RRC Inactive SDT Testing for Timing Advance Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing methods for Small Data Transmission (SDT) in RRC inactive mode, particularly for CG-SDT, lack the ability to validate timing advance (TA) and ensure synchronicity of uplink transmissions, as gNB cannot maintain alignment when the UE is in this state.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are provided to perform performance testing of data transmission in RRC inactive mode, involving configuring the UE with OTA TST commands and AT commands to trigger, transmit, and verify SDT procedures, including TA validation, using loopback modes and power level adjustments to ensure accurate uplink timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the UE stays in RRC inactive mode for SDT, then energy consumption is reduced, but timing advance validation and uplink timing synchronization cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a measurement window as an intermediary time period during which the UE temporarily suspends SDT transmissions to perform RSRP measurements for TA validation. This mediator allows the system to verify timing synchronization without requiring the UE to transition to RRC connected mode, thus maintaining energy efficiency while enabling reliability verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs TA validation through RSRP measurements during the measurement window before the UE actually transmits SDT data. By validating timing advance in advance, the system ensures uplink synchronization is maintained while the UE remains in RRC inactive mode, preventing timing errors before they occur during actual data transmission.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the UE performs SDT in RRC inactive mode, then power savings are achieved, but the ability to verify uplink timing accuracy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement window acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables timing accuracy verification without requiring the UE to exit RRC inactive mode. During this window, the UE performs RSRP measurements that serve as a proxy for verifying uplink timing accuracy, maintaining measurement precision capabilities while preserving power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct uplink timing measurements (which would require UE transmission and gNB measurement) with downlink RSRP measurements performed by the UE during the measurement window. This substitution allows timing verification to occur passively without active transmission, maintaining measurement precision while preserving the low-power RRC inactive state.
3Reliability
If TA validation is performed during SDT, then uplink synchronization is maintained, but additional signaling overhead is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the TA validation process with the existing SDT procedure by integrating RSRP measurements during the measurement window into the SDT workflow. The validation result directly influences whether SDT transmission proceeds, combining synchronization verification and data transmission into a unified process that minimizes additional signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously performs RSRP measurements and determines whether TA validation conditions are met during the measurement window. The UE self-manages the validation process and makes decisions about proceeding with SDT transmission based on measurement results, eliminating the need for additional network signaling to coordinate validation.
4Measurement precision
If the UE transitions to RRC connected mode for TA validation, then timing accuracy can be verified, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement window serves as an intermediary state that allows timing accuracy verification while the UE remains in RRC inactive mode. During this window, the UE performs passive RSRP measurements instead of active SDT transmissions, enabling timing verification without the energy cost of maintaining RRC connected mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes active uplink transmission-based timing verification with passive downlink RSRP measurement-based verification. This substitution allows timing accuracy to be assessed through downlink signal strength measurements rather than requiring bidirectional communication, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining verification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple techniques for testing a UE by a Test Equipment (TE) are disclosed. A TE configures with a procedure of performance testing of data transmission to be performed while the UE is in an inactive state. The TE performs the performance testing, wherein the procedure includes at least one of: triggering the data transmission while the UE is in the inactive state; transmitting one or more test data packages; controlling time that the UE starts to transmit, while in the inactive state, payload corresponding to the test data package(s); verifying whether or not conditions for the data transmission are met; or determining whether or not the UE passed the performance testing, based on a result of the verification of whether or not conditions for the data transmission are met. The UE performs the data transmission and can send measurement results. There are multiple conditions that can be tested.