Cell Group Activation via Temporary Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next-generation mobile communication systems, there is a need for efficient methods to control the activation and deactivation of cell groups to manage battery consumption and reduce latency associated with carrier aggregation or dual connectivity, as maintaining multiple cells in active or inactive states leads to increased battery drain or data transmission/reception latency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling the activation and deactivation of cell groups through the use of temporary reference signals, where user equipment (UE) receives configuration information and measurement instructions from a base station, measures temporary reference signals, and reports results, allowing for rapid activation and deactivation of carrier aggregation or dual connectivity in units of bandwidth parts (BWP) or cell groups, thereby reducing battery consumption and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple cells are maintained in active state for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity, then data transmission rate is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the cell group to transition between active and inactive states based on traffic conditions. The gNodeB dynamically activates or deactivates cell groups through MAC control elements, allowing the system to adapt its power state from continuous monitoring (active) to periodic monitoring (inactive), thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining high data transmission rates when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling the UE to perform channel measurements periodically even when the cell group is in inactive state. Instead of continuous PDCCH monitoring, the system uses periodic measurement opportunities to gather channel state information, which allows the UE to reactivate the cell group quickly when traffic arrives, balancing power savings with transmission performance.
2Loss of time
If cell group activation is performed rapidly, then data transmission latency is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE perform channel measurements in advance while the cell group is in inactive state. The UE measures downlink reference signals and reports channel state information before actual data transmission is needed. This preliminary measurement allows the gNodeB to quickly activate the cell group without waiting for initial channel assessment, reducing activation latency while avoiding the need for continuous power-consuming monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing temporary reference signals as a mediator between the inactive cell group and the active data transmission process. These reference signals enable the UE to obtain necessary channel information without fully activating the cell group's monitoring functions, serving as a bridge that allows rapid activation while minimizing power consumption during the inactive state.
3Reliability
If continuous PDCCH monitoring is performed, then data transmission reliability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the UE perform only the necessary minimum measurements (downlink reference signals) while the cell group is inactive, rather than continuous full monitoring. The UE measures channel state information periodically and reports it, which provides sufficient reliability information for quick reactivation without the excessive action of continuous PDCCH monitoring, thus reducing battery consumption while maintaining acceptable reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, performed by a user equipment (UE), for controlling activation of a cell group includes: receiving, from a base station, a radio resource control (RRC) message including configuration information indicating a number of temporary reference signals; receiving, from the base station, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating to activate a secondary cell (SCell); receiving, from the base station, a temporary reference signal; based on the MAC CE and the RRC message, measuring the temporary reference signal; and transmitting, to the base station, a measurement result regarding the temporary reference signal.