Dynamic DRS Search Modes for Unlicensed Spectrum Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing radio resource management (RRM) in unlicensed spectrum bands due to bursty traffic patterns, which require frequent listen before talk (LBT) procedures, leading to resource-intensive DRS searches that increase power consumption and impact battery life in user equipment (UEs).
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple DRS search modes (Full search mode, Comb search mode, and Thin search mode) that allow UEs to dynamically select the most power-efficient search strategy based on system requirements, reducing the number of cycles required to locate DRS signals within a 6 ms window, while supporting both synchronous and asynchronous networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full DRS search mode is used to ensure complete search coverage, then search reliability is improved, but power consumption and search time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DRS search process into multiple search modes (full search mode, comb search mode, thin search mode) with different search granularities. Each mode searches at different resolutions within the DMTC window, allowing the UE to select an appropriate mode based on search reliability requirements versus power consumption constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic mode switching capability where the UE can transition between different search modes based on real-time conditions. The UE may start with a less power-intensive mode and switch to more thorough search modes only when necessary, making the search process adaptive rather than static.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple DRS search modes are implemented to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the UE capable of performing multiple search modes using the same fundamental search algorithm and processing framework. The different modes vary primarily in search granularity and coverage parameters rather than requiring entirely different processing paths, thereby reducing the complexity increment compared to implementing completely separate search mechanisms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If DRS search cycles are reduced to minimize power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but search accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial search action in modes like thin search mode where the UE performs a subset of the full search process. This is acceptable when the UE has prior knowledge about DRS locations or when the reduced search scope still provides sufficient accuracy for the current operational context, thereby reducing power consumption without significantly impacting measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide a plurality of discovery reference signal (DRS) search modes implemented by the user equipment (UE) during contention-based communication in an unlicensed spectrum. The plurality of DRS search modes may include a first DRS search mode (“Full search mode”), second DRS search mode (“Comb search mode”), and a third DRS search mode (“Thin search mode”). The DRS search modes may be selected by the UE based on the system requirements (e.g., tradeoffs between robustness and complexity against cycle cost). Features of the present disclosure further provide techniques for dynamically switching between the plurality of DRS search modes in order to minimize power consumption while reducing the number of cycles required to locate the DRS.