Harmonized DRX Control for 5G UE Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, lack effective power saving mechanisms for NR Uu and SL communication, leading to increased UE power consumption, especially in scenarios like V2X communication, where DRX mechanisms are not harmonized across different radio interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and UE design that control DRX behavior on multiple radio interfaces by receiving timers from a Base Station, performing control channel monitoring, and identifying and responding to Sidelink activity on the PC5 interface, allowing for joint or partially joint Discontinuous Transmission and Reception operations between Uu and SL interfaces using shared or individual timers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DRX mechanisms are applied separately on Uu and SL interfaces, then control channel monitoring can be performed on each interface independently, but power consumption increases due to lack of harmonization between interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DRX control mechanisms of Uu and SL interfaces by introducing a harmonization module that coordinates timer operations across both interfaces. When activity is detected on either interface, the system adjusts DRX parameters on both interfaces simultaneously, consolidating previously independent control mechanisms into a unified power management approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The DRX control mechanism is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it independently manages Uu interface monitoring, independently manages SL interface monitoring, and additionally harmonizes between interfaces to optimize power consumption. This multi-functionality allows the same DRX framework to handle both separate interface requirements and joint power optimization.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed on both Uu and SL interfaces, then communication reliability is maintained, but battery life decreases due to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DRX parameter adjustment based on real-time interface activity states. The system continuously monitors activity on Uu and SL interfaces and dynamically modifies timer values and monitoring intervals accordingly. When both interfaces are active, more aggressive DRX parameters are applied; when one interface is inactive, the system adapts to reduce power consumption while maintaining reliability on the active interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes DRX parameters such as timer durations, monitoring intervals, and active time configurations based on the harmonized state of Uu and SL interfaces. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to actual traffic conditions and interface activity, the system maintains communication reliability while optimizing battery life through reduced power consumption during low-activity periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate DRX timers are used for Uu and SL interfaces, then each interface can be controlled independently, but power saving efficiency decreases due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a harmonization module as an intermediary between the Uu and SL DRX control mechanisms. This mediator coordinates timer operations, detects activity on either interface, and triggers appropriate DRX parameter adjustments across both interfaces. By inserting this intermediary layer, the system achieves efficient power saving through coordinated control while maintaining the independence of individual interface configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a user equipment (UE) for controlling Discontinuous Reception (DRX) behavior on multiple radio interfaces are provided. The method includes receiving, from a Base Station (BS), a first set of timers configured for controlling a first DRX behavior of the UE on a Uu interface to the BS; performing control channel monitoring according to the first set of timers; identifying that a Sidelink (SL) activity occurs on an SL interface that is a PC5 interface, the SL activity associated with one or more SL destinations on the PC5 interface; and starting or restarting at least one of the first set of timers in response to identifying the SL activity.