Dormant Bandwidth Part Switching for Dual Connectivity Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G New Radio (NR) cell technologies face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth parts (BWPs) for power saving and performance benefits in dual-connectivity scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dormant BWP for a special cell (SpCell) in user equipment (UE), allowing for switching between non-dormant and dormant BWPs to optimize power usage and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a dormant BWP is implemented for SpCell in dual-connectivity scenario, then power saving benefits are provided to UE, but device complexity increases due to BWP switching mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidBWP switching complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic BWP switching where the UE can transition between dormant and non-dormant BWPs based on network conditions and power saving requirements. The dormant BWP configuration allows the UE to dynamically adjust its operation mode, reducing power consumption during low-activity periods while maintaining the capability to quickly switch to full functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If BWP switching is implemented between dormant and non-dormant states, then power saving is achieved, but switching time and processing delay increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savingVSAvoidBWP switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring both dormant and non-dormant BWP parameters before switching is needed. The UE maintains knowledge of both BWP configurations in advance, allowing for rapid switching without extensive processing delays. This pre-preparation of alternative configurations enables quick transitions while maintaining power saving benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If dormant BWP is used for power saving, then data exchange processing load is reduced, but network activation speed may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing loadVSAvoidnetwork activation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying BWP configuration parameters to enable fast activation from dormant state. The dormant BWP is configured with essential parameters pre-loaded, allowing the UE to quickly transition to an active state when data exchange is needed, thus maintaining network activation speed while still providing power saving during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12213116B2Special cell dormant bandwidth part switching

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

A user equipment (UE) may operate on a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) and a non-dormant BWP of a carrier. The UE identifies a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) and a non-dormant BWP of a carrier corresponding to a primary secondary cell (PSCell) of a secondary cell group (SCG) for dual connectivity (DC), receives an indication that an active BWP is to be switched from the non-dormant BWP to the dormant BWP and performs an action corresponding to the dormant BWP.