Random Access PDCCH Monitoring with RTT Timer Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face inefficiencies and increased power consumption due to excessive monitoring of physical downlink control channels (PDCCH) during random access procedures, particularly for reduced capability UEs like RedCap devices, leading to higher power expenditures and potential out-of-sync uplink transmissions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a timer (RTT timer) during which UEs refrain from monitoring PDCCH after transmitting specific messages in random access procedures, allowing power conservation without missing critical control messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UEs continuously monitor PDCCH during random access procedures, then control messages are reliably received, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol message reception reliabilityVSAvoidUE power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic PDCCH monitoring by defining specific monitoring occasions based on formula (1), where monitoring occurs at periodic intervals determined by parameters such as msg1-ProcessingTime, subcarrier spacing, and cyclic prefix length. This periodic approach replaces continuous monitoring, reducing power consumption while ensuring control messages are captured at appropriate intervals during random access procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent calculates and determines PDCCH monitoring occasions in advance using formula (1) before actual random access procedures occur. By pre-computing when monitoring should occur based on configured parameters and expected timing relationships, the UE can efficiently activate monitoring only when necessary, avoiding continuous monitoring and reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If UEs monitor PDCCH frequently during random access, then control messages are not missed, but system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol message deliveryVSAvoidrandom access procedure efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes periodic monitoring occasions using formula (1) that aligns with the actual timing of control message transmissions during random access procedures. By monitoring only at these calculated periodic intervals rather than continuously, the system maintains reliable control message delivery while improving overall random access efficiency through reduced unnecessary monitoring activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts PDCCH monitoring behavior based on the random access procedure state. Monitoring occasions are calculated to be active only during specific random access phases (such as during msg1-ProcessingTime and subsequent timing windows), and inactive during other periods. This dynamic approach optimizes system efficiency by adapting monitoring intensity to actual procedural needs rather than maintaining constant monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If RedCap UEs monitor PDCCH continuously, then connection establishment is reliable, but power expenditure increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidRedCap UE power expenditure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic monitoring specifically optimized for RedCap UEs by calculating monitoring occasions using formula (1) with parameters appropriate for reduced capability devices. The periodic structure ensures that RedCap UEs monitor only at necessary intervals during connection establishment, maintaining reliability while significantly reducing power expenditure compared to continuous monitoring, which is particularly beneficial for energy-constrained RedCap devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements differentiated monitoring strategies for different UE types by applying the periodic monitoring formula (1) with parameters tailored to RedCap capabilities. The monitoring behavior is locally optimized for RedCap UEs' specific requirements and constraints, allowing reliable connection establishment while adapting power consumption to the reduced capability profile of these devices rather than applying uniform continuous monitoring to all UEs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260081727A1Reduced control channel monitoring for random access procedures
Publication Date: 2026.03.19 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20260081727A1 patent drawing
  • US20260081727A1 patent drawing
  • US20260081727A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. Generally, a user equipment (UE) implement a timer (e.g., a round-trip time (RTT) timer) during which it does not monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The UE may initiate the timer after transmitting a first random access message or a four-step random access message, or transmitting or retransmitting a third random access message of a four-step random access procedure, or after a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback for a fourth message of a four-step random access procedure. The UE may initiate the timer after transmitting a first message of a two-step random access procedure, or after a PUCCH resource for HARQ feedback for a second message of a two-step random access procedure, or after a fixed offset from the end of a PDSCH of a two-step random access procedure.