories from the lookup table 601 based on a bitrate change request 604 from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

[0045] The lookup table 601 may be implemented for both Uplink and Downlink. The arbitration entity 602 may select the specific combination 603 of UE categories for both Uplink and Downlink.

[0046] The arbitration entity 602 may report the selected combination 603 of UE categories to a network, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 3 to 5. The

arbitration entity 602 may receive the bitrate change request 604 from the network, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 3 to 5.

[0047] The UE circuitry 600 may further include a packet traffic monitor to report data throughput statistics on both downlink and uplink. The arbitration entity 602 may be configured to derive the bitrate change request 604 based on the data throughput statistics . Alternatively, the

arbitration entity 602 may be configured to derive the bitrate change request 604 internally based on statistics gathered by the arbitration entity 602 from the relevant entities like Packet Traffic Monitor etc. with respect to the selected combinations of UE categories .

[0048] A total bitrate supported by each of the specific combinations of UE categories can be less than a bitrate of a highest UE category supported for a single SIM, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 3 to 5.

[0049] A specific hardware resources configuration as described above may include a number of receive chains and a number of transmit chain supported by the UE, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 2 to 5.

[0050] The arbitration entity 602 may select the specific combination of UE categories in a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode of the multi-SIM module. A specific UE category can indicate a specific carrier aggregation configuration with a given modulation type supported for a respective SIM, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 2 to 5.

[0051] A bitrate requirement can indicate a required bitrate for at least one of the following scenarios related to the UE : Idle, VoLTE call, browsing, Media streaming, FTP, e.g. as described above with respect to Fig. 2.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a method 700 for resource sharing for a UE according to the disclosure. The method 700 may be implemented in a UE or on a UE circuitry 600 as described above with respect to Fig. 6. The UE includes a multi-SIM module with a first SIM and a second SIM, e.g. as described above with respect to Fig. 1.

[0053] The method 700 includes providing 701 for at least one bitrate requirement of the first SIM and at least one bitrate requirement of the second SIM a mapping for a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs, wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 2 to 6. The method 700 further includes selecting 702 a specific combination of UE

categories from the mapping based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 2 to 6. [0054] The mapping may be implemented for both Uplink and Downlink. The method 700 may further include selecting the specific combination of UE categories for both Uplink and Downlink .

[0055] The method 700 may further include reporting the selected combination of UE categories to a network, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 4 and 5. The method 700 may further include receiving the bitrate change request from the Higher Layers or bitrate change detection within the Modem itself. The method 700 may further include reporting data throughput statistics by packet traffic monitoring on both downlink and uplink; and deriving the bitrate change request based on the data throughput statistics .

[0056] The method 700 may include deriving the bitrate change request based on statistics measurements with respect to the selected combinations of UE categories .

[0057] A total bitrate supported by each of the specific combinations of UE categories can be less than a bitrate of a highest UE category supported for a single SIM, e.g. as described above with respect to Figures 2 to 5.

[0058] A specific hardware resources configuration may include a number of receive chains and a number of transmit chain supported by the UE . The method 700 may further include selecting the specific combination of UE categories in a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode of the multi-SIM module.

[0059] A specific UE category may indicate a specific carrier aggregation configuration with a given modulation type supported for a respective SIM. A titrate requirement may indicate a required titrate for at least one of the following scenarios related to the UE : Idle, VoLTE call, browsing,

Media streaming, FTP, e.g. as described above with respect to Figure 2.

[0060] The devices and systems described in this disclosure may be implemented as Digital Signal Processors (DSP) , micro controllers or any other side-processor or hardware circuit on a chip or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) . Embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof, e.g. in available hardware of mobile devices or in new hardware dedicated for processing the methods described herein .

[0061] The present disclosure also supports a computer program product including computer executable code or computer executable instructions that, when executed, causes at least one computer to execute the performing and computing blocks described herein, in particular the method 700 and the message sequence charts 400, 500 described above with respect to Figs. 7 and 4, 5 and the computing and/or network blocks described above with respect to Figures 2, 3 and 6. Such a computer program product may include a non-transient readable storage medium storing program code thereon for use by a processor, the program code comprising instructions for performing the methods or the computing blocks as described above .

