Low-power WUS activation and deactivation configurations

Abstract

Various aspects of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems that support WUS activation and deactivation configurations. Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may include a user equipment (UE) for wireless communications, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory, configured to cause the UE to receive a configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) in a main radio (MR), and to switch between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to wake-up signal (WUS) activation and deactivation configurations.

Background Art

[0002] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices such as base stations, which may also be known as evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), or other suitable terminology. Each network communication device such as a base station may support wireless communication for one or more user communication devices, which may also be known as user equipment (UE) or other suitable terminology. A wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)). In addition, the wireless communication system may support wireless communication across various radio access technologies including third-generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth-generation (4G) radio access technology, and fifth-generation (5G) radio access technology, among other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G, such as sixth-generation (6G).

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] The article “a” preceding an element is unrestricted and is understood to refer to “at least one” or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” may be interchangeable. Where used herein, including in the claims, “or” in a list of items (for example, a list of items ending with a phrase such as “at least one of,” “one or more of,” or “one or both of”) indicates an inclusive list, such as a list of at least one of A, B, or C meaning A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, where used herein, the phrase “based on” should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as “based on condition A” may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should be interpreted in the same way as the phrase “based at least in part on.” Furthermore, as used herein, including in the claims, “set” may consist of one or more elements.

[0004] This disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, and systems that support low-power WUS activation and deactivation.

[0005] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may further include a user device (UE) for wireless communications, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory, configured to cause the UE to receive a configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) in a main radio (MR), and to switch between operations in the MR and operations in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0006] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein include a processor in a UE for wireless communications, which is coupled with at least one memory and comprises at least one controller configured to cause the processor to receive a configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) in a main radio (MR), and to switch between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0007] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may include methods implemented by user equipment (UE) that include the steps of: receiving a configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) in a main radio (MR); and switching between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0008] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, switching between operation in MR and operation in LP-WUR is possible. (1) Activate LP-WUS monitoring within the first frequency band in LP-WUR, (2) In LP-WUR, deactivate LP-WUS monitoring within the first frequency band. (3) Switching between monitoring LP-WUS in the first frequency band in LP-WUR and monitoring control signals in the second frequency band in MR, or Any combination of (1), (2), and (3) Includes.

[0009] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, explicit instructions are included in the system information and / or RRC signaling.

[0010] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, explicit instructions are included in the system information and / or RRC signaling.

[0011] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, an explicit instruction instructs the UE to switch from MR to LP-WUR, and the explicit instruction is either in or contained within an RRC connection release message.

[0012] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the gap duration is configured, preconfigured, or predetermined, and the gap duration begins from the reception of an RRC connection release message or from the UE switching from connected mode to idle mode or inactive mode, and the UE switches from MR to LP-WUR after the gap duration.

[0013] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the gap duration ends after the UE has observed a paging opportunity that does not contain a paging message for the UE.

[0014] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the duration of the gap is determined by the relationship between a first frequency band and a second frequency band, or by the subcarrier spacing of the first frequency band and / or the subcarrier spacing of the second frequency band, or by the upper layers, or by any combination of the above.

[0015] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, explicit instructions instruct the UE to switch from MR to LP-WUR, and these explicit instructions are included in the RRC configuration message.

[0016] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the gap duration is configured, preconfigured, or predetermined, and the gap duration begins from the reception of an RRC configuration message or from the transmission of HARQ feedback in response to the reception of an RRC configuration message, and the UE switches from MR to LP-WUR after the gap duration.

[0017] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, explicit instructions to instruct the UE to switch from MR to LP-WUR are included in the SCell activation triggering message or SCell configuration, and explicit instructions to instruct the UE to switch from LP-WUR to MR are included in the SCell deactivation triggering message or SCell deactivation configuration.

[0018] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, an explicit instruction instructs the UE to switch from MR to LP-WUR, and the explicit instruction is included in the control signal.

[0019] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, one or more LP-WUS activation fields are included in the control signal.

[0020] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described herein, the LP-WUS activation field and the corresponding wake-up signal indication field jointly indicate switching from MR to LP-WUR.

[0021] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described herein, the LP-WUS activation field is in a paging short message in a control signal having a CRC scrambled by P-RNTI.

[0022] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described herein, specific states of a paging indication field and a TRS availability indication field in a control signal indicate switching from MR to LP-WUR.

[0023] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described herein, an explicit indication instructs a UE to switch from LP-WUR to MR, and the explicit indication is included in LP-SS, or LP-WUS, or a combination of LP-SS and LP-WUS when both LP-SS and LP-WUS are transmitted in LP-WUR.

[0024] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described herein, the pre-configured condition is that a measurement value is greater than or less than a threshold.

[0025] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described herein, the threshold is configured by a higher layer.

[0026] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described herein, if the measurement value is greater than the threshold, the UE switches from MR to WUR after a gap duration that starts from reporting the measurement value.

[0027] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described in this specification, the pre-configured condition is that a timer for staying in MR or a timer for staying in LP-WUR expires.

[0028] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described in this specification, the timer for staying in MR or the timer for staying in LP-WUR starts from a reference time.

[0029] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described in this specification, the reference time of the timer for staying in MR includes the time when a UE switches from LP-WUR to MR, and the time when the UE switches from connected mode to idle mode or inactive mode in MR; and the reference time of the timer for staying in LP-WUR includes the time when the UE switches from MR to LP-WUR, the time when the UE switches from connected mode to idle mode or inactive mode, and the time when the UE switches from idle mode or inactive mode to connected mode.

[0030] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described in this specification, the pre-configured condition is periodically switching from LP-WUR to MR starting from a start time, and the period is configured by an upper layer.

[0031] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described in this specification, the start time of the period includes the time when a UE switches from connected mode to inactive mode or idle mode, the time when the UE first switches from MR to LP-WUR, or an absolute time slot.

[0032] In some implementations of the method and apparatus described in this specification, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to report the switching via RACH or small data transmission (SDT), wherein RACH or SDT resources are exclusively configured for the reporting.

