UE C-DRX and LAA Alignment for Unlicensed Spectrum Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) configured with Connected Discontinuous Reception (C-DRX) and carrier aggregation in unlicensed spectrum experiences increased power consumption due to independent operation of C-DRX and LAA functionality, leading to unnecessary active processing modes during scheduled sleep periods.
Innovation Solution
The UE determines the likelihood of data exchange operations in the unlicensed spectrum and aligns them with scheduled onDurations of the C-DRX cycle, delaying operations if unlikely to occur during onDurations and reducing measurement rates during offDurations when battery power is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE performs carrier aggregation in unlicensed spectrum independently of C-DRX cycle, then data exchange operations can be performed continuously, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary active processing during sleep periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously independent C-DRX cycle and LAA operations by aligning LAA data exchange operations with C-DRX onDurations. The UE now coordinates unlicensed spectrum carrier aggregation with licensed spectrum discontinuous reception, ensuring that LAA transmissions occur only during scheduled active periods rather than independently throughout the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of LAA operation timing based on C-DRX cycle state. The UE dynamically schedules LAA data exchanges to coincide with onDurations and suppresses transmissions during offDurations, making the system adaptive to power saving requirements while maintaining data exchange capability when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UE enters sleep mode during offDurations, then power consumption decreases, but data exchange operations in unlicensed spectrum may be delayed or missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by scheduling and preparing LAA data exchange operations in advance during onDurations before entering offDurations. The UE proactively transmits data during active periods rather than attempting to transmit during sleep periods, ensuring data exchange reliability while maintaining power saving benefits.
3Measurement precision
If the UE performs measurements at full rate during offDurations, then measurement precision is maintained, but active processing time increases reducing power saving benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing neighbor cell measurements at a reduced rate during offDurations compared to onDurations. The UE performs measurements less frequently during sleep periods when power saving is critical, accepting reduced measurement precision during these periods while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy through full-rate measurements during onDurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is configured to connect to a primary cell serving a primary component carrier (PCC) in the licensed spectrum and a secondary cell serving a secondary component carrier (SCC) in an unlicensed spectrum. The UE is configured with a Connected Discontinuous Reception (C-DRX) functionality including an onDuration. The UE determines a first duration based on an amount of time between when a first operation related to an exchange of data over the SCC is to be performed and when the exchange of data over the SCC is likely to occur, determines whether the exchange of data over the SCC is likely to occur during the onDuration based on the first duration and when the exchange of data is unlikely to occur during the onDuration, delays when the first operation is to be performed to cause the exchange of data over the SCC to occur during the onDuration.