DCI-Based SCell Activation and Deactivation Timing for Lower Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing the activation and deactivation of secondary cells (SCells) due to undefined time frames for physical-layer control signals, leading to latency and uncertainty in network configuration, particularly in scenarios like inter-cell mobility and carrier aggregation.

Innovation Solution

Define a specific time period for DCI-based activation or deactivation of SCells, based on factors such as known status, frequency range, and synchronization signal measurements, to ensure timely and efficient SCell management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If no specific time frame is defined for DCI-based SCell activation/deactivation, then the system maintains flexibility in implementation, but latency and uncertainty in network configuration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific time frame parameters (K1, K2, K3 values) for DCI-based SCell activation and deactivation. These parameters define the maximum time delays for different scenarios (e.g., K1=4 for activation, K2=4 for deactivation), transforming the undefined time frame into a controlled parameterized system that reduces latency while maintaining flexibility through configurable values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If DCI-based activation/deactivation is implemented without defined time frames, then implementation flexibility is maintained, but network configuration uncertainty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the time frame parameters (K1, K2, K3) in advance through protocol specifications and RRC configuration. These parameters are established before actual SCell activation/deactivation operations, providing a predetermined framework that ensures reliable network configuration while keeping operations simple through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If specific time frames are defined for SCell management, then latency is reduced and network performance improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the time frame parameters adaptable to different operational scenarios. The parameters K1, K2, and K3 can be configured differently based on whether the SCell is being activated or deactivated, and based on the specific timing requirements of the network. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize performance for different situations without requiring a completely different system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4091283B1Techniques for determining a delay for downlink control information based secondary cell activation/deactivation
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4091283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4091283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4091283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive physical-layer control information indicating to activate or deactivate a secondary cell; and activate or deactivate the secondary cell within a time period in accordance with the physical-layer control information, wherein the time period is based at least in part on a set of factors and based at least in part on the secondary cell being activated or deactivated by the physical-layer control information. Numerous other aspects are provided.