[0033] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may include a base station for wireless communications, comprising at least one memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to cause the base station to transmit a configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) in a main radio (MR), and to switch between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0034] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein include a processor in a base station for wireless communications, which is coupled with at least one memory and comprises at least one controller configured to cause the processor to transmit a configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) in a main radio (MR), and to switch between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0035] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may include methods implemented by a base station, which include the steps of transmitting a configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) in a main radio (MR), and switching between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0036] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, switching between operation in MR and operation in LP-WUR is possible. (1) Activate LP-WUS monitoring within the first frequency band in LP-WUR, (2) In LP-WUR, deactivate LP-WUS monitoring within the first frequency band. (3) Switching between monitoring LP-WUS in the first frequency band in LP-WUR and monitoring control signals in the second frequency band in MR, or Any combination of (1), (2), and (3) Includes.

[0037] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, explicit instructions are included in the system information and / or RRC signaling.

[0038] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, explicit instructions are included in the system information and / or RRC signaling.

[0039] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, an explicit instruction instructs the base station to switch from MR to LP-WUR, and the explicit instruction is either in or included in an RRC connection release message.

[0040] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the gap duration is configured, preconfigured, or predetermined, and the gap duration begins from the reception of an RRC connection release message or from the base station switching from connected mode to idle mode or inactive mode, and the base station switches from MR to LP-WUR after the gap duration.

[0041] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the duration of the gap is determined by the relationship between a first frequency band and a second frequency band, or by the subcarrier spacing of the first frequency band and / or the subcarrier spacing of the second frequency band, or by the upper layers, or by any combination of the above.

[0042] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, an explicit instruction instructs the base station to switch from MR to LP-WUR, and this explicit instruction is included in the RRC configuration message.

[0043] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the gap duration is configured, preconfigured, or predetermined, and the gap duration begins from the reception of an RRC configuration message or from the transmission of HARQ feedback in response to the reception of an RRC configuration message, after which the base station switches from MR to LP-WUR.

[0044] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, an explicit instruction to the base station to switch from MR to LP-WUR is included in the SCell activation triggering message or SCell configuration, and an explicit instruction to the base station to switch from LP-WUR to MR is included in the SCell deactivation triggering message or SCell deactivation configuration.

[0045] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, an explicit instruction instructs the base station to switch from MR to LP-WUR, and the explicit instruction is included in the control signal.

[0046] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, one or more LP-WUS activation fields are included in the control signal.

[0047] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the LP-WUS activation field and the corresponding wake-up signal indication field jointly indicate the switching from MR to LP-WUR.

[0048] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the LP-WUS activation field is located within a paging short message in a control signal having a CRC scrambled by P-RNTI.

[0049] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, certain states of the paging indicator field and the TRS availability indicator field in the control signal indicate a switch from MR to LP-WUR.

[0050] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, an explicit instruction instructs the base station to switch from LP-WUR to MR, and the explicit instruction is included in LP-SS or LP-WUS or a combination of LP-SS and LP-WUS when both LP-SS and LP-WUS are transmitted in LP-WUR.

[0051] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the pre-configured condition is that the measured value is greater than or less than a threshold.

[0052] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the threshold is comprised of a higher layer.

[0053] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, if the measured value is greater than a threshold, the base station switches from MR to WUR after a gap duration, which begins with reporting the measured value.

[0054] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the pre-configured condition is the expiration of a timer that remains at MR or a timer that remains at LP-WUR.

[0055] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, the timer that remains at MR or the timer that remains at LP-WUR starts from a reference time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a wireless communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a user equipment (UE) 200 according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a processor 300 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a network device (NE) 400 according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 5(a)] This diagram shows the ultra-low power wake-up receiver and main radio. [Figure 5(b)] This diagram shows the ultra-low power wake-up receiver and main radio. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of gap duration. [Figure 7(a)] This figure shows an example of pre-configured conditions. [Figure 7(b)] This figure shows an example of pre-configured conditions. [Figure 7(c)] This figure shows an example of pre-configured conditions. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the method implemented by the UE according to the aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the method implemented by NE according to the aspect of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] The aspects of this disclosure will be described in the context of wireless communication systems.

[0058] Figure 1 shows an example of a wireless communication system 100 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more NEs 102, one or more UEs 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network such as an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network or an LTE Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a New Radio (NR) network such as a 5G network, a 5G Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G Ultra Wideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of 4G and 5G networks, or other suitable radio access technologies including IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20. The wireless communication system 100 may support wireless access technologies beyond 5G, such as 6G. In addition, the wireless communication system 100 may support technologies such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA).

[0059] One or more NE102s may be distributed across geographical areas to form a wireless communication system 100. One or more of the NE102s described herein may be, include, or be referred to as network nodes, base stations, network elements, network functions, network entities, radio access network nodes (RANs), node B, e-node B (eNB), next-generation node B (gNB), or other preferred terms. The NE102s and UE104s may communicate via a communication link 110, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, the NE102s and UE104s may perform wireless communication via a Uu interface (e.g., receiving signaling, transmitting signaling).

[0060] NE102 may provide a geographic coverage area in which NE102 can support services for one or more UE104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, NE102 and UE104 may support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or more radio access technologies. In some implementations, NE102 may be a mobile satellite, for example, associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas 112 may be associated with different NE102s.

[0061] One or more UE104 may be distributed across the geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system 100. UE104 may include, or be referred to as, a remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, remote device, subscriber device, transmitter device, receiver device, or any other preferred term. In some implementations, UE104 may be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, among many other examples. Additionally or alternatively, UE104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Things (IoE) device, or a machine-type communications (MTC) device, among many other examples.

[0062] UE104 may be capable of directly supporting wireless communication with other UE104s via a communication link. For example, UE104 may directly support wireless communication with another UE104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link 114 may be referred to as a side link. For example, UE104 may directly support wireless communication with another UE104 via the PC5 interface.

[0063] An NE102 may support communication with a CN106, or with another NE102, or both. For example, an NE102 may interface with other NE102s or CN106s through one or more backhaul links 116 (e.g., S1, N2, N2, or a network interface). Network entities 102 may communicate with each other via backhaul links 116 (e.g., X2, Xn, or another network interface). In some implementations, NE102s may communicate with each other directly. In some other implementations, NE102s may communicate with each other indirectly (e.g., via a CN106). In some implementations, one or more NE102s may include subordinate components such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). An ANC may communicate with one or more UE104s through one or more other access network transmitting entities, which may be called radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit / receive points (TRPs).

[0064] CN106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. CN106 may be an advanced packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC) that includes a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a Serving Gateway (S-GW), Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW), or User Plane Function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access layer (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc.) for one or more UE104s serviced by one or more NE102s associated with CN106.

