Bandwidth Part Inactivity Timer Control for Secondary Cell State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation manner of a bandwidth part inactivity timer in the New Radio (NR) system is indefinite, particularly when a secondary cell switches from an activated state to a non-activated state, leading to uncertainty in timer management.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to determine the work switching state of a secondary cell with a configured Bandwidth Part (BWP) and disable the bandwidth part inactivity timer when the state switches from an activated state to a non-activated state, such as a new or deactivated state, thereby establishing a definite operation manner for the timer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a bandwidth part inactivity timer is configured for a secondary cell, then the terminal can automatically switch to a default BWP when no data is scheduled, but the operation manner becomes indefinite when the secondary cell switches to a non-activated state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of the bandwidth part inactivity timer based on the activation state of the secondary cell. When the secondary cell transitions to a non-activated state, the timer is disabled or stopped, changing its operational parameter from active counting to inactive state. This resolves the contradiction by making the timer's behavior deterministic (reliable) while preserving the automatic switching capability when the cell is activated.
2Productivity
If the bandwidth part inactivity timer is always running, then automatic BWP switching is maintained, but it causes incorrect timer operation when the secondary cell is in a non-activated state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bandwidth part inactivity timer dynamic rather than static. The timer's operational state (running or stopped) changes dynamically based on the secondary cell's activation status. When the cell is activated, the timer runs to enable automatic BWP switching; when deactivated, the timer is stopped to prevent incorrect operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining switching efficiency and ensuring timer accuracy.
3Loss of time
If the terminal controls Scell deactivation autonomously via deactivation timer, then switching delay is reduced, but the interaction with BWP inactivity timer becomes complex and indefinite
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the secondary cell's activation state as a mediating condition that coordinates both the deactivation timer and the bandwidth part inactivity timer. The activation state acts as an intermediary signal that simultaneously controls cell deactivation and timer operation, simplifying the coordination between these two mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by reducing complexity through a unified control condition while maintaining fast switching through autonomous timer control.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method for controlling a bandwidth part inactivity timer corresponding to a Bandwidth Part (BWP) activated on a secondary cell. The method is performed by a terminal, including disabling the bandwidth part inactivity timer, when the secondary cell switches from an activated state to a non-activated state, while the BWP stays activated on the secondary cell.