[0062] The techniques described in this disclosure can also be applied in automotive applications since DSDA mode in Multi-SIM platforms is very much demanded by the automotive industry for future connected and smart cars . In default application of DSDA mode, there is a statically preconfigured resource allocation which deprives the user of available throughput on any SIM when needed. The techniques described in this disclosure resolve this problem and facilitates the user in dynamically getting the desired throughputs on any SIM. This feature is very much in need for future connected car applications where the telemetry data, navigation data, OTA FW/SW downloads etc. on one hand and media streaming for car infotainment on the other hand are required to be dynamically handled in the DSDA mode.

EXAMPLES

[0063] The following examples pertain to further embodiments . Example 1 is a user equipment (UE) circuitry comprising: a lookup table configured to provide for at least one bitrate requirement of a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a multi-SIM module and at least one bitrate requirement of a second SIM of the multi-SIM module a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs, wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources

configuration supported by the UE; and an arbitration entity configured to select a specific combination of UE categories from the lookup table based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

[0064] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include that the lookup table is implemented for both Uplink and Downlink; and that the arbitration entity is configured to select the specific combination of UE

categories for both Uplink and Downlink. [0065] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 1-2 can optionally include that the arbitration entity is configured to report the selected combination of UE categories to a network .

[0066] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 can optionally include that the arbitration entity is configured to receive the bitrate change request from higher layers of the network or by a bitrate change detection within the UE circuitry .

[0067] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 1-2 can optionally include a packet traffic monitor configured to report data throughput statistics on both downlink and uplink, wherein the arbitration entity is configured to derive the bitrate change request based on the data throughput statistics .

[0068] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 1-2 can optionally include that the arbitration entity is configured to derive the bitrate change request based on statistics gathered by the arbitration entity with respect to the selected combinations of UE categories .

[0069] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 1-2 can optionally include that a total bitrate supported by each of the specific combinations of UE

categories is less than a bitrate of a highest UE category supported for a single SIM.

[0070] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 1-2 can optionally include that a specific hardware resources configuration comprises a number of receive chains and a number of transmit chain supported by the UE .

[0071] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 1-2 can optionally include that the arbitration entity is configured to select the specific combination of UE categories in a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode of the multi-SIM module.

[0072] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 1-2 can optionally include that a specific UE category indicates a specific carrier aggregation

configuration with a given modulation type supported for a respective SIM.

[0073] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 1-2 can optionally include that a bitrate

requirement indicates a required bitrate for at least one of the following scenarios related to the UE : Idle, VoLTE call, browsing, Media streaming, FTP.

[0074] Example 12 is a method for resource sharing for a user equipment (UE) comprising a multi-SIM module with a first SIM and a second SIM, the method comprising: providing for at least one bitrate requirement of the first SIM and at least one bitrate requirement of the second SIM a mapping of a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs, wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE; and selecting a specific combination of UE categories from the mapping based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM. [0075] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 can optionally include that the mapping is implemented for both Uplink and Downlink; and can further include: selecting the specific combination of UE categories for both Uplink and Downlink .

[0076] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 12-13 can optionally include: reporting the selected combination of UE categories to a network.

[0077] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 can optionally include: receiving the bitrate change request from higher layers of the network or by a bitrate change detection within the UE .

[0078] In Example 16, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 12-13 can optionally include: reporting data throughput statistics by packet traffic monitoring on both downlink and uplink; and deriving the bitrate change request based on the data throughput statistics .

[0079] In Example 17, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 12-13 can optionally include: deriving the bitrate change request based on statistics measurements with respect to the selected combinations of UE categories .

[0080] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 12-13 can optionally include that a total bitrate supported by each of the specific combinations of UE

categories is less than a bitrate of a highest UE category supported for a single SIM. [0081] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 12-13 can optionally include that a specific hardware resources configuration comprises a number of receive chains and a number of transmit chain supported by the UE.