[0065] CN106 may communicate with packet data network 108 over one or more backhaul links (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). Packet data network 108 may include application server 118. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with application server 118. UEs 104 may establish a session with CN106 via NE102 (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session). CN106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, etc.) between UEs 104 and application server 118 using the established session (e.g., an established PDU session). A PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between UEs 104 and CN106 (e.g., one or more network functions of CN106).

[0066] In the wireless communication system 100, the NE102 and UE104 may use the resources of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication). In some implementations, the NE102 and UE104 may support different resource structures. For example, the NE102 and UE104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the NE102 and UE104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G among several suitable wireless access technologies, the NE102 and UE104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The NE102 and UE104 may support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

[0067] One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communication system 100, and a numerology may include a subcarrier interval and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., μ=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with the first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., μ=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier interval (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., μ=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier interval (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth numerology (e.g., μ=3) can be associated with a fourth subcarrier interval (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth numerology (e.g., μ=4) can be associated with a fifth subcarrier interval (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0068] The time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to frames (also called wireless frames). Each frame may have a duration, for example, 10 milliseconds (ms). In some implementations, each frame may contain multiple subframes. For example, each frame may contain 10 subframes, each subframe may have a duration, for example, 1 ms. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0069] As an addition or alternative, the time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may contain a certain number (e.g., a quantity) of slots. The number of slots in each subframe may also depend on one or more numerologies supported in the wireless communication system 100. For example, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., μ=0, μ=1, μ=2, μ=3, μ=4) associated with the respective subcarrier intervals of 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, and 240kHz may utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and sixteen slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may contain a certain number (e.g., a quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., a quantity) of slots for a subframe may depend on the numerology. For a normally cyclic prefix, a slot may contain 14 symbols. In the case of an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable to a 60 kHz subcarrier interval), a slot may contain 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame in the case of normal and extended cyclic prefixes may depend on the numerology. It should be understood that references to a first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with a first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) can be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[0070] In the wireless communication system 100, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum can be split into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc., based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may support one or more operating frequency bands such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz to 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). In some implementations, the NE102 and UE104 may conduct wireless communication over one or more of these operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by the NE102 and UE104 among several instruments or devices for cellular communication traffic (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 can be used by the NE102 and UE104, among many other instruments or devices, for short-range, high-data-rate capabilities.

[0071] FR1 may be associated with one or more numerologies (e.g., at least three). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology (e.g., μ=0) with a subcarrier interval of 15 kHz, a second numerology (e.g., μ=1) with a subcarrier interval of 30 kHz, and a third numerology (e.g., μ=2) with a subcarrier interval of 60 kHz. FR2 may be associated with one or more numerologies (e.g., at least two). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology (e.g., μ=2) with a subcarrier interval of 60 kHz, and a fourth numerology (e.g., μ=3) with a subcarrier interval of 120 kHz.

[0072] Figure 2 shows an example of a UE200 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The UE200 may include a processor 202, memory 204, controller 206, and transceiver 208. The processor 202, memory 204, controller 206, or transceiver 208, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of means for carrying out various aspects of this disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (for example, operationally, communicatively, functionally, electronically, or electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0073] The processor 202, memory 204, controller 206, or transceiver 208, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuit configuration). The hardware may include a processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting means for performing the functions described herein.

[0074] The processor 202 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 202 may be configured to operate the memory 204. In some other implementations, the memory 204 may be integrated into the processor 202. The processor 202 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 204 in order to cause the UE 200 to perform various functions of this disclosure.

[0075] Memory 204 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 204 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, which, when executed by processor 202, causes UE 200 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in memory 204 or in a non-temporary computer-readable medium such as another type of memory. Computer-readable mediums include both non-temporary computer storage mediums and communication mediums, which include any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. Non-temporary storage mediums may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0076] In some implementations, the processor 202 and the memory 204 coupled to the processor 202 may be configured to cause the UE 200 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (for example, the processor 202 executes instructions stored in the memory 204). For example, the processor 202 may support wireless communication in the UE 200 according to the examples disclosed herein. The UE 200 may be configured in the main radio (MR) to receive the configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in the low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR), and to switch between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0077] The controller 206 can manage input and output signals for the UE200. The controller 206 can also manage peripherals not integrated into the UE200. In some implementations, the controller 206 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, Android®, Windows®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 206 may be implemented as part of the processor 202.

[0078] In some implementations, the UE200 may include at least one transceiver 208. In some other implementations, the UE200 may have two or more transceivers 208. A transceiver 208 may represent a wireless transceiver. A transceiver 208 may include one or more receiver chains 210, one or more transmitter chains 212, or a combination thereof.

[0079] The receiver chain 210 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 210 may include one or more antennas for receiving signals over air or a wireless medium. The receiver chain 210 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 210 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and obtain transmitted data by inverting the modulation technique applied during the transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 210 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing of the demodulated signal to receive transmitted data.

[0080] The transmitter chain 212 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 212 may include at least one modulator for modulating data over a carrier signal and preparing a signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 212 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. The transmitter chain 212 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0081] Figure 3 shows an example of a processor 300 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The processor 300 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. The processor 300 may include a controller 302 configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. The processor 300 may optionally include at least one memory 304, which may be, for example, an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 300 may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) 306. One or more of these components may communicate electronically via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses) or otherwise be coupled (e.g., operationally, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically).

[0082] The processor 300 may be a processor chipset and may include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receive, acquire, retrieve, transmit, output, transfer, store, determine, identify, access, write, read) in accordance with the examples described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., processor 300), or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM), etc.)).

[0083] The controller 302 may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations of the processor 300 (e.g., signaling, receiving, acquiring, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, transferring, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) in order to enable the processor 300 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. For example, the controller 302 may act as a control unit of the processor 300, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of the processor 300. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating the timing of operations.

[0084] The controller 302 may be configured to fetch instructions from memory 304 (e.g., retrieve, retrieve, receive) and determine subsequent instructions to be executed in order to enable the processor 300 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. The controller 302 may be configured to track the memory address of the instruction associated with memory 304. The controller 302 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operation to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller 302 may be configured to interpret instructions and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor 300 in order to enable the processor 300 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 302 may be configured to manage the flow of data within the processor 300. The controller 302 may be configured to control the transfer of data between registers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), and other functional units of the processor 300.

