On-Demand Reference Signal Triggering for Base Station Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR wireless communication systems, base stations waste significant power due to the need to continuously broadcast reference signals, even when there is no data activity, leading to inefficient power usage and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where user equipment receives a minimum broadcast reference signal for basic measurements and triggers an on-demand reference signal only when specific conditions are met, such as high mobility or low signal quality, allowing for reduced and targeted reference signal transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference signals are continuously broadcasted by base station, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static continuous reference signal broadcasting to dynamic on-demand broadcasting. The base station adjusts reference signal transmission based on real-time conditions such as UE mobility state, signal quality measurements, and traffic patterns. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy when needed while reducing power consumption during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including reference signal periodicity, transmission power, and resource allocation based on system conditions. When UE mobility is low and signal quality is adequate, the reference signal periodicity is extended or transmission is suspended. When mobility increases or signal quality degrades, the periodicity is reduced or transmission power is increased, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement accuracy and power consumption.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If reference signal periodicity is reduced for power saving, then power consumption decreases, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs continuously report signal quality measurements (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ) and mobility state information to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to dynamically adjust reference signal broadcasting parameters. When feedback indicates deteriorating signal quality or high mobility, the system increases reference signal transmission frequency to maintain measurement reliability, thereby preventing the reliability deterioration that would result from reduced periodicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting future measurement needs based on current system state and UE behavior patterns. The base station proactively adjusts reference signal transmission before measurement reliability would deteriorate, using historical data and current conditions to anticipate when increased transmission will be needed, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If on-demand reference signal is transmitted, then power saving is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling UEs to autonomously determine when reference signals are needed based on their own measurement requirements and mobility state. UEs perform autonomous decisions about triggering reference signal requests, reducing the need for complex network-side control logic. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system complexity while achieving power savings through targeted reference signal transmission.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If minimum broadcast reference signal is used for basic measurement, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments measurement capabilities into different levels: basic measurements using minimum broadcast reference signals for low-mobility scenarios, and enhanced measurements using additional on-demand reference signals for high-mobility or critical scenarios. This segmentation allows the system to use the simpler, lower-power basic measurement mode most of the time, while having the capability to escalate to more comprehensive measurements only when necessary, thereby reducing average power consumption while preserving full measurement capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples pertaining to reference signal (RS) enhancements in mobile communications are described. An apparatus (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) may receive a minimum broadcast RS from a network node (e.g., a base station (BS)). Based on the minimum broadcast RS, the apparatus may perform basic downlink (DL) measurement. The apparatus may also receive or transmit an on-demand RS from or to the network node in a case that a triggering condition is fulfilled. Based on the on-demand RS, the apparatus may perform additional DL or uplink (UL) measurement.