Temporary PL-RS Activation for Low-Latency Path Loss Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing latency associated with path loss reference signal (PL-RS) activation, which affects the efficiency and speed of uplink and downlink communications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing methods and apparatuses for activating temporary PL-RS, such as semi-persistent, aperiodic, or quasi-co-located PL-RS, using MAC-CE, DCI, or CSI trigger states to estimate path loss more quickly, allowing for reduced latency in generating path loss estimates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a periodic PL-RS is activated using MAC-CE, then the path loss estimation becomes more accurate, but the latency increases due to the time required for activation and estimation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath loss estimation accuracyVSAvoidactivation latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures PL-RS resources and activation commands in advance through RRC signaling, so that when activation is needed, the UE can quickly switch to using the pre-prepared reference signals without extensive setup time, reducing activation latency while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic PL-RS activation where the periodicity and resources of PL-RS can be adjusted based on current channel conditions and traffic requirements, allowing the system to optimize between accuracy and latency by selecting appropriate PL-RS configurations for different scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If traditional PL-RS activation methods are used, then the system maintains simplicity in implementation, but the uplink and downlink communication efficiency decreases due to latency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpath loss estimation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The PL-RS activation process is segmented into multiple independent stages: RRC configuration of PL-RS resources, MAC-CE activation commands, and actual path loss estimation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and enables parallel processing where possible, improving overall communication efficiency without sacrificing implementation simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary aperiodic PL-RS that bridges the gap between periodic PL-RS activation and immediate path loss estimation needs. This intermediary reference signal can be triggered on-demand to provide quick path loss updates without waiting for the next periodic PL-RS occasion, thereby improving communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12598556B2Techniques for latency reduction for path loss reference signal activation

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) (MAC-CE) including an activation command associated with activating a periodic path loss reference signal (PL-RS). The UE may receive an indication associated with a temporary PL-RS, the temporary PL-RS and the periodic PL-RS being used to estimate path loss for a period of time after the reception of the activation command. The UE may transmit an uplink signal having a transmit power based at least in part on a path loss estimate, the path loss estimate being generated based at least in part on the temporary PL-RS and the periodic PL-RS. Numerous other aspects are described.