Cross-Component Carrier Reference Signals for SCell Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G network technologies face challenges in reducing latency and power consumption during the activation and deactivation of secondary cells (SCells) due to the overhead and complexity of reference signal processing in quasi co-location (QCL) connections, particularly in dual connectivity environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of cross-component carrier reference signals, such as QCL-TypeA and QCL-TypeD reference signals, is used to facilitate faster SCell activation by leveraging shared radio channel characteristics across component carriers, reducing the need for extensive reference signal overhead and improving antenna gain control and time-frequency tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional reference signal processing is used for SCell activation, then measurement precision is maintained, but latency and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring TCI states with reference signal information before SCell activation is needed. The network node configures multiple TCI states including cross-component carrier reference signals in advance, so that when SCell activation is triggered, the UE can immediately use the pre-configured reference signals without waiting for new configuration, thereby reducing activation latency while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses TCI states as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the primary cell and secondary cell. The TCI state configuration contains reference signal information from the primary cell that can be applied to the secondary cell, acting as a mediator that transfers channel characteristics across component carriers. This intermediary approach allows the SCell to inherit reference signal configurations without requiring independent signal processing, thus reducing latency while preserving measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If traditional reference signal processing is used for SCell activation, then measurement precision is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making reference signals universal across multiple component carriers. Instead of configuring separate reference signals for each SCell, the same reference signals from the primary cell (configured via TCI states) are reused across multiple secondary cells. This multi-functional approach allows a single set of reference signals to serve multiple SCells, significantly reducing the processing load and power consumption while maintaining measurement precision through the QCL relationship
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating reference signal configurations from the primary cell to secondary cells through TCI state indications. Rather than creating new reference signals for each SCell, the system copies the reference signal information from the primary cell's TCI configuration and applies it to the SCell. This copying mechanism reduces the computational overhead and power consumption associated with generating and processing unique reference signals for each cell, while maintaining measurement accuracy through the established QCL relationships
3Speed
If cross-component carrier reference signals are used, then SCell activation speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the TCI state configuration parameters to include cross-component carrier reference signal information. The TCI state is enhanced with additional parameters that identify reference signals from other component carriers, allowing the system to switch between different reference signal sources dynamically. This parameter extension enables faster SCell activation through cross-CC reference signals while managing complexity through standardized parameter structures that the UE can process efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods to perform a secondary cell (SCell) activation. A network node can send a UE a command to activate a component carrier, where this component carrier is associated with other component carriers of a component carrier group. In turn, the UE can determine one or more cross-component carrier reference signal(s) received on one or more activated component carriers of the component carrier group for use in the activation of the component carrier.