Narrowband Companion Air Interface Frequency Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enhanced Mobile Broad-Band (eMBB) systems using a single wideband air-interface for both control and data planes face energy consumption issues due to elevated phase noise of sub-THz voltage control oscillators and poor drift characteristics, leading to frequent automatic frequency control updates, which is energy prohibitive and reduces battery life in portable electronics.
Innovation Solution
A method and wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) that supports an in-channel narrowband companion air interface (NB-CAI) assisted wideband frequency error correction procedure, where the WTRU sends a frequency convergence reference signal (FCRS) scheduling request, receives responses, and adjusts FCRS transmission rates based on convergence indications to optimize frequency synchronization and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent automatic frequency control updates are implemented using wideband air-interface, then frequency stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency control function by introducing a narrowband companion air-interface specifically dedicated to frequency synchronization tasks, separating it from the wideband data plane. This allows frequency control updates to occur on the narrowband interface while data transmission continues on the wideband interface, reducing the energy burden on the wideband transceiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic frequency synchronization updates using Frequency Convergence Reference Signals (FCRS) transmitted at configurable intervals. The WTRU can request and receive FCRS at optimized periodicity based on convergence status, performing frequency corrections periodically rather than continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining frequency stability.
2Productivity
If sub-THz wideband transceivers are used for control and data planes, then data throughput is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication functions into two separate interfaces: a narrowband companion air-interface for control plane operations (frequency synchronization) and a wideband air-interface for data plane operations. This segmentation allows the energy-intensive wideband transceiver to remain in low-power states during control operations, extending battery life while preserving high data throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The narrowband companion air-interface acts as an intermediary for frequency control, handling the periodic synchronization tasks that would otherwise require the wideband transceiver to wake up and process control signals. This intermediary narrowband interface consumes less energy, allowing the wideband transceiver to sleep longer and extend battery life.
3Reliability
If periodic processing of sequences in transmit or receive chains is performed, then frequency synchronization is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic frequency synchronization processing using FCRS signals transmitted at optimized intervals. The WTRU can dynamically adjust the periodicity of FCRS reception based on frequency convergence status, performing synchronization processing only when necessary rather than continuously, thereby extending battery life while maintaining frequency synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The WTRU autonomously monitors frequency convergence and self-adjusts the FCRS reception periodicity based on its convergence status. When frequency synchronization is achieved, the WTRU can reduce FCRS processing frequency, allowing the device to enter lower power states and extend battery life while maintaining synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and WTRU to support an in-channel narrowband companion air interface (NB-CAI) assisted wideband (WB) frequency error correction procedure is disclosed. The method may comprise a WTRU sending, via the NB-CAI, a frequency convergence reference signal (FCRS) scheduling request to a network node and receiving, via the NB-CAI, a FCRS scheduling response from the network node. The method may comprise receiving, via a wideband air interface (WB-AI), periodic FCRSs from the network node based on the received FCRS scheduling response and sending, via the NB-CAI, a request to the network node to change a rate of FCRS transmissions. The FCRS scheduling request may comprise range information. The request to change a rate of FCRS transmissions may be based on a convergence indication. The request to change a rate of FCRS transmissions may comprise a configuration identification of a selected FCRS configuration from a set of FCRS configurations.