5G NR Reference Signal Configuration for Lower UE Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased complexity and power consumption of user equipment (UE) in 5G New Radio (NR) systems, particularly in RRC idle, inactive, and connected modes, due to sparse Synchronization Signal/PBCH Block (SSB) periodicity and gaps between SSB and Paging Occasion (PO), leading to excessive power consumption for operations like AGC tracking, RRM measurements, and paging reception.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of additional reference signals, such as CSI-RS, to supplement SSB for UE operations in RRC idle, inactive, and connected modes, without additional network-side transmissions, optimizing power consumption and resource overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If additional reference signals are introduced to reduce UE power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing downlink reference signals (CSI-RS, SSB) serve multiple functions: their primary functions remain intact while they are also utilized for power saving operations, paging reception, and timing/frequency tracking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated reference signals, thereby improving power efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a powerSavingReferenceSignalConfig information element that configures specific parameters for reference signal usage during power saving states. By changing the configuration parameters (enabling/disabling specific reference signals based on UE state), the system achieves power efficiency improvements while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized configuration mechanisms
2Quantity of substance
If SSB periodicity is increased to reduce overhead, then resource overhead is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference signal functionality by introducing different reference signal configurations for different operational states. Tracking reference signals are configured with appropriate periodicity for maintaining timing/frequency accuracy during idle/inactive states, while connected mode operations use separate reference signal configurations. This segmentation allows optimized resource overhead for each state without compromising measurement precision when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configuration mechanism (powerSavingReferenceSignalConfig) that acts as an intermediary to selectively activate/reference appropriate signals based on UE state. This intermediary layer enables the system to use less frequent SSB transmissions for power saving while still providing adequate tracking precision through properly configured reference signals, thus reducing resource overhead without significantly deteriorating measurement precision
3Speed
If gap between SSB and Paging Occasion is reduced to improve responsiveness, then paging responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures tracking reference signals to be transmitted in advance of paging occasions during power saving states. This preliminary action allows the UE to perform timing and frequency tracking before the actual paging reception, ensuring responsive paging detection while allowing the UE to remain in low-power state longer, thus improving paging responsiveness without significantly increasing overall power consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for configurations for reference signaling in mobile communication technology are described. An example method for wireless communication includes transmitting, by a network node to a wireless device, a first signaling comprising information associated with a first reference signal, the information comprising at least one of a configuration of the first reference signal, an update information of the first reference signal, or a valid period of the first reference signal.