UE SSB Measurement Time Configuration for NTN Propagation Delays

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of satellite communications into cellular networks faces challenges due to the high propagation delays and the need for flexible measurement configurations in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), particularly for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves configuring User Equipment (UE) to autonomously adjust Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) Measurement Time Configuration (SMTC) parameters based on proximity conditions between RS occasions and channel reception resources, allowing for extended measurement times and improved power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UE performs measurements during RS occasions in NTN, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases due to extended measurement times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the SMTC window duration configurable and adaptable based on propagation delay conditions. The network can dynamically adjust the measurement time configuration to match the specific NTN scenario, allowing UEs to perform measurements efficiently without unnecessarily extending measurement windows, thus balancing measurement precision with power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of SMTC window duration from a fixed value to a configurable parameter that can be adjusted based on propagation delay characteristics. By modifying this parameter, the system optimizes the trade-off between measurement accuracy and energy consumption, allowing shorter measurement windows when possible and extending them only when propagation delays require it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If UE monitors paging and receives system information frequently, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by configuring UEs to monitor paging and system information at specific periodic intervals rather than continuously. The SMTC configuration establishes periodic measurement opportunities, allowing UEs to enter low-power states between these periodic monitoring events, thus maintaining communication reliability while significantly reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by allowing UEs to autonomously determine when to wake up for paging monitoring and system information reception based on pre-configured SMTC parameters. The UE uses stored configuration information to self-manage its wake-up schedule, performing necessary monitoring tasks only when required, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If SMTC window duration is extended to accommodate propagation delays, then adaptability to NTN is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to NTNVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by making the SMTC window duration a configurable parameter that can be adjusted according to specific NTN propagation delay requirements. Instead of using a fixed extended window for all scenarios, the network can configure appropriate durations based on actual satellite orbit characteristics and propagation delays, achieving adaptability without unnecessary time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible configuration of measurement time parameters that can be adapted to different NTN scenarios. The system can dynamically adjust SMTC window durations based on satellite altitude, orbital characteristics, and propagation delay conditions, allowing optimal measurement timing without consistently extending measurement time across all situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250159654A1Paging and system information (SI) procedures under adjusted synchronization signal block measurement time configuration (SMTC) in non-terrestrial networks (NTN)

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are disclosed for configuring a User Equipment (UE) to perform measurements of a Reference Signal (RS) transmitted by cells which are served or managed by satellite nodes or Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) nodes. In some embodiments, a method is performed by a UE for a wireless access network that includes determining whether the UE meets one or more Adjusted RS occasion-Channel reception resource Proximity (ARCP) conditions for an RS Occasion (RSO) and a Channel Reception Resource (CRR). The method further includes performing one or more operational tasks based on whether the UE meets the one or more ARCP conditions for the RSO and the CRR. In some embodiments, the performing the one or more operational tasks comprises adapting at least one measurement scaling factor to a measurement time to extend the measurement time. Corresponding embodiments of a UE are also disclosed.