[0085] Memory 304 may include one or more caches (for example, memory local to or included in the processor 300, or other memory such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc.). In some implementations, memory 304 may reside within or on the processor chipset (for example, locally to the processor 300). In some other implementations, memory 304 may reside outside the processor chipset (for example, remotely to the processor 300).

[0086] Memory 304 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, which, when executed by the processor 300, causes the processor 300 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. The controller 302 and / or the processor 300 may be configured to execute the computer-readable instructions stored in memory 304 in order to cause the processor 300 to perform various functions. For example, the processor 300 and / or the controller 302 may be coupled to or connected to memory 304, and the processor 300, controller 302, and memory 304 may be configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor 300 may include multiple processors, and memory 304 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled to one or more of the multiple memories, and the multiple memories may be configured individually or collectively to perform various functions described herein.

[0087] One or more ALU306s may be configured to support various operations according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, one or more ALU306s may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., processor 300). In some other implementations, one or more ALU306s may reside outside of a processor chipset (e.g., processor 300). One or more ALU306s may perform one or more calculations on data, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, one or more ALU306s may receive input operands and an arithmetic code that determines the operation to be performed. One or more ALU306s may consist of various logic and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate data according to the calculations. As an addition or alternative, one or more ALU306s may support logical operations such as AND, OR, exclusive OR (XOR), negated OR (NOR), and negated AND (NAND), enabling one or more ALU306s to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0088] The processor 300 may support wireless communication in accordance with the examples disclosed herein. The processor 300 may be configured or operable to receive a configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in a low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) in the main radio (MR), and to switch between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR in accordance with explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0089] Figure 4 shows an example of an NE400 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The NE400 may include a processor 402, a memory 404, a controller 406, and a transceiver 408. The processor 402, the memory 404, the controller 406, or the transceiver 408, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of means for carrying out various aspects of this disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (for example, operationally, communicatively, functionally, electronically, or electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0090] The processor 402, memory 404, controller 406, or transceiver 408, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuit configuration). The hardware may include a processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting means for performing the functions described herein.

[0091] The processor 402 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 402 may be configured to operate the memory 404. In some other implementations, the memory 404 may be integrated into the processor 402. The processor 402 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 404 in order to cause the NE 400 to perform various functions of this disclosure.

[0092] Memory 404 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 404 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, which, when executed by processor 402, causes NE400 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as memory 404 or another type of memory. Computer-readable mediums include both non-temporary computer storage mediums and communication mediums, which include any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. Non-temporary storage mediums may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0093] In some implementations, the processor 402 and the memory 404 coupled to the processor 402 may be configured to cause the NE400 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (for example, the processor 402 to execute instructions stored in the memory 404). For example, the processor 402 may support wireless communication in the NE400 according to the examples disclosed herein. The NE400 may be configured in the main radio (MR) to transmit the configuration of a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted in the low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR), and to switch between operation in the MR and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0094] The controller 406 can manage input and output signals for the NE400. The controller 406 can also manage peripherals not integrated into the NE400. In some implementations, the controller 406 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 406 may be implemented as part of the processor 402.

[0095] In some implementations, the NE400 may include at least one transceiver 408. In some other implementations, the NE400 may have two or more transceivers 408. A transceiver 408 may represent a wireless transceiver. A transceiver 408 may include one or more receiver chains 410, one or more transmitter chains 412, or a combination thereof.

[0096] The receiver chain 410 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 410 may include one or more antennas for receiving signals over air or a wireless medium. The receiver chain 410 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 410 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and obtain transmitted data by inverting the modulation technique applied during the transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 410 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing of the demodulated signal to receive transmitted data.

[0097] The transmitter chain 412 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 412 may include at least one modulator for modulating data over a carrier signal and preparing a signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 412 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. The transmitter chain 412 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0098] In NR, the UE may use discontinuous reception (DRX) in the RRC_IDLE state (or idle mode) or RRC_INACTIVE state (or inactive mode) to reduce power consumption. The UE monitors one paging opportunity (PO) per DRX cycle (sometimes called a DRX period).

[0099] If DRX transmission is configured by a higher layer, the UE needs to wake up periodically once per DRX cycle, which is central to power consumption during periods without signaling or data traffic. Power consumption can be dramatically reduced if the UE can only wake up when triggered, for example, when the UE is paging. This can be achieved by using a wake-up signal (WUS). For idle or inactive UEs, the WUS, transmitted in DCI (Downlink Control Information) format 2-7, indicates whether there is a paging process at a predefined PO (or MO (Observation Opportunity) for a particular UE) during the DRX ON duration.

[0100] DRX (i.e., C-DRX) in the RRC_CONNECTED state (or connected mode) is also supported. For UEs in connected mode, a WUS is also introduced, transmitted by DCI format 2-6, to notify the UE whether or not to wake up to monitor the PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) for data transmission and reception.

[0101] Low-power wake-up signals (LP-WUS) were further introduced. In addition to the main radio (MR), a separate receiver, such as an ultra-low-power wake-up receiver or wake-up radio (LP-WUR), was included in the UE. In short, the LP-WUR (sometimes abbreviated as "WUR") refers to a receiver (Rx) module that operates to receive and process signals and channels related to low-power wake-up, while the MR refers to a Tx / Rx (receiver and transmitter) module that operates for NR signals and channels separate from those related to low-power wake-up. The LP-WUS is monitored by the WUR through the UE. As shown in Figure 5(a), if WUS(OFF) indicates that there is no paging process in the PO for the UE, the MR in the UE is not triggered by the WUR and remains in the OFF or deep sleep state. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(b), if WUS(ON) indicates that there is a paging process at the PO for the UE, WUR triggers the MR within the UE to be in an ON state for data transmission and reception (for example, to receive paging at the PO during the DRX ON duration).

[0102] The MR needs to monitor the SSB (SS / PBCH block, i.e., synchronous signal / physical broadcast channel). The WUR needs to monitor the low-power synchronous signal (LP-SS). The LP-WUS in the WUR and the SSB in the MR can be in the same frequency band (for example, within the FR1 (frequency range 1) band or even within the same BWP (bandwidth part)) or in different frequency bands. Since the LP-SS and LP-WUS are in the same frequency band, the LP-SS and SSB can be configured in the same frequency band or in different frequency bands.

