NR Connected Mode DRX for Beamforming and HARQ Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The impact of beamforming, new NR-PDCCH structure, and asynchronous HARQ in NR on existing DRX operations in LTE/LTE-A is not adequately addressed, leading to inefficiencies and power consumption issues in user equipment (UE) operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing DRX operations that account for multiple DRX configurations, beamforming impacts, and HARQ design in NR by using processor interrupt time units based on UE capabilities, battery level, and numerology to optimize PDCCH monitoring, and incorporating beam failure recovery mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE monitors PDCCH continuously to ensure reliable data reception, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous reception (DRX) where the UE alternates between active monitoring periods and sleep periods. During active periods, the UE monitors PDCCH for downlink assignments; during sleep periods, the UE stops monitoring to save power. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable data reception during active periods while reducing power consumption during sleep periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of DRX parameters including on-duration timer, drx-InactivityTimer, and drx-RetransmissionTimer. These timers dynamically control the switching between active and sleep states based on traffic conditions. When data activity is detected, the UE remains active; when no activity occurs, the UE transitions to sleep mode, dynamically balancing reliability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UE enters sleep mode during DRX period to save power, then the power consumption is reduced, but the response time for incoming data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the on-duration timer to wake the UE from sleep mode before potential data arrivals are expected. The drx-InactivityTimer is set to keep the UE active for a predetermined period after the last data reception, allowing time for possible retransmissions or additional data. This preliminary action ensures the UE is ready to receive data promptly while still spending most time in sleep mode, balancing power savings with response time.
3Reliability
If the UE monitors PDCCH for every potential retransmission to ensure reliable HARQ operation, then the reliability of HARQ is improved, but the power consumption and monitoring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring during HARQ retransmission periods using the drx-RetransmissionTimer. The UE monitors PDCCH only during specific time windows when retransmissions are expected, rather than continuously. This periodic monitoring approach ensures reliable HARQ operation by catching retransmissions while minimizing power consumption by stopping monitoring outside these windows.
4Device complexity
If the UE uses fixed timing relations for HARQ transmissions to simplify scheduling, then the scheduling complexity is reduced, but the flexibility and adaptability to varying traffic patterns decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic DRX configurations with multiple timer parameters (on-duration timer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimer) that can be adjusted based on traffic patterns and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions while maintaining manageable scheduling complexity through standardized timer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows network configuration of DRX parameters to change based on traffic conditions and service types. Different parameter sets can be configured for different traffic patterns, enabling the system to adapt to varying requirements while maintaining a structured approach to scheduling through parameter adjustment rather than fundamental scheduling changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include DRX operations that address impacts of beamforming to current DRX operations. It is recognized herein that the new NR-PDCCH may affect the downlink control channel monitoring in DRX operations. DRX embodiments described herein also address the impact of new NR-PDCCH to DRX operations. It is further recognized herein that, in NR, multiple DRX configurations may be supported, and L1/2 signaling (such as MAC CE based) can be used for dynamic DRX configuration switching. Embodiments described herein include signaling and other mechanisms that support multiple DRX configurations, and switching between multiple configurations. Embodiments described herein also include DRX operations that address the impact of HARQ design in NR to DRX operations. Embodiments described herein further include DRX operations that address the impact of multiple SR configurations in NR to DRX operation.