Non-Cell-Defining SSB Muting for Cell DTX Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in aligning the timing of non-cell defining synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB) transmissions with cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) configurations, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption at both network nodes and user equipment.
Innovation Solution
A network node configures a non-cell defining synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB) with a periodicity and time offset, determining an active and non-active period for cell DTX, and drops transmissions within the non-active period, while providing a muting pattern for UE to receive NCD-SSB based on this configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NCD-SSB transmissions are continuously performed according to configured periodicity, then synchronization and measurement functions are maintained, but power consumption increases at network nodes and UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous transmission of NCD-SSB by configuring active and non-active periods through DTX parameters. During non-active periods, NCD-SSB transmissions are suspended while maintaining the configured periodicity structure. This periodic on-off pattern allows the system to maintain synchronization functionality during active periods while significantly reducing power consumption during non-active periods at both network nodes and UEs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If NCD-SSB transmissions are dropped during non-active periods, then power consumption is reduced, but timing alignment between NCD-SSB and cell DTX configuration becomes misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing advance notice to UEs about upcoming non-active periods through DTX configuration parameters (active duration, periodicity, time offset). UEs use this information to predict when NCD-SSB transmissions will be dropped and adjust their reception timing accordingly. This allows UEs to maintain proper timing alignment and know when to expect transmissions without requiring continuous monitoring, thus preserving timing stability while enabling power savings.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If NCD-SSB transmission timing is adjusted to align with DTX configuration, then power savings are achieved, but transmission reliability during non-active periods decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making NCD-SSB transmission behavior adaptive based on the DTX configuration state. The system dynamically switches between transmitting NCD-SSB during active periods and suspending transmissions during non-active periods. This dynamic adjustment allows the network to optimize power consumption by aligning transmissions with active periods while maintaining transmission reliability when needed, as UEs can predict and prepare for transmission patterns based on configured parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for a network node and a user equipment (UE) transmit and receive a non-cell defining (NCD) synchronization signal block (SSB) when cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) applies to the NCD-SSB. The network node transmits a configuration of a NCD-SSB having a periodicity and a time offset. The network node determines a configuration of an active period and a non-active period for the cell DTX configuration. The network node drops at least one transmission of the NCD-SSB when the periodicity and the time offset indicate that the transmission is within the non-active period for the cell DTX configuration. The network node may transmit an indication of a muting pattern that indicates which transmissions of the NCD-SSB are dropped. The UE may receive the indication and receive at least one transmission of the NCD-SSB based on the muting pattern.