Conditional RLM Evaluation Period Extension for NR Signal Overlaps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In New Radio (NR) mobile communications, radio link monitoring (RLM) evaluation periods are challenged by overlaps between RLM reference signals and other reference signals, leading to service interruptions and difficulties in simultaneous performance with measurement gap repetition periods and synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel block measurements across different frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that conditionally extend the RLM evaluation period based on overlaps between RLM reference signals and other reference signals, using a relaxing factor to adjust the evaluation period in frequency ranges FR1 and FR2, allowing for simultaneous performance of RLM and other measurements by determining the sharing ratio between RLM and intra-frequency measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the RLM evaluation period is extended to accommodate overlaps with other reference signals, then the ability to perform RLM simultaneously with other measurements is improved, but the evaluation time required for RLM increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to perform RLM simultaneously with other measurementsVSAvoidevaluation time required for RLM
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the RLM evaluation period adjustable rather than fixed. The evaluation period is dynamically extended or shortened based on whether RLM reference signals overlap with other reference signals (such as synchronization signals or measurement gap repetition period signals). This allows the system to adapt the evaluation timing to accommodate simultaneous measurements with other reference signals while minimizing overall time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the RLM evaluation period is extended based on signal overlaps, then service interruptions are reduced, but the complexity of determining the evaluation period increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuity during measurementsVSAvoidcomplexity of determining evaluation period
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by establishing a determination process that detects overlaps between RLM reference signals and other reference signals, then uses this information to adjust the evaluation period accordingly. The system continuously monitors signal timing and configuration to identify overlaps, and dynamically modifies the evaluation period to prevent service interruptions while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the evaluation period is extended for FR2 frequency range, then RLM can be performed during measurement gaps, but the evaluation period becomes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRLM performance during measurement gapsVSAvoidevaluation period duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating different frequency ranges (FR1 and FR2) differently in terms of evaluation period extension. For FR2, where measurement gaps are utilized, the evaluation period is extended to allow RLM during these gaps. However, for FR1, the evaluation period follows a different extension rule. This localized differentiation allows optimization of RLM performance for each frequency range according to its specific characteristics and measurement requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3791616B1Conditional extension of evaluation period for radio link monitoring in new radio mobile communications
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP3791616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3791616B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3791616B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Techniques and examples of evaluation period for radio link monitoring (RLM) in New Radio (NR) mobile communications are described. An apparatus performs RLM with respect to a radio link with a cell of a wireless network. In performing the RLM, the apparatus determines whether an RLM reference signal (RLM-RS) is overlapped with one or more other reference signals and, responsive to a result of the determining indicating that the RLM-RS is at least partially overlapped with the one or more other reference signals, extends an evaluation period for the RLM.