RedCap Initial DL BWP Configuration for Lower UE Power Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in optimizing power savings for RedCap UEs in the initial downlink bandwidth part, leading to increased power consumption and potential communication delays.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves configuring a dedicated initial downlink bandwidth part (iBWP) for RedCap UEs, allowing them to perform OSI reception, RRM measurements, and SSB receptions within this bandwidth, thereby reducing the need for frequency hopping and BWP switching, which minimizes power consumption and communication delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RedCap UEs perform OSI reception, RRM measurements, and SSB receptions in the common initial DL BWP, then compatibility with legacy UEs is maintained, but frequency hopping and BWP switching are required which increases power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with legacy UEsVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the initial downlink BWP into two separate BWPs: a common initial DL BWP for legacy UEs and a dedicated initial DL BWP for RedCap UEs. This segmentation allows each UE type to operate in its own optimized bandwidth part, avoiding the need for RedCap UEs to perform frequency hopping and BWP switching while maintaining compatibility with legacy UE operations in the common BWP.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different BWP configurations tailored to specific UE types. The dedicated initial DL BWP is specifically optimized for RedCap UEs with appropriate bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and resource allocation, while the common initial DL BWP serves legacy UEs. This localized optimization reduces power consumption for RedCap UEs without affecting legacy UE operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If a dedicated initial DL BWP is configured for RedCap UEs, then power consumption is reduced by eliminating frequency hopping, but device complexity increases due to multiple BWP configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidBWP configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables RedCap UEs to autonomously identify and access the dedicated initial DL BWP through specific signaling mechanisms. The UE determines its capability and self-configures to use the appropriate BWP without requiring complex network-controlled switching, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining power savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key BWP parameters (bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, frequency location) to create a dedicated initial DL BWP optimized for RedCap UEs. By adjusting these parameters according to RedCap UE capabilities, the system achieves power efficiency without requiring complex real-time switching logic in the UE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If RedCap UEs switch between BWPs for OSI reception and other operations, then resource utilization is optimized, but communication delays increase due to switching overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcommunication delays
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the dedicated initial DL BWP with all necessary resources for OSI reception, RRM measurements, and SSB receptions. This advance configuration eliminates the need for time-critical BWP switching during operations, thereby reducing communication delays while maintaining efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4302544B1Methods and apparatus for UE power savings in initial downlink bandwidth part dedicated to redcap devices
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4302544B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4302544B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4302544B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. 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.