Cell Measurement Timing for Energy-Saving Wireless Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in performing accurate cell measurements when a network node operates in energy saving mode, as synchronization signal blocks are not periodically transmitted, leading to inaccurate timing information and hindered channel state information reference signal measurements.
Innovation Solution
The UE estimates timing information from other sources, such as a reference cell, and the ES cell adjusts its transmission or reception timing to align with the reference cell, enhancing RRC configuration and potentially transmitting a light synchronization signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the network node operates in energy saving mode by not periodically transmitting synchronization signal blocks, then energy consumption is reduced, but timing information becomes inaccurate and cell measurements are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference cell as an intermediary to provide timing information for the energy saving cell. The UE uses timing information from the reference cell to perform measurements on the energy saving cell's CSI-RS, enabling accurate measurements without requiring the energy saving cell to transmit synchronization signals periodically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the UE to copy timing information from a reference cell and apply it to measurements on the energy saving cell. Instead of obtaining timing information directly from the energy saving cell's synchronization signals, the UE replicates the timing characteristics from the reference cell to enable accurate CSI-RS measurements.
2Measurement precision
If the network node transmits full synchronization signal blocks periodically, then accurate timing information is provided for cell measurements, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential timing information function from the full synchronization signal block. Instead of transmitting complete SSBs periodically, the energy saving cell transmits CSI-RS with timing information derived from the reference cell, extracting only the necessary timing characteristics needed for measurements while eliminating redundant signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having the energy saving cell transmit only the minimal necessary signals (CSI-RS without full SSB) rather than complete synchronization signal blocks. This partial transmission provides sufficient timing information for measurements while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to full SSB periodic transmission.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the UE performs measurements using timing information from a reference cell, then energy saving mode operation is enabled, but additional configuration complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reference cell timing information serve multiple functions. The same timing information from the reference cell is used both for synchronization purposes and for enabling measurements on the energy saving cell, reducing the need for separate timing mechanisms and simplifying overall system configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) output by a first cell operating in an energy saving mode. The UE may receive timing information output by a second cell. The UE may measure the CSI-RS output by the first cell using the timing information output by the second cell. Numerous other aspects are described.