Terminal DCI Fallback for SCell Dormancy and Power Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of increased power consumption and latency in SCell activation/deactivation due to RRC signaling in carrier aggregation, and the need for a unified understanding between network and user equipment regarding SCell dormancy operations, particularly when DCI detection fails.
Innovation Solution
A fallback operation is defined for user equipment unable to detect DCI, ensuring consistent power consumption management and resource allocation between the network and user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RRC signaling is used for SCell activation/deactivation, then reliability of cell state management is improved, but latency and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SCell management process into two parts: fast state transition via MAC CE signaling for immediate activation/deactivation, and configuration management via RRC signaling for reliability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both low latency (through MAC CE) and high reliability (through RRC) by using appropriate signaling for different aspects of cell management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dormancy state as a preliminary condition before full activation. When an SCell is in dormancy state, the UE performs minimal monitoring (only PDCCH in common search space) and prepares measurement reports in advance. This preliminary action reduces the latency required for full activation since measurement and reporting are already completed.
2Reliability
If RRC signaling is used for SCell activation/deactivation, then reliability of cell state management is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments power consumption into different levels based on SCell state: full monitoring when active, minimal monitoring in dormancy state, and no monitoring when deactivated. This segmentation allows the UE to significantly reduce power consumption during dormancy while maintaining the ability to quickly activate when needed, avoiding continuous high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic state transitions between dormancy and active states based on traffic conditions and measurement reports. The UE periodically monitors in dormancy state and transitions to active state only when needed, creating a periodic pattern of low-power and high-power operation that reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous active monitoring.
3Use of energy by moving object
If SCell dormancy indication is used, then power consumption efficiency is improved, but understanding alignment between network and UE becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE sends measurement reports and status information to the network when in dormancy state. The network uses this feedback to make informed decisions about whether to activate the SCell. This feedback loop ensures that both network and UE have aligned understanding of the current state and intentions, preventing mismatches in dormancy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measurement reports and MAC CE signaling as intermediaries between the network and UE to convey state information and intentions. These intermediaries carry explicit information about dormancy status and activation requests, ensuring that both parties have the same understanding without requiring complex implicit agreements.
4Use of energy by moving object
If PDCCH monitoring is stopped in dormancy state, then power consumption is reduced, but detection of activation commands may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having the UE monitor PDCCH only in common search spaces during dormancy state, rather than stopping all monitoring entirely. This selective monitoring in specific locations (common search spaces) allows the UE to detect activation commands with reasonable speed while keeping power consumption low compared to full monitoring across all search spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present specification, a fallback operation for when a terminal has not detected a DCI is newly proposed.