UE Dormancy Switching for Carrier Aggregation Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly in carrier aggregation scenarios, where efficient management of cell dormancy and scheduling is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring User Equipment (UE) to monitor specific Physical Downlink Control Channels (PDCCHs) and switching scheduling cells based on Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating cell dormancy, thereby optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE monitors PDCCH on multiple cells simultaneously, then data transmission scheduling is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cell dormancy indication where the network can signal certain cells to enter a dormant state. When a cell is marked as dormant, the UE stops monitoring PDCCH on that cell, dynamically adjusting monitoring behavior based on current transmission needs rather than continuously monitoring all cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces periodic dormancy indication signaling where the network periodically indicates which cells should be dormant. This allows the UE to alternate between active monitoring and dormant states, reducing power consumption during periods when certain cells do not require continuous monitoring
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UE switches scheduling cell based on dormancy indication, then power consumption is reduced, but scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its dormancy state and scheduling requirements to the network. The network uses this feedback to optimize dormancy indications, creating a closed-loop system that manages complexity through intelligent information exchange rather than purely complex switching logic
Solution Approach 2:
The dormancy indication message acts as an intermediary signal that coordinates between network scheduling decisions and UE power management. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the interaction by providing a standardized way to transition between states without requiring complex direct coordination protocols
3Measurement precision
If the network transmits dormancy indication frequently, then cell scheduling accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the dormancy indication signaling, such as using different indication frequencies, bitmap lengths, and activation/deactivation timing parameters. These parameters can be adjusted based on traffic conditions to achieve optimal balance between scheduling accuracy and signaling overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial dormancy indication where only certain cells or certain periods are indicated for dormancy rather than all cells continuously. This partial action approach reduces signaling overhead by providing dormancy indications only when and where needed, rather than exhaustive continuous signaling
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed. In an example, a User Equipment (UE) is configured with one or more cells including a second cell. The UE is configured to monitor one or more first UE-specific Physical Downlink Control Channels (PDCCHs) on the second cell. The one or more first UE-specific PDCCHs schedule data transmission on a first cell. The UE receives a Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicative of dormancy information associated with the one or more cells. The DCI indicates dormant status of the second cell. In response to the DCI indicating the dormant status of the second cell, the UE switches a scheduling cell of the first cell from the second cell to the first cell, and the UE monitors one or more second UE-specific PDCCHs on the first cell. The one or more second UE-specific PDCCHs schedule data transmission on the first cell.