Multiple Reference Signals for Faster SCell Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for activating a secondary cell (SCell) in UE involve waiting for a periodic tracking reference signal (TRS) from the network device, leading to excessively long activation times and high signaling overhead.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting target information via first MAC CE signaling or DCI to indicate multiple reference signals (RSs) for SCell activation, allowing UE to receive and activate the SCell without periodic network signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network device periodically sends TRS to UE for SCell activation, then the UE can perform time-frequency tracking, but the activation time becomes excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime-frequency tracking accuracyVSAvoidSCell activation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network device pre-configures multiple tracking reference signals (TRSs) with different time-domain positions and periodicities before SCell activation. When activation is needed, the UE can immediately use the pre-configured TRSs without waiting for periodic transmission, thereby reducing activation time while maintaining tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic selection of TRS based on activation state. Different TRS configurations are applied at different stages: pre-configured TRSs for rapid activation, and periodic TRS for normal operation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between fast activation and reliable tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the network device periodically sends TRS to UE for SCell activation, then the UE can maintain synchronization, but the signaling overhead becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization maintenanceVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous periodic TRS transmission for activation, the patent uses periodic TRS only for normal operation after activation. During activation, pre-configured TRSs are used, eliminating the need for frequent periodic signaling and reducing overhead while maintaining synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the activation-specific TRS transmission from the periodic TRS mechanism. By separating activation-phase TRS usage from periodic TRS transmission, the system reduces signaling overhead during activation while maintaining synchronization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12425164B2Method for transmitting reference signal and device

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a method for transmitting a reference signal and a device. The method includes: receiving target information from a network device, where the target information is used to indicate a target signal, and the target signal is N RSs or RSs in N RS sets and is used to activate a SCell of UE; and receiving the target signal from the network device according to the target information, where the target information is carried on first MAC CE signaling or first DCI, and N is a positive integer.