Low-Power Synchronization Signal Switching for UE Idle Paging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transmission of low power synchronization signals (LP-SSs) by network entities degrades energy savings due to additional power consumption, particularly when UEs operate at low power levels.

Innovation Solution

Network entities dynamically adapt LP-SS configurations, including activating, deactivating, or switching between LP-SS configurations based on UE measurements and reported information, using paging control messages to optimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network entities transmit low power synchronization signals (LP-SSs) continuously, then UE synchronization and RRM measurements are maintained, but energy savings are degraded due to additional power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE synchronizationVSAvoidnetwork entity power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity dynamically adapts LP-SS configurations by activating, deactivating, or switching between different LP-SS configurations based on UE measurements and reported information. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain synchronization reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during periods of lower activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of LP-SS transmission including periodicity, frequency location, and time domain location. By modifying these parameters based on network conditions and UE feedback, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining synchronization accuracy and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If network entities deactivate LP-SS transmission to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but UE synchronization and RRM measurements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork entity power consumptionVSAvoidUE synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where UEs report channel quality indicators (CQI) and measurement results to the network entity. Based on this feedback, the network entity intelligently decides when to activate or deactivate LP-SS transmission, ensuring synchronization is maintained only when actually needed while maximizing energy savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The network entity uses UE-provided measurement data and channel quality information to autonomously determine the optimal LP-SS transmission strategy. This self-service approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without constant network intervention, balancing power savings with synchronization requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260067862A1Techniques for adapting low power synchronization signals

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. In some cases, a user equipment (UE) may receive a control message indicative of a paging configuration associated with an idle or inactive UE. Additionally, the UE may receive, in the idle or inactive mode and in accordance with the paging configuration, a paging control message, where the paging control message is indicative of a modification to (e.g., activation of, deactivation of, switching of) a first synchronization signal configuration associated with one or more synchronization signals. Thus, the UE may monitor, in the idle or inactive mode, for the one or more synchronization signals in accordance with the modification to the first synchronization signal configuration.