DRX and Search Space Timer Configuration for 5G Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in power consumption and resource utilization due to the lack of optimized integration of discontinuous reception (DRX) and search space (SS) features, particularly in advanced radio access technologies like 5G NR and future technologies such as 6G.
Innovation Solution
Implementing enhanced DRX configurations with adaptive timers and periodicities, combined with SS sets, to dynamically manage PDCCH message monitoring, allowing for efficient power conservation and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous monitoring of PDCCH messages is performed, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of PDCCH messages through DRX cycles with configured monitoring occasions, replacing continuous monitoring with interval-based sampling. The UE monitors PDCCH only during active monitoring occasions defined by the DRX configuration, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining acceptable communication reliability through strategic sampling points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of monitoring behavior based on inactivity timers and duration timers. When no PDCCH messages are detected during monitoring occasions, the inactivity timer extends the sleep period, and the duration timer manages the active state. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to transition between monitoring and power-saving states flexibly, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If DRX cycles are extended to save power, then power savings are improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the UE with advance knowledge of upcoming monitoring occasions and inactivity timer durations before power-saving mode is activated. The duration timer is pre-configured to manage the active state duration, and the inactivity timer is pre-set to determine when to extend sleep periods. This preliminary configuration allows the system to optimize power savings while maintaining predictable latency characteristics through planned monitoring intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors for PDCCH messages during configured occasions and updates timer states based on detected activity. When PDCCH messages are detected, the inactivity timer is reset, extending the active state. This feedback-driven adjustment allows the system to adapt monitoring frequency to actual traffic conditions, reducing unnecessary latency while maintaining power savings during truly inactive periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SS sets with different periodicities are configured, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search space monitoring function into multiple independent SS sets, each with its own periodicity and monitoring configuration. This allows different SS sets to operate with different DRX parameters simultaneously, enabling the system to adapt to varying communication needs (e.g., different service types or quality requirements) without requiring a complete system redesign. Each segmented SS set can be managed independently, reducing the complexity burden on any single monitoring instance.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive a configuration of a duration or a duration timer, and of an inactivity timer of a first search space (SS) set or SS set group (SSSG). The UE may start the duration or the duration timer in each monitoring occasion of the first SS set or SSSG. The UE may receive, in a monitoring occasion of the first SS set or SSSG within the duration or before the duration timer expires, a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message indicating a new transmission in the first SS set or SSSG. The UE may start or restart the inactivity timer for the monitoring occasion of the first SS set or SSSG after an end of receiving the PDCCH message. The UE may monitor for PDCCH messages during the inactivity timer.