Fast SCell Activation via Temporary Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently activating secondary cells (SCells) due to delays and inefficiencies in processing reference signals, which can impact latency and overall network performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves user equipment (UE) receiving an activation indication for an SCell, processing temporary reference signals, and activating the SCell based on these signals within a specific time frame, allowing for expedited activation by utilizing both periodic and aperiodic tracking reference signals, and managing SCell activation through MAC-CE, DCI, or RRC signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional SCell activation procedures are used, then the activation process is reliable and follows standard protocols, but the activation time is excessive and impacts latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE perform measurements and evaluations of the SCell before formal activation is commanded. The UE proactively assesses reference signal quality, beam conditions, and channel state information in advance, so that when activation is commanded, the UE can transition to active state much faster since preparatory work is already completed. This resolves the contradiction by reducing activation time while maintaining reliability through pre-validated conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements skipping by allowing the UE to bypass certain intermediate processing steps and directly activate the SCell when pre-defined conditions are met. Instead of following the complete traditional activation sequence, the UE can skip measurement reporting phases and directly transition to active state if reference signal quality thresholds are already satisfied. This rushes through the activation process to reduce latency while maintaining reliability through conditional validation.
2Measurement precision
If the UE waits for complete reference signal processing and confirmation, then activation accuracy is high, but activation latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the UE process only the critical portions of reference signals needed for activation decision-making, rather than completing full measurement and reporting cycles. The UE evaluates key parameters like reference signal received power and beam quality thresholds, and activates the SCell when these partial measurements satisfy pre-configured conditions. This provides sufficient accuracy for activation while significantly reducing the time required compared to complete processing sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using pre-configured thresholds and conditions for reference signal evaluation rather than requiring complete measurement cycles. The network configures activation conditions including reference signal quality thresholds, beam selection criteria, and channel state information requirements in advance. When these parameter-based conditions are met, the UE can activate the SCell immediately without waiting for full processing, thus reducing latency while maintaining accuracy through threshold-based validation.
3Reliability
If the system uses extensive signaling for SCell activation confirmation, then activation reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary intermediate confirmation signaling steps from the traditional activation process. By using uplink grant-based activation where the uplink grant itself serves as the activation command, the patent eliminates separate confirmation messaging. The network sends the activation command embedded in the uplink grant, and the UE's transmission on the granted resources serves as implicit confirmation, removing the need for additional explicit confirmation signals and reducing overall signaling complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the uplink grant to serve multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as both the activation command and the resource allocation for uplink transmission. The same signaling mechanism that schedules uplink resources also triggers SCell activation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated activation signaling. This universal approach reduces signaling overhead and processing complexity while maintaining reliable activation through the dual-function nature of the uplink grant.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE may receive, from a serving cell, an activation indication for an SCell, receiving a first reference signal from the SCell, the first reference signal including at least one temporary reference signal, identify whether a second reference signal is received after processing the activation indication and before an expiration of an SCell activation time, and activate, upon identifying that the second reference signal is received, the SCell based on one or more reference signals including at least one of the first reference signal or the second reference signal. The UE may activate the SCell no later than in slot n+K, and K may be determined based on at least in part the SCell activation time.