[0103] In addition to WUS, Early Paging Indication (EPI) or Paging Early Indication (PEI) may be introduced. A UE may be notified by a PEI in advance of its PO whether it needs to monitor a PO. PEIs may be signaled via DCI messages (e.g., DCI format 2-7) carried in the PDCCH. PEIs may carry subgrouping information for splitting UEs, resulting in a lower group paging rate and fewer false spacing alarms.

[0104] LP-WUS may be transmitted by a base station (e.g., gNB) on a first frequency band, for example, on a first BWP of a first carrier, and monitored and received by an UE, while PEI and paging messages in PO may be transmitted by a base station (e.g., gNB) on a second frequency band, for example, on a second BWP of a second carrier, and monitored and received by an UE.

[0105] The first frequency band may be the same as the second frequency band or different from the second frequency band.

[0106] If the first frequency band and the second frequency band are the same, the first carrier may be the same as the second carrier and / or the first BWP may be the same as the second BWP.

[0107] It is preferable that the first BWP is different from the second BWP, taking coverage and / or gNB scheduling into consideration.

[0108] LP-WUS is configured by higher layers. The LP-WUS configuration for the UE is transmitted to the UE by being included in system information or in UE-specific RRC signaling. The UE monitors the LP-WUS in a first frequency band (e.g., a first carrier, or a first BWP within the first carrier). Based on an LP-WUS instruction (e.g., WUS ON), the UE switches to MR to receive paging messages in a second frequency band, or to DRX ON duration to receive control signals in a second frequency band.

[0109] In addition to the WUS(ON) instruction, the UE may switch from WUR to MR for other reasons, such as poor channel conditions.

[0110] In addition, the UE may switch from MR to WUR for various reasons, such as low load or power saving. When the UE switches from MR to WUR, LP-WUS monitoring may be activated.

[0111] This disclosure proposes that the UE may switch between operation in MR and operation in WUR in accordance with explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions (i.e., that the pre-configured conditions are met).

[0112] Switching between operation in MR and operation in WUR may mean (1) switching between monitoring control signals in a second frequency band (e.g., a second BWP and / or a second carrier) in MR and monitoring LP-WUS in a first frequency band (e.g., a first BWP and / or a first carrier) in WUR.

[0113] Switching between operation in MR and operation in WUR may refer to (2) activating LP-WUS monitoring within the first frequency band. For example, when the UE switches from MR to WUR, LP-WUS monitoring is activated.

[0114] Switching between operation in MR and operation in WUR may refer to (3) deactivating LP-WUS monitoring within the first frequency band. For example, when the UE switches from WUR to MR, LP-WUS monitoring is deactivated.

[0115] Switching between operations in MR and operations in WUR may refer to any combination of (1), (2), and (3).

[0116] In other words, switching between operation in MR and operation in LP-WUR may mean switching between monitoring LP-WUS in a first frequency band in LP-WUR and monitoring control signals in a second frequency band in MR. Specifically, switching between operation in MR and operation in LP-WUR may include (1) activating LP-WUS monitoring in a first frequency band in LP-WUR, i.e., switching from MR to LP-WUR, and / or (2) deactivating LP-WUS monitoring in a first frequency band in LP-WUR, i.e., switching from LP-WUR to MR.

[0117] The first embodiment relates to a UE in idle or inactive mode switching from MR to WUR. Switching from MR to WUR implies that LP-WUS monitoring is activated.

[0118] According to a first subordinate embodiment of the first embodiment, an idle or inactive UE switches from MR to WUR in accordance with an explicit instruction (e.g., an explicit instruction from a gNB). For example, if the network (e.g., a gNB) has a low load and / or resources can be reserved for LP-SS and LP-WUS transmissions, the gNB can explicitly configure or instruct an UE capable of LP-WUS monitoring to activate LP-WUS monitoring within a first frequency band (e.g., switch from MR to WUR).

[0119] In the first implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, explicit instructions are sent from the gNB by system information and / or RRC signaling and received by the connected UE before the UE enters idle or inactive mode. For example, explicit instructions are included in the RRC connection release message, which is existing RRC signaling.

[0120] The RRC connection release message instructs the UE to switch to idle or inactive mode, or to redirect to another carrier or frequency.

[0121] If an RRC connection release message instructs the UE to switch to idle or inactive mode, explicit instructions may be included in the RRC connection release message. Under this condition, upon receiving an RRC connection release message containing explicit instructions to switch to idle or inactive mode, the UE will switch from connected mode to idle or inactive mode (for example, by stopping the corresponding timer and releasing the corresponding configuration), and further switch from MR to WUR. Note that the UE can switch from connected mode to idle or inactive mode and from MR to WUR using the same procedure.

[0122] As an alternative to including explicit instructions in the RRC connection release message, the RRC connection release message itself (instructing the UE to switch to idle or inactive mode) can be used as an explicit instruction. This means that when the UE receives an RRC connection release message instructing it to switch to idle or inactive mode, the UE will switch from connected mode to idle or inactive mode, and from MR to WUR.

[0123] In a variation of the first implementation, a gap duration is introduced before the UE switches from MR to WUR. The gap duration may be configured, preconfigured, or predetermined by the gNB (e.g., according to UE capabilities and / or gNB capabilities). The gap duration may depend on the actions to be performed within the gap duration (e.g., time-frequency synchronization, message processing). The gap duration may be used for the UE to return to the paging BWP (e.g., CORESET#0) in MR to obtain initial time-frequency synchronization. Specifically, upon receiving an RRC connection release message instructing the UE to switch to idle or inactive mode (if the RRC connection release message is used as an explicit instruction or contains an explicit instruction), the UE first switches from connected mode to idle or inactive mode. The UE then obtains initial time-frequency synchronization for the paging BWP. After the gap duration, the UE switches from MR to WUR.

[0124] The gap duration may begin with the reception of the RRC connection release message. That is, during the gap duration, the UE first switches from connected mode to idle or inactive mode. The UE then obtains initial time-frequency synchronization for paging BWP.

[0125] Alternatively, the gap duration may begin after switching to idle or inactive mode. That is, during the gap duration, the UE obtains initial time-frequency synchronization for paging BWP.

[0126] After the gap duration, the UE switches from MR to WUR.