[0082] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 12-13 can optionally include: selecting the specific combination of UE categories in a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode of the multi-SIM module.

[0083] In Example 21, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 12-13 can optionally include that a specific UE category indicates a specific carrier aggregation

configuration with a given modulation type supported for a respective SIM.

[0084] In Example 22, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 12-13 can optionally include that a bitrate

[0085] Example 23 is a user equipment (UE) comprising: a first SIM of a multi-SIM module; a second SIM of the multi- SIM module; at least one receive chain; at least one transmit chain; and a processor comprising a lookup table and an arbitration entity, wherein the lookup table is configured to store for at least one bitrate requirement of the first SIM and at least one bitrate requirement of the second SIM a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs, wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific

configuration of the at least one receive chain and the at least one transmit chain, and wherein the arbitration entity is configured to select a specific combination of UE

categories from the lookup table based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

[0086] In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 can optionally include that the arbitration entity is configured to report the selected combination of UE categories to a first network entity related to the first SIM and to a second network entity related to the second SIM.

[0087] In Example 25, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 23-24 can optionally include that the arbitration entity is configured to receive the bitrate change request from a third network entity that is related to higher layer network processing.

[0088] In Example 26, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 23-24 can optionally include that a specific UE category indicates a specific carrier aggregation

configuration with a given modulation type supported for a respective SIM.

[0089] In Example 27, the subject matter of any one of

Examples 23-24 can optionally include that a bitrate

[0090] Example 28 is a resource sharing device for a user equipment (UE) , the UE comprising a multi-SIM module with a first SIM and a second SIM, the device comprising: means for providing for at least one bitrate requirement of the first SIM and at least one titrate requirement of the second SIM a mapping for a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs, wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE; and means for selecting a specific combination of UE categories from the mapping based on a titrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

[0091] In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 28 can optionally include that the mapping is implemented for both Uplink and Downlink; and that the device comprises means for selecting the specific combination of UE categories for both Uplink and Downlink.

[0092] Example 30 is a user equipment (UE) system comprising: a lookup component configured to provide for at least one bitrate requirement of a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a multi-SIM module and at least one bitrate

requirement of a second SIM of the multi-SIM module a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs, wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE; and an

arbitration component configured to select a specific combination of UE categories from the lookup component based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

[0093] In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 can optionally include that the arbitration component is

configured to report the selected combination of UE

categories to a network component . [0094] In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 31 can optionally include that the arbitration component is

configured to receive the bitrate change request from the network component of by a bitrate change detection within the UE system.

[0095] Example 33 is a computer readable non-transitory medium on which computer instructions are stored which when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the method of any one of Examples 12 to 22.

[0096] In addition, while a particular feature or aspect of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature or aspect may be combined with one or more other features or aspects of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "include", "have", "with", or other variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprise". Furthermore, it is understood that aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in discrete circuits, partially integrated circuits or fully integrated circuits or programming means. Also, the terms "exemplary", "for example" and "e.g." are merely meant as an example, rather than the best or optimal.

[0097] Although specific aspects have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or

equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific aspects shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific aspects discussed herein.

[0098] Although the elements in the following claims are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) circuitry comprising:

a lookup table configured to provide for at least one titrate requirement of a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a multi-SIM module and at least one titrate

requirement of a second SIM of the multi-SIM module a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs,

wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE; and an arbitration entity configured to select a specific combination of UE categories from the lookup table based on a titrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

2. The UE circuitry of claim 1,

wherein the lookup table is implemented for both Uplink and Downlink; and

wherein the arbitration entity is configured to select the specific combination of UE categories for both Uplink and Downlink .

3. The UE circuitry of claim 1 or 2,

wherein the arbitration entity is configured to report the selected combination of UE categories to a network.

4. The UE circuitry of claim 3,

wherein the arbitration entity is configured to receive the bitrate change request from higher layers of the network or by a bitrate change detection within the UE circuitry.

