EN-DC Measurement Gap Configuration for 5G UE

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Solution Overview

Problem

The technical challenge lies in realizing a measurement gap for EN-DC (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network Dual Connectivity) in 5G mobile communication systems, as existing research has not adequately addressed this aspect, making it difficult to configure and perform measurements effectively.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves configuring measurement gaps for EN-DC by defining specific measurement gap lengths and repetition periods, allowing UE (User Equipment) to interrupt transmission and reception during designated periods to perform inter-frequency and inter-RAT measurements, with the UE retuning its RF chain to adapt to different frequency bands for accurate cell identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If measurement gap is configured for EN-DC, then measurement capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to coordination between master and secondary nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement gap configuration is segmented into two independent parts: one configured by the master node for MCG measurements and another by the secondary node for SCG measurements. This segmentation allows each node to independently manage its measurement requirements without complex coordination, resolving the technical contradiction by reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement gap mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it enables both MCG and SCG measurements using the same fundamental gap structure. By making the measurement gap configuration universal and applicable to both cell groups independently, the system achieves enhanced measurement capability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement gaps are configured, then measurement flexibility is improved, but RF chain coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement flexibilityVSAvoidRF chain coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple measurement gaps are segmented and assigned to specific cell groups (MCG or SCG) based on measurement requirements. Each RF chain handles only the measurement gaps associated with its designated cell group, eliminating the need for complex cross-RF-chain coordination while maintaining measurement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different measurement gap configurations are applied locally to different cell groups based on their specific measurement needs. The master node configures measurement gaps appropriate for MCG measurements, while the secondary node configures separate measurement gaps for SCG measurements, allowing each RF chain to operate independently with optimized local configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3515105B1Method and user equipment for performing measurement in en-DC context
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3515105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3515105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method for performing measurement by a user equipment (UE). The method may include receiving, by the UE, configuration information on a measurement gap. The UE may be configured with a dual connectivity (DC) to an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) cell and a new radio access technology (NR) cell. The configuration information on the measurement gap may include a measurement gap length (MGL). The MGL may include one of 3ms, 4ms and 6ms. The method may include determining a total number of slots to be interrupted during the MGL, and performing the measurement during the MGL. The total number of slots to be interrupted may be determined based on a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the NR cell and the MGL