[0127] The duration of the gap is determined by the frequency bands of the MR and WUR, or the subcarrier spacing of the MR and / or the WUR, or both the frequency bands and subcarrier spacing. For example, if the frequency bands of the MR and WUR are the same (e.g., intraband: same carrier), the gap duration can be a small value, e.g., 3 ms. If, however, the frequency bands of the MR and WUR are different, the gap duration can be a large value, e.g., 10 ms. In another example, if the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz (μ=0), the gap duration can be 2 slots, but if the subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz (μ=1), the gap duration can be 4 slots.

[0128] Alternatively, the duration of the gap can be determined by the upper layer.

[0129] Alternatively, the duration of the gap period can be determined as follows: The gap period can begin upon receipt of an RRC connection release message or after switching to idle or inactive mode. The UE monitors the PO in the MR until the PO does not contain a paging message for the UE, at which point the gap period ends.

[0130] Figure 6 shows an example of the gap duration.

[0131] The UE in connected mode is at BWP#x. The UE receives an RRC connection release message at BWP#x. The UE enters idle mode (i.e., switches from connected mode to idle or inactive mode) and returns to BWP#y (e.g., paging BWP (e.g., CORESET#0)) for paging monitoring in MR. During the gap duration, the UE obtains initial time-frequency synchronization for BWP#y. This initial time-frequency synchronization can be used later when the UE switches from BWP#z to BWP#y (i.e., from WUR to MR). After the gap duration, the UE switches from BWP#y to BWP#z (i.e., from MR to WUR).

[0132] If no gap duration is configured, the UE will directly enter idle or inactive mode, switching from BWP#x to BWP#z (i.e., from MR to WUR). This means the UE cannot obtain initial time-frequency synchronization for BWP#y; that is, the UE will remain at BWP#x before entering idle or inactive mode. This then becomes a burden for switching from BWP#z to BWP#y.

[0133] In a second implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, the explicit instruction is included in a control signal (e.g., DCI format 2-7) monitored by the UE in idle or inactive mode. In idle or inactive mode, the UE is required to monitor DCI format 2-7. Therefore, DCI format 2-7 can be reused to include the explicit instruction.

[0134] A UE in inactive or idle mode monitors and receives control signals (e.g., DCI format 2-7). These control signals include explicit instructions that tell the UE to switch from MR to WUR.

[0135] An LP-WUS activation field may be introduced into DCI Format 2-7 to function as an explicit instruction. Based on the LP-WUS activation field, one or more groups of UEs are instructed to switch from MR to WUR.

[0136] For example, the Common LP-WUS Activation field is included in DCI Format 2-7. When the Common LP-WUS Activation field is set to "1", all groups of UEs associated with the Common LP-WUS Activation field are instructed to switch from MR to WUR. In addition, the per-group wake-up signal instruction field for the UEs indicates that they are "not required to monitor paging opportunities". When the Common LP-WUS Activation field is set to "0", the groups of UEs do not switch from MR to WUR. This means that all groups of UEs remain in MR and monitor the control signals (e.g., DCI Format 2-7).

[0137] In another example, a separate LP-WUS activation field is included in DCI format 2-7 for each group of UEs. When the separate LP-WUS activation field is set to "1", the group of UEs associated with this separate LP-WUS activation field is instructed to switch from MR to WUR. In addition, the wake-up signal indication field for this group of UEs indicates that they are "not required to monitor paging opportunities".

[0138] As an alternative to the LP-WUS activation field, reinterpreting the state of one of the existing fields in DCI Format 2-7 instructs a group of UEs to switch from MR to WUR. For example, if the paging instruction field and the TRS availability instruction field are all set to "0", this is interpreted as an instruction to switch from MR to WUR for all groups of UEs.

[0139] Optionally, the LP-WUS activation field may be introduced into DCI format 1-0 paging short messages having a CRC scrambled by P-RNTI in idle or inactive mode.

[0140] According to a second subordinate embodiment of the first embodiment, the UE in idle mode or inactive mode switches from MR to WUR according to pre-configured conditions.

[0141] In the first implementation of the second sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, the pre-configured condition is that the measured values ​​in MR (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR) are greater than a threshold. This means that if the channel condition in MR is good (e.g., the UE is close to the gNB), the UE may switch from MR to WUR. Specifically, in idle or inactive mode, if the measured values ​​are greater than a threshold, the UE autonomously switches from MR to WUR. Under this condition, it is assumed that the gNB simultaneously transmits legacy paging instructions in MR and LP-WUS in WUR, because it is unaware that the gNB has switched from MR to WUR.

[0142] In the second implementation of the second subordinate embodiment of the first embodiment, the pre-configured condition is that a timer for remaining in MR expires. This means that in idle or inactive mode, if the UE monitors control signals in MR for an extended period, the UE switches to WUR for low-power consumption LP-WUS monitoring. Specifically, a timer for remaining in MR is configured. When the timer for remaining in MR expires, the UE in idle or inactive mode switches from MR to WUR. The timer for remaining in MR starts from a reference time point. The reference time point may be, but is not limited to, the time at which the UE switches from WUR to MR in idle or inactive mode, or the time at which the UE switches from connected mode to idle or inactive mode in MR.

[0143] A second embodiment relates to a UE in idle or inactive mode switching from WUR to MR. Switching from WUR to MR implies that LP-WUS monitoring is deactivated.

[0144] According to the first subordinate embodiment of the second embodiment, the UE in idle mode or inactive mode switches from WUR to MR according to an explicit instruction.

[0145] Explicit instructions may be included in LP-SS, LP-WUS, or a combination of LP-SS and LP-WUS. Upon receiving an explicit instruction to switch from WUR to MR, LP-WUS monitoring is deactivated and the UE switches from WUR to MR.

[0146] According to a second subordinate embodiment of the second embodiment, a UE in idle mode or inactive mode switches from WUR to MR according to pre-configured conditions.

[0147] In the first implementation of the second sub-embodiment of the second embodiment, the pre-configured condition is that the measured values ​​in the WUR (e.g., LP-RSRP, LP-RSRQ) are less than a threshold. This means that if the channel condition in the WUR is poor, the UE can switch from the WUR to the MR. Specifically, in idle or inactive mode, if the measured values ​​are below the threshold, the UE autonomously switches from the WUR to the MR. That is, while an inactive or idle mode UE monitors PO or PEI in the MR, LP-WUS monitoring in the WUR is deactivated. The UE may report the switch (from WUR to MR) via RACH or a configured resource (e.g., SDT (Small Data Transmission)). The RACH resource or SDT resource is configured specifically for this purpose.

