Wake-Up Signal Tracking for Low-Power RRM Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption, particularly in low-power scenarios, due to the need for continuous monitoring of downlink control channels, which leads to high energy consumption and is unsuitable for latency-critical use cases.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wake-up signal (WUS) detection mechanism in user equipment (UE) to identify the presence of a wake-up signal, allowing the UE to determine whether to receive control information, thereby reducing unnecessary monitoring and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous monitoring of downlink control channels is implemented, then control information reception is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles where the UE alternates between active monitoring periods and sleep periods. During DRX off durations, the UE stops monitoring PDCCH to conserve power, while wake-up signals are transmitted at specific intervals to indicate whether the UE should wake up for upcoming PDCCH monitoring occasions. This periodic action pattern resolves the contradiction by ensuring control information is received during active periods while minimizing power consumption during sleep periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wake-up signals that are transmitted before the actual PDCCH monitoring occasions. These wake-up signals provide advance notification to the UE about whether it needs to wake up and monitor control channels in the upcoming DRX on duration. This preliminary action allows the UE to remain in low-power state when no control information is intended for it, while still ensuring reliable reception when control information is present.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wake-up signal detection is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but additional signaling overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wake-up signal to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a power-saving indicator, a scheduling assignment, and a trigger for upcoming PDCCH monitoring. By embedding multiple pieces of information (wake-up indication, offset to PDCCH monitoring occasion, SSB indication) within a single wake-up signal structure, the signaling overhead is minimized while achieving multiple objectives. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by reducing the need for separate signaling messages.
3Use of energy by moving object
If PDCCH monitoring is reduced, then power consumption decreases, but control information reception reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network monitors UE responses and adjusts wake-up signal transmission and PDCCH monitoring occasion configuration accordingly. The gNB can determine whether to transmit wake-up signals based on UE feedback and network conditions, ensuring that control information is reliably delivered while optimizing power consumption. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by dynamically adapting the monitoring strategy to actual communication needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a communication device, a base station, and methods for a communication device and a base station. The communication device comprises a transceiver, which, in operation, receives wireless signals. The communication device further comprises a circuitry which, in operation, searches, in the wireless signal, for a supplementary synchronization signal, SS, in a resource different from occasions configured for a synchronization signal block, SSB, wherein the SSB comprises a primary SS, a secondary SS and a physical broadcast channel, PBCH.