SCell Dormancy Switching for Reliable DCI Detection in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR networks, issues arise when user equipment (UE) fails to detect downlink control information (DCI) for switching between dormant and non-dormant bandwidth parts (BWP) of secondary serving cells (SCells), leading to inefficient power usage, network scheduling loss, and potential interference.
Innovation Solution
Implement mechanisms such as explicit network configuration, dormancy timers, DCI transmission repetition, and radio quality determination to manage SCell dormancy, ensuring accurate switching between dormant and non-dormant BWPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE uses dormant BWP for SCell to enable fast activation, then power consumption is reduced and activation speed is improved, but reliability of state switching deteriorates due to DCI mis-detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure multiple BWPs (dormant and non-dormant) for SCells before state switching is needed. This allows the UE to quickly switch between states without real-time configuration delays, improving switching reliability while maintaining manageable implementation complexity through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting BWP parameters (such as bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and cyclic prefix length) when transitioning between dormant and non-dormant states. This allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, improving reliability by selecting appropriate parameters for each state while keeping the mechanism straightforward through standardized parameter sets.
2Measurement precision
If the UE monitors DCI for state switching, then switching accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the UE monitor DCI only at specific intervals or under certain conditions rather than continuously. This reduces power consumption significantly while maintaining switching accuracy by checking for state transition commands at critical moments, balancing energy efficiency with reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously determine when to switch between dormant and non-dormant states based on pre-configured criteria and local measurements. This reduces the need for continuous DCI monitoring, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining accurate state management through UE-initiated switching decisions.
3Speed
If the UE switches states based on network configuration, then switching reliability is improved, but switching speed deteriorates due to configuration processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple BWPs with different parameters before switching is needed. This allows the UE to immediately activate the appropriate BWP when switching is required, improving switching speed while maintaining reliability through advance validation and configuration of all possible states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible, adaptive state switching mechanisms that can respond to changing network conditions and UE requirements. The system dynamically adjusts switching behavior based on real-time conditions, improving both speed and reliability by selecting the most appropriate switching mode for each situation rather than using a fixed approach.
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiments relate to a computer readable storage medium, a user equipment, a method and an integrated circuit that perform operations. A user equipment (UE) enters into a first state including one of a non-dormant state or a dormant state with a secondary serving cell (SCell) of a network, the SCell being configured to provide either one of a non-dormant bandwidth part (BWP) as a secondary component carrier (SCC) in the non-dormant state or a dormant BWP as an SCC in the dormant state. The UE switches from the first state to a second state including the other one of the non-dormant state or the dormant state, the switch being based on network configuration, a dormancy timer, or a radio condition.