Micro-Sleep Mode in Shared Spectrum Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices operating in shared spectrum deployments, such as those using New Radio (NR) systems, consume more power due to the need for listen-before-talk (LBT) or clear channel assessment (CCA) procedures, which are not required in licensed spectrum, leading to increased power consumption and reduced battery life for battery-powered equipment like user equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a micro-sleep mode operation in shared spectrum wireless communications systems, where user equipment (UE) receives a configuration of signature waveforms from a base station to detect and respond to, allowing it to enter a power-saving mode during periods when channel occupancy is confirmed, thereby reducing unnecessary listening and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices perform LBT or CCA procedures in shared spectrum, then channel access reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs channel assessment and makes a preliminary determination about channel availability before the UE needs to access the channel. The BS then provides this information to the UE via downlink signaling, allowing the UE to skip performing its own LBT/CCA procedures and directly access the channel when the BS has determined it is clear, thereby reducing UE power consumption while maintaining reliable channel access
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary between the shared spectrum channel and the UE. Instead of the UE directly performing LBT/CCA procedures to assess channel availability, the BS performs the channel assessment and communicates the result to the UE, which then uses this information to determine whether to transmit. This intermediary approach reduces the computational and energy burden on the UE while ensuring reliable channel access decisions
2Reliability
If UE continuously monitors channel in shared spectrum, then channel access reliability is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system implements periodic channel assessment where the base station performs LBT/CCA at specific intervals and informs the UE of channel availability during these periods. The UE can then enter a low-power state between these periodic assessment intervals, knowing when channel access is permitted, thereby extending battery life while maintaining reliable periodic channel access
Solution Approach 2:
The base station provides channel availability information to the UE as a service, allowing the UE to self-adjust its monitoring behavior. When the BS indicates the channel is clear, the UE can confidently enter a reduced monitoring state without continuously checking the channel, as it trusts the BS's periodic assessments. This self-service approach reduces UE power consumption while maintaining reliable channel access
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A base station may determine a configuration including a set of signature waveforms for a micro-sleep mode of operation in shared spectrum, and may transmit the configuration to at least one user equipment (UE) served by the base station. Additionally, a UE may receive a configuration including a set of signature waveforms for a micro-sleep mode of operation in shared spectrum. The UE may detect at least one signature waveform of the set of signature waveforms, and in response to detecting the at least one signature waveform, operate in the micro-sleep mode for a period of time.