Low-Power Sync Signal for UE Cell Selection and RRM

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, face challenges in reducing user equipment (UE) power consumption during synchronization procedures, as continuous measurement of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) consumes significant power.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a low-power reference signal (LP-RS) for UE power-saving operations, allowing UEs to perform radio resource management (RRM) measurements and select cells based on LP-RS, thereby reducing the need for continuous SSB measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If continuous measurement of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) is performed, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but UE power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidUE power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the synchronization signal into two separate components: a first synchronization signal transmitted at full power for initial synchronization, and a second synchronization signal transmitted at reduced power for continued synchronization. This segmentation allows the UE to perform continuous synchronization measurements using the lower-power second signal after initial alignment, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining synchronization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element that the UE can measure to determine properties of the second synchronization signal. By measuring the reference signal, the UE can infer characteristics of the synchronized signal without requiring continuous full-power transmission, enabling power-saving synchronization operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If full-power synchronization signals are transmitted continuously, then synchronization reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power transmission by switching between full-power transmission of the first synchronization signal and reduced-power transmission of the second synchronization signal. The system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on the synchronization phase: full power for initial synchronization and reduced power for maintained synchronization, thereby improving energy efficiency while preserving synchronization reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic transmission of synchronization signals at different power levels. The first synchronization signal is transmitted periodically at full power for initial alignment, followed by periodic transmission of the second synchronization signal at reduced power for continued synchronization. This periodic action maintains synchronization reliability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If reduced-power reference signals are used for RRM measurements, then UE power consumption is reduced, but signal strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE power consumptionVSAvoidsignal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by transmitting the first synchronization signal at full power before the UE needs to perform continuous RRM measurements. This initial full-power transmission establishes strong synchronization and provides sufficient signal strength for the UE to accurately measure the reduced-power second synchronization signal and reference signals, thereby enabling power-saving operations without compromising measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250374190A1Low-power sync signal for LP-wur
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20250374190A1 patent drawing
  • US20250374190A1 patent drawing
  • US20250374190A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of wireless communication at a UE includes performing one or more RRM measurements on a LP-RS of at least one cell. The method further includes selecting a cell on which to camp based on the one or more RRM measurements performed on the LP-RS.