Measurement Gap Management in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) like satellite communications, the large propagation delays and variance in delays between user equipment (UE) and satellites cause timing misalignments for synchronization signal measurements, which existing techniques fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronization signal measurement in UE, involving receiving a measurement configuration from an NTN with a timing pattern including a measurement gap, performing measurements during the gap, and transmitting an indication related to the gap. Additionally, the NTN node can modify the timing pattern based on received indications from the UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are configured for synchronization signal measurements in NTNs, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but timing misalignment due to propagation delay variance deteriorates measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement gap configuration adaptive rather than static. The gNB configures measurement gaps based on satellite ephemeris information and propagation delay characteristics, allowing the measurement timing to dynamically adjust to changing satellite positions and delay variations, thereby maintaining both measurement accuracy and reliability in NTN environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameters of measurement gaps based on propagation delay information. By adjusting the measurement gap timing offset and duration according to satellite-specific propagation delays, the system ensures that measurements are performed at appropriate times despite varying delay conditions across different satellites and beam directions
2Device complexity
If fixed measurement timing patterns are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to satellite movement and varying propagation delays deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring measurement gap parameters based on satellite ephemeris information and predicted propagation delays. The gNB calculates appropriate measurement timing in advance considering satellite movement trajectories, allowing the UE to perform measurements without real-time complexity while maintaining adaptability to satellite motion through pre-computed timing adjustments
3Adaptability or versatility
If measurement gaps are extended to cover all possible satellite positions, then adaptability to satellite movement is improved, but loss of time for data transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring satellite-specific measurement gap parameters rather than using a single extended gap configuration for all satellites. Each measurement gap is tailored to the specific propagation delay and beam direction characteristics of the target satellite, allowing precise measurements without unnecessarily extending measurement gaps across all possible satellite positions, thus minimizing data transmission time loss
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) receives, from a non-terrestrial network (NTN), a measurement configuration that indicates a timing pattern for inter-frequency measurement, the timing pattern including a measurement gap of a certain duration. The UE receives, from the NTN, a synchronization signal during the measurement gap in accordance with the timing pattern, performs a measurement of the synchronization signal; and transmits, to the NTN, an indication related to the measurement gap. For example, the indication may be a request to terminate early the measurement gap.