Inter-RAT Measurement Timing in EN-DC Using SSB and BWP Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR and LTE networks, there is uncertainty regarding the performance of inter-RAT measurements due to dynamic changes in the active bandwidth part (BWP) of the NR serving cell, leading to challenges in determining whether these measurements should be performed within or outside measurement gaps (MGs).
Innovation Solution
The solution involves determining whether inter-RAT measurements in the NR serving cell should be performed within or outside MGs based on the overlap of measurement gaps with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and the active BWP, with the UE receiving indications from the network to decide the appropriate timing for measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inter-RAT measurements are performed dynamically without fixed measurement gaps, then measurement flexibility and adaptability improve, but measurement timing uncertainty and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement gap configuration where the network can adjust measurement gap patterns based on current radio conditions and UE capabilities. The measurement gap repetition period and gap length are made configurable parameters that can be adapted to different scenarios, allowing the system to balance between measurement flexibility and timing reliability through dynamic parameter adjustment rather than fixed static configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configurable parameters including measurement gap repetition period, gap length, and measurement timing configuration that can be changed based on network conditions. These parameter changes allow the system to optimize measurement timing uncertainty while maintaining flexibility, by adjusting the parameters according to specific deployment scenarios and UE capabilities
2Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are configured to ensure accurate inter-RAT measurements, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to autonomously determine measurement timing by detecting SSB positions and comparing them with configured measurement gaps. The UE performs self-configuration of measurement timing within the allowed flexibility range, reducing the burden on network configuration while ensuring measurement accuracy. The UE independently handles the complexity of determining whether measurements occur within or outside measurement gaps based on its own capability indicators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its capability indicators (such as capability of determining SSB timing, capability of operating without measurement gaps) to the network. The network uses this feedback to appropriately configure measurement parameters, creating a closed-loop system that balances measurement precision with configuration simplicity through informed decision-making based on actual UE capabilities
3Productivity
If inter-RAT measurements are performed outside measurement gaps, then measurement speed and productivity improve, but loss of time for maintaining synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures measurement timing in advance by providing measurement timing configuration parameters that indicate when measurements should be performed. The UE uses these pre-configured timing indications to proactively perform measurements at optimal times without waiting for measurement gaps, thereby improving measurement speed while the preliminary configuration ensures synchronization is maintained through advance planning of measurement timing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure enable a user equipment (UE) to performing inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurements. The UE determines whether one or more inter-RAT measurement object (MO) is configured with or without a measurement gap (MG). When the one or more inter-RAT MO is on an NR serving component carrier (CC) with the MG, the UE performs an inter-RAT measurement on the NR serving CC based on whether the MG is fully overlapped or partially overlapped with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) of a target MO of the one or more inter-RAT MO. When the one or more inter-RAT MO is on the NR serving CC without the MG, the UE performs the inter-RAT measurement on the NR serving CC based on whether a target SSB of the target MO is within or outside an active bandwidth part (BWP) of the NR serving CC.