5G NR Network-Controlled Small Gaps for Low-Interruption Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in signal measurement processes due to the need for measurement gaps, which disrupt data transmission and reception, particularly in scenarios where User Equipment (UE) has multiple RF chains.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Network Controlled Small Gaps (NCSGs) allows UEs with multiple RF chains to perform measurements without conventional gaps by using asynchronous and synchronous gap patterns, configuring VIL, ML, and VIRP to minimize interruptions during signal quality assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement gaps are used for signal quality assessment, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data transmission continuity deteriorates due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into specific gap patterns (synchronous and asynchronous) that are inserted between data transmission slots. This allows measurements to be performed in dedicated time segments without continuously interrupting data flow, as the gaps are strategically placed and minimized in duration while still providing sufficient measurement opportunities
Solution Approach 2:
Measurement gaps are implemented as periodic interruptions rather than continuous interruptions. The system uses repeating gap patterns (e.g., every N slots) that allow data transmission to proceed continuously in between measurement periods, thus maintaining overall transmission continuity while still achieving regular signal quality assessments
2Adaptability or versatility
If UEs perform measurements on multiple frequency bands, then network coverage monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple RF chains
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement gap mechanism is designed as a universal framework that works across multiple frequency bands and RF chain configurations. The same gap pattern structure can accommodate different numbers of RF chains, frequency bands, and measurement scenarios, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms for each configuration type
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from time-domain multiplexing (sequential measurement on one band at a time) to frequency-domain parallelism by utilizing multiple RF chains simultaneously. Multiple UEs or multiple RF chains within a UE can measure different frequency bands in parallel during the same measurement gap period, effectively adding a frequency dimension to the measurement process
3Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are inserted frequently, then signal quality monitoring accuracy is improved, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously interrupting data transmission for measurements, the system uses partial action by inserting measurement gaps only at specific periodic intervals rather than after every data slot. This provides sufficient measurement sampling for quality monitoring while minimizing the total time lost to measurements, thus maintaining high transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as gap duration, gap repetition period, and measurement bandwidth based on network conditions and requirements. When signal conditions are stable, measurement frequency can be reduced; when conditions change rapidly, measurement frequency increases. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between measurement accuracy and transmission efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A UE for a 5G system is to perform a measurement during a network controlled small gap (NCSG). The NCSG includes a first visible interruption length (VIL1), a measurement length (ML), a second visible interruption length (VIL2), and a visible interruption repetition period (VIRP). A UE capability indicates a length of one or both the VIL1 and the VIL2. NCSG pattern information provides the NCSG for the UE, in which the VIL1 and the VIL2 indicate when the UE is not expected to transmit and receive data on a serving carrier, the ML indicates when the UE is expected to transmit and receive data on the serving carrier, and the VIRP indicates a period in which to repeat the NCSG.