NR Tracking Reference Signals for DRX Synchronization Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) experiences frequency and/or timing errors when transitioning between active and sleep modes, impacting the processing of control information and data, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
Implementing enhanced tracking reference signal (TRS) transmission and reception techniques, including periodic, aperiodic, and semi-persistent configurations, along with a DCI trigger mechanism, to ensure accurate frequency and timing tracking during power-saving operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the UE enters sleep mode to conserve power, then power saving is improved, but frequency and timing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting the tracking reference signal (TRS) before the UE enters sleep mode and before the next active period begins. This allows the UE to perform frequency and timing tracking in advance while still in active mode, so that when the UE wakes up from sleep mode, it already has accurate synchronization information, thereby resolving the contradiction between power saving and frequency/timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking reference signal (TRS) acts as an intermediary element between the network and the UE. It provides the necessary synchronization information that enables the UE to maintain accurate frequency and timing estimation without requiring continuous active processing. The TRS serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between power-saving sleep mode and the need for accurate signal processing upon wake-up.
2Measurement precision
If the UE performs continuous active processing to maintain frequency and timing accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by configuring the UE to receive and process the tracking reference signal at specific periodic intervals rather than continuously. The UE can be configured with periodic TRS reception patterns that align with its active/sleep cycle, allowing the UE to maintain frequency and timing accuracy only when needed (during active periods or when TRS is transmitted), thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If the network transmits tracking reference signal continuously to maintain synchronization, then frequency and timing tracking is improved, but network overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the TRS transmission pattern adaptable rather than fixed. The network can dynamically adjust the TRS transmission timing and periodicity based on UE capabilities, active/sleep cycle configuration, and channel conditions. This dynamic approach allows the network to transmit TRS only when necessary for maintaining synchronization, optimizing the balance between synchronization accuracy and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing flexible configuration of TRS transmission parameters such as periodicity, offset, and timing. The network can modify these parameters to match the UE's operational characteristics, enabling TRS to be transmitted at optimal intervals that maintain synchronization reliability while minimizing unnecessary network energy consumption and overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user equipment (UE) receives reference signals during a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle to perform frequency and timing tracking or automatic gain control (AGC). The UE receives configuration information corresponding to a reference signal that is to be transmitted to a user equipment (UE) when the UE is in a first operating state, receives the reference signal from a cell of a network when the UE is in the first operating state, performs one of frequency and timing tracking or automatic gain control (AGC) using the reference signal and receives a signal from the cell during a time window that the UE is scheduled to utilize an active mode of data exchange processing.