Concurrent Inter-Frequency SSB Measurements Without Measurement Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies do not adequately address scenarios where user equipment (UE) needs to perform inter-frequency SSB measurements without measurement gaps, particularly in mixed numerology scenarios involving frequency range 1 (FR1) and frequency range 2 (FR2), and lack appropriate scheduling restrictions for such scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The techniques enable UEs to support mixed numerologies for inter-frequency SSB measurements by using different RF chains or expanding active RF chains to perform concurrent SSB measurements, and provide appropriate scheduling restrictions based on UE capabilities and scenarios, including handling mixed numerology and beam sweeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are used for inter-frequency SSB measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but network performance and resource utilization deteriorate due to scheduling restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the general operation by dedicating specific measurement gaps for SSB measurements on frequencies outside the active BWP. This allows measurements to be performed without interfering with normal data transmission, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically configures measurement gaps based on UE capability indicators and specific measurement scenarios. The gNB adapts the measurement configuration to only what is necessary for accurate SSB measurement, minimizing the impact on network performance while ensuring measurement accuracy when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF chains are used for concurrent SSB measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single RF chain universal by enabling it to switch between different frequency ranges (FR1 and FR2) and numerologies dynamically. This multi-functionality allows the UE to perform concurrent measurements across different frequencies without requiring separate dedicated RF chains for each scenario, thus improving measurement capability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to frequency measurements by utilizing measurement gaps in the time domain. This allows the single RF chain to access multiple frequencies sequentially in time, achieving concurrent measurement capability without requiring parallel RF chains, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Reliability
If scheduling restrictions are applied during SSB measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into specific measurement gaps separated from normal data transmission periods. During these segmented measurement intervals, scheduling restrictions are applied only to ensure reliable SSB measurements, while the majority of time resources remain available for normal data transmission, thus maintaining resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs SSB measurements preliminarily during configured measurement gaps before normal data transmission begins. This preliminary measurement action ensures that synchronization and frequency information are obtained in advance, improving measurement reliability without conflicting with subsequent resource-intensive data transmission activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) may support concurrent synchronization signal block (SSB) inter-frequency measurement without a measurement gap (MG). The UE may also, or alternatively, support concurrent SSB inter-frequency measurement in intra-band scenarios (e.g., where a target inter-frequency cell and serving cell are on the same band) and/or inter-band scenarios (e.g., where a target inter-frequency cell and serving cell are on the same band). The UE may report concurrent SSB based inter-frequency measurement as a NEEDFORGAP information element (IE), which may include one or more of a variety of parameters regarding UE measurement capabilities. Scheduling restrictions (e.g., restrictions to downlink and uplink communications) are also enabled based on UE measurement capabilities, including scheduling restriction for frequency range 1 (FR1), frequency range 2 (FR2), and cross frequency range scenarios.