Base Station MBSFN Subframe Configuration for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems face challenges in reducing power consumption at base stations, particularly due to the frequent transmission of CRS signals in all subframes, which hinders efficient energy saving operations.

Innovation Solution

The system allows the base station to designate additional MBSFN subframes beyond those allocated by the radio network controller, enabling less frequent transmission of CRS signals and reducing power consumption by configuring MBSFN subframes based on its own resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CRS signals are transmitted in all subframes to ensure reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption at the base station increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by transmitting CRS signals only in specific subframes (MBSFN subframes) rather than continuously in all subframes. The base station configures certain subframes as MBSFN subframes where CRS transmission is performed periodically, reducing overall transmission frequency while maintaining essential communication functionality and enabling power savings during non-transmission periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the base station to dynamically configure and adjust which subframes are designated as MBSFN subframes for CRS transmission. The base station can adaptively determine the timing and frequency of CRS transmissions based on current network conditions, traffic demands, and power management requirements, rather than using a fixed transmission pattern

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If MBSFN subframes are configured by the radio network controller only, then network control is simplified, but the base station cannot optimize power consumption independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork control complexityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the subframe configuration authority into two parts: the radio network controller configures a set of candidate MBSFN subframes, and the base station independently selects and activates specific subframes from this set for CRS transmission. This segmentation allows centralized oversight while enabling decentralized optimization for power management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the base station to autonomously select and configure specific MBSFN subframes for CRS transmission from the set provided by the radio network controller. The base station independently determines the optimal subframes for power-saving operations without requiring continuous centralized control, allowing it to adapt to local conditions and optimize its own power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3962181B1Mobile communication system, base station, neighbor base station and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3962181B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3962181B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3962181B1 patent drawingFigure 5(A)~5(B)

AI summary

A mobile communication system includes a plurality of eNBs that perform radio communication with an UE and an MCE that controls the eNBs. The MCE indicates an MBSFN subframe (MCE) serving as radio resources that transmit a reference signal for power measurement to the UE less frequently than normal to the eNB, the eNB, in addition to the MBSFN subframe (MCE) indicated by the MCE, designates the MBSFN subframe (eNB) serving as the radio resources that transmit a reference signal to the UE less frequently than normal, and in the MBSFN subframe (MCE) and the MBSFN subframe (eNB) the reference signal is transmitted to the UE. In this manner, the reference signal for measuring a power can be transmitted less frequently than normal, and a power consumption of the infrastructure can be reduced.