RedCap Initial Downlink BWP Switching for UE Power Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting reduced capability (RedCap) UEs by providing power savings in initial downlink bandwidth parts dedicated to these devices, particularly in terms of OSI reception, RRM measurements, and SSB receptions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring RedCap UEs to receive synchronization signals and control channels in a dedicated initial bandwidth part (BWP), allowing them to switch to a secondary BWP for further system information and perform RRM measurements without overlapping with legacy UE BWPs, thereby reducing power consumption and communication delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If RedCap UEs use the same initial BWP as legacy UEs, then resource utilization is maximized, but power consumption increases and interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidBWP configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the initial BWP into two separate BWPs: one for legacy UEs and another for RedCap UEs. This segmentation allows each UE type to operate in its dedicated bandwidth part, reducing power consumption for RedCap UEs by avoiding unnecessary monitoring of legacy UE resources while preventing interference between the two UE types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different BWP parameters specifically for RedCap UEs, such as adjusted bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and resource allocation patterns that match the reduced capabilities of RedCap devices. This localized optimization enables power-efficient operation tailored to RedCap requirements without affecting legacy UE performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of time

If RedCap UEs perform RRM measurements in the same BWP as legacy UEs, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement delayVSAvoidRRM measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures dedicated SSB resources and measurement reference signals in advance within the RedCap-specific initial BWP, allowing RedCap UEs to perform RRM measurements immediately upon accessing the cell without needing to switch BWPs or wait for legacy UE measurement opportunities. This preliminary configuration eliminates measurement delays while maintaining accuracy through dedicated reference signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If RedCap UEs receive system information in the same BWP as legacy UEs, then information consistency is ensured, but reception delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIB reception delayVSAvoidsystem information consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a copy of the essential system information structure within the RedCap-specific initial BWP, maintaining the same SIB format and content as the legacy BWP. This copying approach ensures information consistency across both UE types while allowing RedCap UEs to receive system information directly in their dedicated BWP without experiencing the delays associated with BWP switching or shared resource contention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Use of energy by moving object

If dedicated initial BWP is configured for RedCap UEs, then power savings are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidBWP configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal BWP configuration framework where the network can dynamically assign either the legacy BWP or the RedCap-specific BWP based on UE capability indication. This multi-functional approach allows the same initial BWP structure to serve both legacy and RedCap UEs, achieving power savings for RedCap devices without requiring completely separate configuration procedures or increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12471102B2Methods and apparatus for UE power savings in initial downlink bandwidth part dedicated to redcap devices

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for operating in different bandwidth parts (BWPs). A method includes receiving a first synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block in a first BWP; determining, based on information provided by the first SS/PBCH block, a first control resource set (CORESET) in the first BWP; and receiving a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the first CORESET. The PDCCH provides a first downlink control information (DCI) format that schedules a reception of a first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) providing a system information block (SIB1). The method further includes receiving the first PDSCH, determining a second BWP based on information provided by the SIB1, and receiving a second SS/PBCH block in the second BWP. The second BWP does not include a bandwidth of the first SS/PBCH block. The second BWP does not include a bandwidth of the first CORESET.