Dynamic DRX Configuration for Unlicensed Carrier Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G New Radio (NR) networks, user equipment (UE) faces challenges in managing power consumption during discontinuous reception (DRX) in unlicensed carrier communications, particularly due to the need for listen-before-talk (LBT) mechanisms that can lead to increased active times and power consumption, especially when channels are frequently occupied by other devices.
Innovation Solution
The UE dynamically adjusts its DRX cycle and active time based on LBT outcomes and channel acquisition indications, extending active time when channels are busy and shortening it when idle, and uses aperiodic wakeups to minimize power consumption by aligning wakeups with periods of lower channel occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE monitors PDCCH candidates continuously in non-DRX slots to achieve optimal scheduling flexibility, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DRX configuration where the gNB adjusts DRX parameters (cycle length, active time, on-duration) based on channel conditions and UE activity patterns. This allows the system to transition between continuous monitoring (for scheduling flexibility) and discontinuous monitoring (for power saving) dynamically, resolving the contradiction between scheduling flexibility and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including DRX cycle duration, active time window, and on-duration length to optimize the balance between scheduling flexibility and power consumption. By adjusting these parameters based on traffic patterns and channel conditions, the system achieves both goals
2Reliability
If the UE extends active time to handle LBT failures and channel occupancy by other devices, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by configuring the UE to perform LBT operations and channel sensing before entering DRX sleep mode. The gNB also provides advance indications about channel conditions and potential LBT failures, allowing the UE to prepare and extend active time only when necessary, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the gNB monitors LBT failure patterns and channel occupancy conditions, then adjusts DRX configurations accordingly. The UE also provides feedback about its power consumption and channel sensing results, enabling the gNB to optimize the balance between reliability and power efficiency
3Reliability
If the UE performs frequent LBT operations to detect channel availability in unlicensed bands, then channel acquisition reliability is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic LBT operations synchronized with DRX cycles rather than continuous LBT. The UE performs LBT at specific intervals defined by the DRX configuration, which maintains channel acquisition reliability while significantly reducing the frequency of LBT operations and associated device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes LBT frequency and timing dynamic based on channel conditions. When channels are stable and occupancy is low, LBT operations are reduced. When channel conditions change or occupancy increases, LBT frequency is increased automatically, optimizing the balance between reliability and complexity
4Use of energy by moving object
If the UE shortens DRX cycle to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but scheduling flexibility and communication reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DRX cycle adjustment where the cycle length is not fixed but adapts based on traffic patterns, channel conditions, and UE activity. During low-activity periods, shorter cycles save power. During high-activity or unstable channel conditions, the cycle lengthens to maintain scheduling flexibility and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes DRX parameters including cycle length, active time duration, and on-duration based on observed patterns. The gNB monitors traffic characteristics and adjusts these parameters to achieve optimal energy efficiency while preserving necessary scheduling flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE), or other network component can operate to generate listen-before-talk (LBT) operations in order to manage power consumption by configuring the discontinuous reception (DRX) in a dynamic manner. The UE can configure an extended active time for the DRX based on whether the LBT is successful and an acquisition channel indication from a base station, e.g., a next generation NodeB (gNB). The UE can operate aperiodic wakeup occasions with or independently of periodic DRX on-durations to better manage power while monitoring a channel for unlicensed carrier communications.