TRS Activation for Fast Scell Time-Frequency Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The latency in activating a Secondary Cell (Scell) via Media Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) is significant due to the long Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) period, affecting the time when data can be transmitted, and there is a need for a method to efficiently activate Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) to facilitate fast Scell activation.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for TRS activation, where a network device transmits TRS configuration information through RRC signaling to a terminal device, enabling efficient measurement and transmission of TRS for fast Scell activation, utilizing RRC and MAC CEs to define activation times based on UE capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If Scell activation is performed via MAC CE, then the Scell can be activated for data transmission, but the activation latency is significant due to the long SSB period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation latencyVSAvoiddata transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device pre-configures TRS resources and transmission parameters through RRC signaling before Scell activation is needed. When activation is required, the network can immediately transmit TRS without waiting for SSB periodicity, enabling the terminal to perform time-frequency synchronization and channel estimation in advance or with minimal delay, thus reducing overall activation latency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

TRS is introduced as an intermediary signal between the MAC CE activation command and the actual data transmission. The TRS provides dedicated reference signals for time-frequency synchronization and channel estimation, bridging the gap caused by long SSB periods and enabling faster Scell activation without compromising synchronization accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If TRS is continuously transmitted to enable fast Scell activation, then activation speed improves, but terminal device power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation speedVSAvoidterminal device power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The TRS transmission is made dynamic and conditional rather than continuous. The network device transmits TRS only when Scell activation is required or when channel conditions warrant it, based on activation commands or channel state feedback. This dynamic approach maintains fast activation capability while avoiding unnecessary TRS transmissions that would waste terminal device power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network device can adjust TRS transmission parameters such as periodicity, bandwidth, and power based on terminal device capabilities and channel conditions. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves fast Scell activation while minimizing the energy consumption of the terminal device during TRS measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4224762B1Method and apparatus for triggering TRS activation, terminal device, and network device

Publication Date: 2026.04.08 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

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AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for TRS activation, a terminal device, and a network device. The method comprises: a terminal device receives a first activation instruction sent by a network device, the first activation instruction being used for activating a TRS, and the TRS being used for fast Scell activation; and the terminal device measures the TRS, the measured TRS being used for time-frequency synchronization with a Scell.