Aperiodic TRS Signaling for Dynamic Synchronization and Energy Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in network power consumption and performance due to the periodic transmission of tracking reference signals (TRS), which cannot be dynamically adjusted without significant RRC reconfiguration, leading to unnecessary power consumption and potential performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing aperiodic and semi-persistent TRS transmission methods, allowing network nodes to transmit TRS on an as-needed basis using L1 or L2 signaling, WD requests, or based on channel conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary transmissions and optimizing network energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic TRS transmission is used, then synchronization performance is maintained, but network power consumption increases due to unnecessary transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization performanceVSAvoidnetwork power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static periodic TRS transmission to dynamic aperiodic and semi-persistent TRS transmission. The network node determines whether to transmit TRS based on current channel conditions, WD mobility state, and synchronization requirements, allowing the system to adapt transmission behavior to actual needs rather than following a fixed periodic schedule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter from fixed periodicity to variable triggering conditions. By introducing aperiodic triggering based on channel quality metrics, mobility indicators, and synchronization status, the system modifies the fundamental transmission parameter (timing) to reduce unnecessary transmissions while maintaining required synchronization performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If RRC reconfiguration is performed to adjust TRS transmission, then transmission parameters can be changed, but signaling overhead and delay increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTRS transmission adjustment capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TRS transmission control into two independent parts: RRC configuration of transmission parameters (periodicity, resources) and dynamic triggering control via MAC CE or DCI. This segmentation allows the system to adjust transmission timing and behavior rapidly through lower-layer signaling without requiring full RRC reconfiguration, thereby reducing delay while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces MAC CE and DCI as intermediary signaling mechanisms between the RRC layer and physical layer TRS transmission. These intermediaries enable rapid adjustment of TRS transmission timing and activation without direct RRC involvement, bridging the gap between semi-static configuration and dynamic transmission control, thus reducing reconfiguration delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If aperiodic TRS transmission is implemented, then network energy savings are achieved, but complexity of transmission control increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy savingsVSAvoidtransmission control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing aperiodic TRS transmission only when necessary, rather than continuously. The system triggers aperiodic TRS based on specific conditions (channel quality thresholds, mobility events, synchronization loss detection) rather than using a fixed periodic schedule, thereby achieving energy savings while maintaining control through condition-based triggering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If semi-persistent TRS signaling is used, then transmission can be activated/deactivated dynamically, but L1/L2 signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic activation capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action in the form of semi-persistent TRS transmission, where TRS is activated for a predetermined duration or number of occasions after triggering. This allows the system to maintain adaptability through dynamic activation/deactivation while reducing instantaneous signaling overhead compared to purely aperiodic transmission, as the actual TRS transmissions occur periodically once activated rather than requiring continuous triggering signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250286682A1Methods and mechanisms for aperiodic and semi-persistent tracking reference signals (TRS)

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method, network node and wireless device (WD) for aperiodic and semi-persistent tracking reference signals. are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a network node includes configuring a tracking reference signal, TRS, resource set for one of: semi-persistent TRS signaling; aperiodic TRS signaling unassociated with periodic reference signaling; and TRS signaling upon request by the WD. The method also includes transmitting the TRS resource set configuration to the WD.