Dynamic Warm Up Cool Down Subframe Configuration for Lean Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy UE operation procedures are less suitable under Reference Signal (RS) muted scenarios, leading to potential failures in cell detection and signal quality issues due to fixed Warm Up (WU) and Cool Down (CD) subframe configurations that do not adapt to changing network conditions, resulting in inefficient resource usage and increased interference.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method allows User Equipment (UE) to dynamically adjust the number of WU and CD subframes based on current operational needs, transmitting this information to the network node for adaptive configuration, thereby reducing unnecessary RS transmissions and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed Warm Up and Cool Down subframe configurations are used, then legacy UE operation procedures are maintained, but cell detection reliability deteriorates and signal quality issues occur under RS muted scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Warm Up and Cool Down subframe configurations dynamic by allowing the network to configure different numbers of WU and CD subframes based on UE capability indications. The UE can indicate its preferred numbers of WU/CD subframes, and the network adapts the configuration accordingly, enabling the system to adjust to RS muted scenarios while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of WU and CD subframe configurations from fixed values to configurable parameters. The network can set the number of WU subframes and CD subframes based on UE capability reports, allowing the system to optimize performance under different RS muting conditions by adjusting these parameters dynamically.
2Productivity
If fixed WU and CD subframe configurations are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but resource usage efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the UE indicates its capability regarding the number of WU and CD subframes it can support. The network uses this feedback to configure appropriate values, ensuring that resources are used efficiently without excessive transmissions while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized reporting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by having the UE report its capability preferences before the network finalizes the WU/CD subframe configuration. This preliminary action allows the network to pre-configure optimal values based on UE capabilities, avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments while improving resource efficiency.
3Reliability
If CRS are transmitted over full system bandwidth during inactive time, then UE synchronization is maintained, but inter-cell interference increases and base station power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts CRS transmission bandwidth based on UE activity state and configuration. During inactive time, the network can configure reduced CRS bandwidth (lean carrier operation) while still maintaining adequate synchronization through properly configured WU subframes that provide necessary reference signals, thereby reducing interference and power consumption while preserving synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting CRS over reduced bandwidth specifically during inactive time periods, while maintaining full bandwidth CRS transmission during active time when UEs need comprehensive channel information. This localized approach to bandwidth allocation reduces overall interference and power consumption while maintaining synchronization where needed.
4Measurement precision
If CRS are transmitted over full system bandwidth during inactive time, then channel estimation accuracy is maintained, but base station power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts CRS transmission based on UE activity state. During inactive time, the network configures reduced CRS bandwidth transmission, relying on WU subframes to provide necessary channel information. During active time, full bandwidth CRS transmission is maintained to ensure accurate channel estimation, thereby optimizing the balance between power consumption and estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic DRX cycles with distinct active and inactive periods to control CRS transmission. During inactive periods, reduced bandwidth CRS or muted CRS is used, while during active periods, full bandwidth CRS transmission occurs. This periodic action pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining channel estimation accuracy when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for signaling Supplementary Activity Configuration (SAC) for lean carrier operation are provided. According to one aspect, a method performed by a wireless device for lean carrier operation during which Cell-specific Reference Signals (CRSs) are transmitted by a base station using a reduced bandwidth during an inactive time of a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mode of operation excluding a Warm Up (WU) period that occurs immediately before a DRX active time and a Cool Down (CD) period that occurs immediately after a DRX active time, comprises: determining a number M of subframes to comprise a WU period; determining a number N of subframes to comprise a CD period; and transmitting an indication of the determined numbers M and N to a base station currently serving the wireless device.