[0148] In the second implementation of the second sub-embodiment of the second embodiment, the pre-configured condition is that the WUR stay timer expires. The WUR stay timer is configured. When the WUR stay timer expires, the UE in idle mode or inactive mode (while LP-WUS monitoring in the WUR is deactivated) switches from the WUR to the MR. The WUR stay timer starts from a reference time point. The reference time point may be, but is not limited to, the time when the UE switches from the MR to the WUR, the time when the UE switches from connected mode to idle mode or inactive mode, or the time when the UE switches from idle mode or inactive mode to connected mode.

[0149] Figure 7(a) shows an example of a second implementation. In Figure 7(a), the timer for remaining in WUR is 50ms, and the reference time point is assumed to be the time it takes for the UE to switch from MR to WUR. Each time the timer for remaining in WUR expires, the UE switches from WUR to MR. In addition, the timer for remaining in WUR starts from the time it takes for the UE to switch from MR to WUR.

[0150] Figure 7(b) shows another example of the second implementation combined with the first implementation. When the timer for staying in the WUR expires, the UE switches from the WUR to the MR. In addition, if the channel condition in the WUR is poor, the UE switches from the WUR to the MR. Furthermore, if the UE switches from the WUR to the MR due to other reasons (for example, poor channel condition in the WUR (measured values ​​are below the threshold)), the timer for staying in the WUR is deactivated. The reference time point for the timer for staying in the WUR is the time when the UE switches from the MR to the WUR.

[0151] In the third implementation of the second sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, the idle or inactive UE periodically switches from WUR to MR, starting from a start time point. The period is defined by the upper layer. The start time point may be, but is not limited to, the time when the UE switches from connected mode to inactive or idle mode, the time when the UE first switches from MR to WUR, or an absolute time slot.

[0152] Figure 7(c) shows an example of a third implementation combined with the first implementation. In Figure 7(c), the duration is 50ms, and the start time point is assumed to be the time when the UE first switches from MR to WUR. Within period #2, we can see that the UE switches from WUR to MR due to other reasons (e.g., poor channel conditions in WUR). Subsequently, when the UE switches from MR to WUR, it is the second switch from MR to WUR (within period #2). Thus, period #2 continues.

[0153] A third embodiment relates to a connected UE switching from MR to WUR.

[0154] According to the first subordinate embodiment of the third embodiment, the connected UE switches from MR to WUR in accordance with an explicit instruction (for example, an explicit instruction from gNB).

[0155] In the first implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the third embodiment, explicit instructions are sent from the gNB by system information and / or RRC signaling. For example, an explicit instruction could be an RRC configuration message instructing a switch from MR to WUR. The gap duration is configured after the reception of the RRC configuration message or after the reception of the HARQ feedback transmission. After the gap duration, the UE switches from MR to WUR. Similar to the gap duration described in the variation (1.1.1') of the first implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, the gap duration described herein (in the first implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the third embodiment) may be configured by the gNB, pre-configured, or pre-determined (for example, according to UE capabilities and / or gNB capabilities). Furthermore, the gap duration may depend on the actions to be performed within the gap duration.

[0156] In the second implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the third embodiment, the SCell activation triggering message or SCell configuration can act as an explicit instruction for switching from MR to WUR.

[0157] In the third implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the third embodiment, the UE in connection mode switches from MR to WUR according to a control signal (e.g., DCI format 2-6). In connection mode, the UE is required to monitor DCI format 2-6. DCI format 2-6 may be reused to include explicit instructions.

[0158] In legacy systems, DCI format 2-6 is used to notify power saving information outside of DRX active hours for one or more UEs. The following information, namely block number 1, block number 2, ..., block number N, is transmitted in DCI format 2-6 with a scrambled CRC by PS-RNTI, and the start position of a block is determined by the parameter ps-PositionDCI-2-6 provided by the upper layer to the UEs comprising that block.

[0159] The LP-WUS activation field may be introduced into DCI format 2-6.

[0160] For example, the Common LP-WUS Activation Field is included in DCI Format 2-6. If the Common LP-WUS Activation Field is set to "1", all UEs (i.e., all UEs associated with all blocks) are instructed to switch from MR to WUR. If the Common LP-WUS Activation Field is set to "0", DCI Format 2-6 functions as legacy DCI Format 2-6.

[0161] In another example, a separate LP-WUS activation field is included for each block in DCI format 2-6. For example, the block-specific wake-up instruction field is replaced by the separate LP-WUS activation field. If the block's separate LP-WUS activation field is set to "1", the UE associated with the block is instructed to switch from MR to WUR. If the block's separate LP-WUS activation field is set to "0", the UE associated with the block follows legacy behavior.

[0162] As an alternative to the LP-WUS activation field, reinterpreting one of the existing field states in DCI Format 2-6 instructs the UE to switch from MR to WUR.

[0163] According to the second subordinate embodiment of the third embodiment, the UE in connection mode switches from MR to WUR according to pre-configured conditions.

[0164] In the first implementation of the second sub-embodiment of the third embodiment, the pre-configured condition is that the measured values ​​in MR (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR) are greater than a threshold. This means that if the channel condition in MR is good (e.g., the UE is close to the gNB), the UE may switch from MR to WUR. Specifically, in connected mode, if the measured value is greater than a threshold, the UE switches from MR to WUR after a gap duration, starting with reporting the measured value.

[0165] The gap duration is determined by the subcarrier spacing of the MR and WUR, as well as the frequency bands of the MR and WUR.

[0166] A fourth embodiment relates to a connected UE switching from WUR to MR. Switching from WUR to MR implies that LP-WUS monitoring is deactivated.

[0167] According to the first subordinate embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the UE in connection mode switches from WUR to MR according to an explicit instruction.

[0168] In the first implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the explicit instruction may be included in the LP-SS, or in the LP-WUS, or in a combination of the LP-SS and LP-WUS. Upon receiving an explicit instruction to switch from WUR to MR, the LP-WUS monitoring is deactivated and the UE switches from WUR to MR.

[0169] In the second implementation of the first sub-embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the SCell deactivation triggering message or SCell deactivation configuration can act as an instruction to switch from WUR to MR.

