Secondary Cell SSB Timing Using MAC-CE Processing Offsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, the timing for on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions via secondary cells (SCells) is not defined, leading to uncertainty for user equipment (UE) in determining the start and end of such transmissions, which affects power saving techniques.
Innovation Solution
The UE determines the timing of on-demand SSB transmissions based on a time offset value calculated from MAC-CE or RRC processing times, procedural delays, and control signaling, allowing precise synchronization with SCell activation and deactivation commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If on-demand SSB transmission timing is not defined, then the system maintains flexibility in transmission scheduling, but the UE cannot determine the start and end times of SSB transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring time offset values (K1, K2, K3) that define the timing relationship between SSB transmissions and associated signaling messages. These pre-defined time offsets enable the UE to determine SSB timing without requiring explicit timing definitions in each transmission, thus maintaining scheduling flexibility while providing timing information.
2Reliability
If the UE continuously monitors for SSB transmissions, then the UE can detect SSB bursts when transmitted, but the UE power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network configures time offset values that indicate when SSB transmissions will occur relative to configured messages. The UE uses these time offset configurations to determine precise SSB timing, allowing the UE to enter sleep modes between configured SSB opportunities rather than continuously monitoring, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable detection.
3Device complexity
If the time offset value does not account for processing time, then the transmission timing can be simpler, but the UE cannot properly process MAC-CE or RRC messages in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating processing time values (N1 for MAC-CE, N310 for RRC) into the time offset calculations. The time offset K is determined as a function of these processing parameters, ensuring that SSB transmissions are scheduled at times when the UE has sufficient time to process preceding messages. This maintains reliable processing while providing a systematic method for timing calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may receive a message indicating a configuration for on-demand synchronization signal block (SSB) bursts associated with a cell, and the UE may further receive (e.g., in the same or different message) an indication that the on-demand SSB bursts will be transmitted via the cell. In such case, the UE may determine a time instance corresponding to a first on-demand SSB of the on-demand SSB bursts associated with the cell. The time instance may be determined based on a time offset value that includes a quantity of time intervals (e.g., symbols, slots) after reception of the message indicating the transmission of the on-demand SSB bursts for the cell. The time offset may be based on a configured value and either a medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) processing time or a procedural delay value.