NR CSI Feedback Timing for Non-Integer Traffic Periodicity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NR networks face inefficiencies in managing traffic with non-integer periodicity, leading to power drain in user equipment due to over-provisioning of resources, which is not effectively addressed by current solutions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing CSI feedback enhancements with non-integer periodicity and cDRX configurations, including combinations of long and short DRX cycles, PDCCH wake-up signals, and SRS periodicity adjustments to align with non-integer traffic patterns, optimizing power usage and resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If over-provisioning of resources is used to support non-integer periodicity traffic, then traffic timing requirements are met, but network resource efficiency deteriorates and user equipment power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic timing supportVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the timing parameters by introducing non-integer periodicity configurations for DRX cycles and SPS transmissions, allowing the system to adapt to arbitrary traffic cadences (e.g., 33ms, 41.67ms) rather than being constrained to integer slot multiples. This enables precise matching of resource allocation to actual traffic patterns, eliminating the need for over-provisioning and reducing UE power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the network can configure different periodicity values for different traffic flows and dynamically modify these configurations based on traffic conditions. The UE can also autonomously adjust its DRX and SPS parameters within configured ranges, allowing the system to adapt resource provisioning to actual traffic demands rather than using static over-provisioned resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If over-provisioning of resources is used to support non-integer periodicity traffic, then traffic timing requirements are met, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic timing supportVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables precise parameter configuration for resource allocation by supporting non-integer periodicity values in DRX and SPS mechanisms. This allows the network to exactly match resource allocation periods to traffic generation cadences, eliminating wasted resources from over-provisioning and improving overall network resource utilization efficiency while maintaining support for diverse traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of non-integer periodicity parameters through RRC signaling before traffic flows are established. By pre-configuring appropriate DRX and SPS periodicity values based on expected traffic patterns, the system can efficiently allocate resources from the outset without resorting to over-provisioning, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If existing NR timing units are used, then network operation simplicity is maintained, but support for arbitrary traffic cadences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork operation simplicityVSAvoidtraffic cadence support
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the existing NR timing parameter space by introducing non-integer periodicity configurations while maintaining compatibility with the existing slot-based structure. The network can configure periodicity values such as 33ms or 41.67ms by using fractional slot representations, allowing support for arbitrary traffic cadences without fundamentally changing the NR timing framework or complicating network operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the existing DRX and SPS mechanisms universally applicable to both integer and non-integer periodicity traffic patterns. By enhancing these existing mechanisms to support fractional slot configurations, the system maintains a unified operation mode that handles diverse traffic types without requiring separate specialized procedures, thereby preserving ease of operation while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4102884B1Handling new radio (NR) traffic configured with non-integer periodicity
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 APPLE INC
  • EP4102884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4102884B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4102884B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A user equipment (UE) is configured to report channel state information (CSI). The UE receives CSI configuration information corresponding to downlink new radio (NR) traffic with non-integer periodicity, wherein the CSI configuration information includes one of CSI measurement configuration information, CSI reporting configuration information or CSI measurement configuration information and CSI reporting configuration information, receives CSI measurement resources and reports CSI feedback to a network.