On-Demand SS/PBCH Block Start Timing for Lower 5G Power Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and synchronization in 5G/NR networks due to periodic SS/PBCH block transmissions, which can lead to significant power consumption and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of on-demand SS/PBCH block transmissions, where a user equipment (UE) or base station determines a start time for transmission based on higher layer parameters, MAC control elements, and explicit indications from the gNB, allowing for flexible activation and deactivation of SS/PBCH blocks to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic SS/PBCH block transmissions are used, then synchronization and network coverage are maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements on-demand SS/PBCH block transmissions triggered by MAC CE commands instead of continuous periodic transmissions. The gNB sends activation commands that trigger UE to transmit SS/PBCH blocks only when needed, converting from a periodic continuous transmission model to an event-driven periodic transmission model, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables UEs to autonomously determine when to transmit SS/PBCH blocks based on received MAC CE activation commands and local configuration parameters. Each UE independently manages its transmission timing and activation state without requiring continuous network control, allowing the system to self-regulate power consumption based on actual synchronization needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If on-demand SS/PBCH block transmissions are implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases due to MAC CE management
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC CE mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it activates on-demand SS/PBCH block transmissions, indicates transmission timing parameters, and manages UE state transitions. This multi-functional approach consolidates control signaling into a single mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite the introduction of on-demand operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes higher layer parameters (ssb-PositionsInBurst, od-ssb-PositionsInBurst, ssb-periodicitySchedulingOffset) to pre-configure transmission patterns, and MAC CE commands to dynamically adjust activation state and timing. By separating static configuration from dynamic control, the system manages complexity through parameter layering rather than complex control logic.
3Loss of time
If transmission activation is controlled by MAC CE, then transmission timing precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures SS/PBCH block transmission patterns and timing parameters through higher layer signaling before MAC CE activation. UEs receive and store configuration parameters (ssb-periodicitySchedulingOffset, od-ssb-PositionsInBurst) in advance, so that when MAC CE activation occurs, the UE can immediately determine precise transmission timing without requiring extensive real-time signaling, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining timing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods related to a start time for an on-demand transmission in a wireless communication system. A method includes receiving a set of higher layer parameters that include a set of configurations for on-demand synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) blocks, receiving a first medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), and identifying, based on the set of configurations, a set of actually transmitted SS/PBCH blocks in a burst. The method further includes identifying a first actually transmitted SS/PBCH block from on the set of actually transmitted SS/PBCH blocks in the burst, identifying, based on the first MAC CE, an indication of an activation of a transmission for the on-demand SS/PBCH blocks, determining, based on the first actually transmitted SS/PBCH block, a first slot corresponding to a beginning of the transmission for the on-demand SS/PBCH blocks, and receiving the on-demand SS/PBCH blocks based on the first slot.