UE Power Saving via BWP Enhancements for Sporadic Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G/NR mobile communication systems lack effective power saving solutions for user equipment (UE) when the amount of transmitted data is small or sporadic, as existing methods such as wake-up signals and discontinuous reception (DRX) are inefficient due to frequent small-sized data transmissions preventing the UE from entering sleep mode.
Innovation Solution
Implementing BWP enhancements including time domain, frequency domain, and spatial domain processing reductions, such as adjusting PDCCH monitoring periods, carrying small data in control channels, fallback to narrow bandwidth, and reducing MIMO layers, to optimize power saving in UE operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DRX function is turned on with WUS monitoring, then power saving is improved for long idle periods, but power saving deteriorates when small frequent data transmissions occur because UE cannot enter sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the monitoring behavior and bandwidth of the UE based on traffic conditions. When small frequent data transmissions are detected, the UE transitions from a static DRX monitoring state to a more dynamic state where it can quickly wake up and switch to a wider bandwidth part (BWP) for efficient data transmission, thus adapting to changing traffic patterns and avoiding unnecessary sleep mode limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including switching between different bandwidth parts (BWPs), adjusting monitoring periodicity, and modifying the frequency domain resources based on traffic characteristics. When small data transmissions are detected, the system switches from a power-saving narrow BWP configuration to a data-efficient wide BWP configuration, changing multiple parameters simultaneously to optimize both power consumption and transmission efficiency.
2Speed
If UE monitors WUS continuously to detect small data transmissions, then data transmission responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring at different levels: the UE performs WUS monitoring at longer intervals during power-saving states, and only activates more frequent monitoring when triggered by specific conditions such as detecting a WUS indication or transitioning to an active BWP. This multi-level periodic approach maintains responsiveness while minimizing continuous monitoring overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary detection mechanisms where the UE monitors for WUS signals before fully activating data transmission modes. The WUS acts as a preliminary indicator that triggers the UE to wake up and switch to active BWPs, allowing the system to prepare for data transmission in advance rather than maintaining continuous high-state readiness, thus balancing responsiveness with power consumption.
3Productivity
If UE uses wide bandwidth for data transmission to improve throughput, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases due to increased processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the available bandwidth into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) with different characteristics. The UE can switch between these segmented BWPs based on traffic requirements: using narrow BWPs for power-saving during idle or low-traffic periods, and switching to wide BWPs only when large data transmissions are needed. This segmentation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between throughput and power consumption dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different bandwidth parts, where each BWP is optimized for specific scenarios. Narrow BWPs are configured with parameters suitable for power-saving operation, while wide BWPs are configured with parameters optimized for high throughput. The UE selects the appropriate BWP with the local quality matching the current traffic conditions, thus achieving optimal performance for each specific situation rather than using a fixed configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and examples of user equipment (UE) power saving enhancements in mobile communications are described. A UE establishes a wireless connection with a network node of a wireless network. The UE executes one or more procedures of a plurality of procedures related to bandwidth part (BWP) enhancement to improve power saving by the UE. The plurality of procedures include a time domain processing reduction procedure, a frequency domain processing reduction procedure, and a spatial domain processing reduction procedure.