5. The UE circuitry of claim 1 or 2, comprising: a packet traffic monitor configured to report data throughput statistics on both downlink and uplink,

wherein the arbitration entity is configured to derive the bitrate change request based on the data throughput statistics .

6. The UE circuitry of claim 1 or 2,

wherein the arbitration entity is configured to derive the bitrate change request based on statistics gathered by the arbitration entity with respect to the selected

combinations of UE categories .

7. The UE circuitry of claim 1 or 2,

wherein a total bitrate supported by each of the specific combinations of UE categories is less than a bitrate of a highest UE category supported for a single SIM.

8. The UE circuitry of claim 1 or 2,

wherein a specific hardware resources configuration comprises a number of receive chains and a number of transmit chain supported by the UE .

9. The UE circuitry of claim 1 or 2,

wherein the arbitration entity is configured to select the specific combination of UE categories in a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode of the multi-SIM module.

10. The UE circuitry of claim 1 or 2,

wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific carrier aggregation configuration with a given modulation type supported for a respective SIM.

11. The UE circuitry of claim 1 or 2, wherein a bitrate requirement indicates a required titrate for at least one of the following scenarios related to the UE : Idle, VoLTE call, browsing, Media streaming, FTP.

12. A method for resource sharing for a user equipment (UE) comprising a multi-SIM module with a first SIM and a second SIM, the method comprising:

providing for at least one bitrate requirement of the first SIM and at least one bitrate requirement of the second SIM a mapping for a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs,

wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE; and selecting a specific combination of UE categories from the mapping based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

13. The method of claim 12,

wherein the mapping is implemented for both Uplink and Downlink; and

wherein the method comprises: selecting the specific combination of UE categories for both Uplink and Downlink.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, comprising:

reporting the selected combination of UE categories to a network .

15. The method of claim 14, comprising:

receiving the bitrate change request from higher layers of the network or by a bitrate change detection within the UE.

16. The method of claim 12 or 13, comprising : reporting data throughput statistics by packet traffic monitoring on both downlink and uplink; and

deriving the bitrate change request based on the data throughput statistics .

17. The method of claim 12 or 13, comprising:

deriving the bitrate change request based on statistics measurements with respect to the selected combinations of UE categories .

18. The method of claim 12 or 13,

19. A user equipment (UE) comprising:

a first SIM of a multi-SIM module;

a second SIM of the multi-SIM module;

at least one receive chain;

at least one transmit chain; and

a processor comprising a lookup table and an arbitration entity,

wherein the lookup table is configured to store for at least one bitrate requirement of the first SIM and at least one bitrate requirement of the second SIM a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs,

wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific configuration of the at least one receive chain and the at least one transmit chain, and

wherein the arbitration entity is configured to select a specific combination of UE categories from the lookup table based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

20. The UE of claim 19,

wherein the arbitration entity is configured to report the selected combination of UE categories to a first network entity related to the first SIM and to a second network entity related to the second SIM.

21. A resource sharing device for a user equipment (UE) , the UE comprising a multi-SIM module with a first SIM and a second SIM, the device comprising:

means for providing for at least one bitrate requirement of the first SIM and at least one bitrate requirement of the second SIM a mapping for a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs,

wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE; and means for selecting a specific combination of UE categories from the mapping based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

22. The device of claim 21,

wherein the mapping is implemented for both Uplink and Downlink; and

wherein the device comprises means for selecting the specific combination of UE categories for both Uplink and Downlink .

23. A user equipment (UE) system comprising:

a lookup component configured to provide for at least one bitrate requirement of a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of a multi-SIM module and at least one bitrate

requirement of a second SIM of the multi-SIM module a respective combination of UE categories for both SIMs, wherein a specific UE category indicates a specific hardware resources configuration supported by the UE; and an arbitration component configured to select a specific combination of UE categories from the lookup component based on a bitrate change request from any one of the first SIM or the second SIM.

24. The UE system of claim 23,

wherein the arbitration component is configured to report the selected combination of UE categories to a network component .

25. A computer readable non-transitory medium on which computer instructions are stored which when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 18.