Sub-THz Secondary Cell Activation for Power-Efficient Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, face challenges in optimizing power efficiency and latency for sub-THz communication, especially in scenarios requiring dynamic activation and deactivation of sub-THz secondary cells.
Innovation Solution
Implementing inter-band carrier aggregation with sub-THz deployment, where sub-THz is treated as a secondary cell (Scell) that is dynamically activated/deactivated based on specific conditions, leveraging a lower frequency primary cell for improved power efficiency and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If sub-THz communication is deployed as a standalone system, then sub-THz communication capability is achieved, but power consumption increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sub-THz communication with lower frequency communication by implementing inter-band carrier aggregation, where sub-THz is deployed as a secondary cell (Scell) aggregated with a primary cell (Pcell) at lower frequency. This merging allows the system to leverage the coverage and power efficiency of lower frequencies while adding sub-THz capacity, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sub-THz communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of the sub-THz secondary cell based on traffic conditions and channel quality. The Scell is activated only when needed for additional capacity, and deactivated when not required, allowing the system to adapt power consumption dynamically rather than maintaining continuous sub-THz operation, thus improving power efficiency while preserving on-demand sub-THz capability.
2Reliability
If sub-THz secondary cell is continuously activated, then sub-THz data transmission is available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation and deactivation of the sub-THz secondary cell based on traffic demand patterns. Instead of continuous activation, the Scell is activated periodically when traffic conditions warrant additional capacity and deactivated during low-traffic periods, creating a periodic on/off pattern that reduces average power consumption while maintaining data transmission availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of the sub-THz Scell from continuous active to dynamically adjustable active/inactive states. By modifying this parameter based on channel quality indicators and traffic conditions, the system achieves optimal balance between data transmission availability and power consumption, activating the Scell only when parameters indicate favorable conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sub-THz is deployed as secondary cell with dynamic activation, then power efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control mechanism at the network entity that manages multiple functions including activation/deactivation decisions, scheduling, and resource allocation for the sub-THz Scell. This multi-functional control approach consolidates complexity into a centralized entity rather than distributing it across multiple components, achieving power efficiency through dynamic management while containing system complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products for utilizing sub-Terahertz (THz) communication are provided. An example method may include establishing a first communication with a network entity on a primary cell. The example method may further include transmitting a UE capability indication to the network entity, the UE capability indication representing a capability for a sub-THz communication associated with the UE, the sub-THz communication being on a first frequency range that does not include a second frequency of the first communication. The example method may further include receiving, via the primary cell, control information related to Scell link establishment, complementary synchronization and beam management session over the secondary cell relying on Pcell synchronization and beam information as a coarse synchronization and a coarse beam reference for the Scell and a control information over primary cell for an activation for the sub-THz communication on a secondary cell from the network entity.