Non-Cell-Specific Reference Signals for Low-Power Random Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in random access procedures, particularly in low-power modes, due to the need for UEs to measure cell-specific reference signals, which wastes power and increases latency and processing resources.
Innovation Solution
The method involves UEs measuring non-cell-specific reference signals, such as tracking reference signals (TRS) or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), to initiate random access procedures while remaining in low-power modes, thereby conserving power and reducing processing loads, and determining transmit power for random access preambles based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UEs measure cell-specific reference signals to initiate random access procedures, then the random access procedure can be initiated, but power consumption increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from cell-specific reference signals and applies it to non-cell-specific reference signals. The UE measures non-cell-specific reference signals (such as tracking reference signals or channel state information reference signals) that are specifically designed for this purpose, rather than using general-purpose cell-specific reference signals. This extraction allows the random access procedure to be initiated with dedicated measurement resources that do not require the UE to exit low-power mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-cell-specific reference signals as an intermediary element between the UE and the random access procedure initiation. These reference signals serve as a mediator that provides the necessary measurement information for random access decision-making without requiring the UE to fully activate its processing capabilities. The base station transmits these intermediate reference signals that enable the UE to perform measurements while remaining in a low-power state.
2Reliability
If UEs measure cell-specific reference signals to initiate random access procedures, then the random access procedure can be initiated, but processing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the general cell-specific reference signal framework and creates a specialized measurement mechanism using non-cell-specific reference signals. This extraction allows the UE to perform measurements with reduced processing complexity, as the non-cell-specific reference signals are designed specifically for this measurement purpose without requiring full cell-specific signal processing chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using reference signals with specific properties optimized for random access measurement. The non-cell-specific reference signals have localized characteristics that are tailored for the specific measurement needs of random access procedure initiation, rather than using general-purpose cell-specific reference signals that require more comprehensive processing resources.
3Measurement precision
If UEs exit low-power mode to measure reference signals, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station pre-configure and transmit non-cell-specific reference signals before the UE needs to initiate a random access procedure. The reference signals are prepared and made available in advance, allowing the UE to perform measurements immediately when needed without exiting low-power mode. This preliminary preparation eliminates the latency associated with mode transitions while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-cell-specific reference signals serve as an intermediary that bridges the gap between low-power operation and accurate measurement. These signals are specifically designed to provide sufficient measurement accuracy without requiring the UE to fully activate its processing capabilities, thus eliminating the need to exit low-power mode while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a base station and while in a low-power mode, a reference signal, where the reference signal is not a cell-specific reference signal. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE may receive a signal including at least one parameter associated with the reference signal. Accordingly, the UE may initiate, with the base station, a random access procedure based at least in part on measurements of the reference signal. In some aspects, the UE may initiate the random access procedure by transmitting, to the base station, a random access preamble based at least in part on the at least one parameter. Numerous other aspects are provided.