Measurement Gap Timing Offset for NTN Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenarios with dual connectivity, the large difference in propagation delay between primary and secondary cells requires efficient measurement gap (MG) configuration to ensure accurate and timely measurements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining propagation delays for multiple NTN satellites and configuring measurement gaps based on these delays to perform efficient measurements for both primary and secondary cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If measurement gap configuration is performed without considering propagation delay difference, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to overlapping MGs and RF retuning interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the timing offset based on propagation delay differences before configuring measurement gaps. The UE determines the timing offset between PCell and PSCell based on their respective propagation delays to NTN satellites, and uses this offset to adjust MG configuration parameters. This preliminary calculation ensures that MGs for PCell and PSCell do not overlap and RF retuning interruptions are avoided, thereby improving measurement accuracy without significantly increasing configuration complexity.
2Measurement precision
If MG configuration considers propagation delay difference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the UE autonomously determine the timing offset based on its own measurements and calculations of propagation delays to different NTN satellites. The UE calculates the timing offset between PCell and PSCell using its own capability information and propagation delay data, then applies this offset to adjust MG configuration. This self-service approach improves measurement accuracy while minimizing the need for complex network-side configuration and coordination.
3Ease of operation
If RF retuning timing is not aligned, then operation simplicity is maintained, but interruptions occur during measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and determining the timing offset between PCell and PSCell based on propagation delay differences before configuring measurement gaps. This preliminary timing alignment ensures that RF retuning for PCell and PSCell measurements occurs at coordinated times, preventing interruptions and maintaining measurement continuity while keeping the operation relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosure of this specification provides a method for radio communication, performed by user equipment (UE), comprising: establishing a dual connectivity (DC) with both a primary cell (PCell) and a primary secondary cell (PSCell); determining i) a first propagation delay of a first non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite for the PSCell, ii) a second propagation delay of a second NTN satellite for a target cell and iii) a third propagation delay of a third NTN satellite for the PCell; transmitting, to PCell, a timing offset for the PSCell based on i) the first propagation delay, ii) the second propagation delay and iii) the third propagation delay; receiving, from the PCell, a first MG (measurement gap) for the PCell and a second MG for the PSCell, wherein the second MG configuration is based on the timing offset.