Inter-Frequency CSI-RS Measurement Configuration for 5G Handovers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, there is a need for improved inter-frequency measurements to facilitate seamless handovers between serving cells and candidate cells, as existing technologies face challenges in adapting reference signal configurations across different frequencies, affecting communication reliability.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for user equipment (UE) to receive a configuration for performing inter-frequency measurements of synchronization signal blocks (SSB) or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) from a candidate cell while connected to a serving cell, allowing the UE to perform these measurements based on the received configuration and output an indication, thereby enabling connection and parameter adaptation for improved reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing reference signal configurations are used for inter-frequency measurements, then measurement capability is maintained, but adaptation to different frequency bands is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference signal configuration adaptationVSAvoidhandover reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the reference signal configuration parameters to match the frequency characteristics of the target cell. The UE receives configuration information containing adjusted parameters (such as time resources, frequency resources, and signal type selections) that are optimized for inter-frequency measurements, enabling accurate channel state estimation across different frequency bands while maintaining reliable handover performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive inter-frequency measurements are performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel state measurement accuracyVSAvoidhandover preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the network side pre-configure measurement parameters and trigger mechanisms before handover occurs. The UE receives advance configuration information about the target cell's reference signals, including time resources and frequency resources, allowing the UE to perform measurements efficiently without delays during the actual handover decision process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by selecting and measuring only the most critical reference signal components necessary for handover decisions. The UE measures specific reference signals (such as SSB or CSI-RS) at strategically selected time and frequency resources, obtaining sufficient channel state information without performing exhaustive measurements across all possible parameters, thus balancing accuracy with time efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240146374A1CSI-RS inter-intra frequency measurements
Publication Date: 2024.05.02 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20240146374A1 patent drawing
  • US20240146374A1 patent drawing
  • US20240146374A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of wireless communication at a UE is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a configuration to perform an inter-frequency measurement of at least one of a SSB or a CSI-RS of a candidate cell while connected to a serving cell. The method includes performing the inter-frequency measurement on the at least one of the SSB or the CSI-RS from the candidate cell based on the received configuration. The method includes outputting an indication of the performed inter-frequency measurement.