Beam Failure Detection in DRX Mode for 5G UE Power Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently detecting beam failures while implementing DRX (Discontinuous Reception) to conserve power, as existing methods require frequent wake-ups to assess radio link quality, reducing power savings.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves configuring a beam failure indication period based on the maximum between the shortest periodicity of reference signals and the DRX period, allowing radio link quality measurements during the DRX active time, thereby avoiding wake-ups during the off duration and maintaining power savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE wakes up frequently to assess radio link quality during DRX off duration, then beam failure detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam failure detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing radio link quality measurements during the DRX on duration (when the UE is already awake and active) instead of during the off duration. This advance measurement allows the network to assess beam quality before the UE enters power-saving mode, eliminating the need for wake-ups during off duration while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by configuring the UE to perform beam failure detection measurements at specific periodic intervals aligned with DRX on durations. This periodic measurement approach ensures continuous monitoring capability while respecting the DRX power-saving mechanism, as measurements are performed during active periods rather than requiring frequent wake-ups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of energy

If the UE performs radio link quality measurements during DRX on duration, then power savings are maintained, but beam failure detection timeliness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingsVSAvoidbeam failure detection timeliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action to perform beam quality assessments during the DRX on duration before potential beam failures occur during off duration. By conducting measurements in advance during active periods, the system maintains both power savings (no wake-ups needed) and detection timeliness (failures are detected before affecting communication).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports beam failure indications to the network based on measurements taken during DRX on duration. This feedback loop ensures that even though measurements are performed during active periods, the system maintains responsive beam failure detection and can trigger recovery procedures timely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the beam failure indication period is set to match DRX period, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement frequency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple measurements during each DRX on duration rather than waiting for the next periodic opportunity. This allows the system to conduct more frequent measurements during active periods when the UE is already awake, effectively increasing measurement frequency without requiring additional wake-ups during off duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by performing beam failure detection measurements only during DRX on duration (not during off duration), which is a subset of the full operational period. This partial measurement approach maintains power savings while providing sufficient measurement frequency through multiple on-duration cycles, avoiding the need for excessive wake-ups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3834300B9Beam failure detection and indication in DRX mode
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3834300B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3834300B9 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3834300B9 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The apparatus configured to provide an enhanced power management solution, by configuring the UE to perform a Beam Failure Detection (BFD) procedure in view of the DRX configuration of the UE and a periodicity of reference signal(s) used to assess a radio link quality. The apparatus receives a DRX configuration having a DRX period comprising a DRX on duration and a DRX off duration. The apparatus then determines a beam failure indication period based on a periodicity for reference signals (RSs) configured for beam failure detection and a DRX period. Then, the apparatus performs a radio link quality measurement of at least one of the RSs based on the beam failure indication period determined by the UE.