[0170] According to the second subordinate embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the UE in connection mode switches from WUR to MR according to pre-configured conditions.

[0171] In the first implementation of the second sub-embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the pre-configured condition is that the measured values ​​in the WUR (e.g., LP-RSRP, LP-RSRQ) are less than a threshold. This means that if the channel condition in the WUR is poor, the UE can switch from the WUR to the MR. Specifically, in connected mode, if the measured values ​​are below the threshold, the UE autonomously switches from the WUR to the MR; that is, LP-WUS monitoring is deactivated. The UE may report the switch (from WUR to MR) via RACH or a configured resource (e.g., SDT). The RACH resource or SDT resource is configured specifically for this purpose.

[0172] In the second implementation of the second sub-embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the pre-configured condition is that the stay-in-WUR timer expires. The stay-in-WUR timer is configured. When the stay-in-WUR timer expires, the connected UE switches from WUR to MR (while LP-WUS monitoring in WUR is deactivated). The stay-in-WUR timer starts from a reference time point. The reference time point may be, but is not limited to, the time when the UE switches from MR to WUR.

[0173] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of Method 800 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The operation of the Method may be implemented by a UE as described herein. In some implementations, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described.

[0174] In 802, the main radio (MR) receives the configuration of the low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted by the low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR).

[0175] In 804, switch between operation in MR and operation in LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0176] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of Method 900 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The operation of the Method may be implemented by an NE as described herein. In some implementations, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the NE to perform the functions described.

[0177] In 902, the main radio (MR) transmits the configuration of the low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted by the low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR).

[0178] In 904, switch between operation in MR and operation in LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions.

[0179] The methods described herein illustrate possible implementations, and it should be noted that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible.

[0180] The descriptions herein are provided to enable those skilled in the art to create or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is given the broadest scope that is consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0181] 100 Wireless Communication Systems 102 Network Entities 104 UE 106 Core Network (CN), CN 112 Geographic Coverage Areas 114 Communication Link 116 Backhaul Link 200 User Equipment (UE), UE 200 UE 202 processors 204 memory 206 Controller 208 transceivers 210 Receiver Chain 212 Transmitter Chain 300 processors 302 Controller 304 memory 306 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), ALU 400 Network Equipment (NE), NE 402 Processors 404 memory 406 Controller 408 Transceiver 410 Receiver Chain 412 Transmitter Chain 800 ways

Claims

1. User equipment (UE) for wireless communication, At least one memory, Coupled with at least one memory, the UE, The main radio (MR) receives the configuration of the low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted by the low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR), and Switching between MR operation and LP-WUR operation according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions. and A UE equipped with

2. Switching between operation in MR and operation in LP-WUR is possible. (1) Activate LP-WUS monitoring within the first frequency band in LP-WUR, (2) In LP-WUR, deactivate LP-WUS monitoring within the first frequency band. (3) Switching between monitoring the LP-WUS in the first frequency band in the LP-WUR and monitoring the control signals in the second frequency band in the MR, or Any combination of (1), (2), and (3) The UE according to claim 1, including the following:

3. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the explicit instructions are included in system information and / or RRC signaling.

4. The aforementioned explicit instruction instructs the UE to switch from MR to LP-WUR, The UE according to claim 3, wherein the explicit instruction is or is included in an RRC connection release message.

5. The gap duration is configured, preconfigured, or predetermined, and the gap duration begins from the reception of the RRC connection release message or from the UE switching from connected mode to idle mode or inactive mode. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the UE switches from MR to LP-WUR after the gap duration.

6. The UE according to claim 5, wherein the gap duration ends after the UE has monitored a paging opportunity that does not include a paging message for the UE.

7. The duration of the gap is determined by the relationship between the first frequency band and the second frequency band, or The duration of the gap is determined by the subcarrier spacing of the first frequency band and / or the subcarrier spacing of the second frequency band, or The duration of the gap is composed of the upper layer, or One of the above combinations, The UE according to claim 5.

8. The aforementioned explicit instruction instructs the UE to switch from MR to LP-WUR, The UE according to claim 3, wherein the explicit instruction is included in the RRC configuration message.

9. The gap duration is configured, preconfigured, or predetermined, and the gap duration begins from the reception of the RRC configuration message or from the transmission of HARQ feedback to the reception of the RRC configuration message. The UE according to claim 8, wherein the UE switches from MR to LP-WUR after the gap duration.

10. The explicit instruction to the UE to switch from MR to LP-WUR is included in the SCell activation triggering message or SCell configuration. The UE according to claim 3, wherein the explicit instruction to instruct the UE to switch from LP-WUR to MR is included in a SCell deactivation triggering message or SCell deactivation configuration.

11. The aforementioned explicit instruction instructs the UE to switch from MR to LP-WUR, The UE according to claim 1, wherein the explicit instruction is included in the control signal.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein one or more LP-WUS activation fields are included in the control signal.

13. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the LP-WUS activation field and the corresponding wake-up signal instruction field jointly instruct the switching from MR to LP-WUR.

14. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the LP-WUS activation field is located within a paging short message in the control signal having a CRC scrambled by P-RNTI.

15. The UE according to claim 11, wherein a specific state of the paging instruction field and the TRS availability instruction field in the control signal indicates the switching from MR to LP-WUR.

16. The aforementioned explicit instruction instructs the UE to switch from LP-WUR to MR, The UE according to claim 1, wherein the explicit instruction is included in LP-SS or LP-WUS or a combination of LP-SS and LP-WUS when both LP-SS and LP-WUS are transmitted in LP-WUR.

17. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the pre-configured condition is that the measured value is greater than or less than a threshold.

18. A processor in a UE for wireless communications, Coupled with at least one memory, the processor, The main radio (MR) receives the configuration of the low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted by the low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR), Switching between operation in MR and operation in LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions. A processor comprising at least one controller configured to perform the following actions.

19. A method performed by user equipment (UE), The main radio (MR) receives the configuration of the low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted by the low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR), Steps to switch between operation in the main radio (MR) and operation in the LP-WUR according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions. Methods that include...

20. A base station for wireless communications, At least one memory, Coupled with at least one memory, and connected to the base station, The main radio (MR) transmits the configuration of the low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) to be transmitted by the low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR), and Switching between MR operation and LP-WUR operation according to explicit instructions or pre-configured conditions. and A base station equipped with the necessary equipment.

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