Dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. The described techniques allow a user equipment (UE) to conserve power after transitioning from one coverage mode to another coverage mode based on power consumption estimates. The UE may make a determination on whether to modify its current extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) values by either triggering an unscheduled timing update or waiting for a scheduled timing update. For instance, the UE may estimate power consumption based on current eDRX values and the time remaining until a scheduled timing update procedure and compare this estimate to power consumption estimate based on modified eDRX values and the amount of power consumed to perform an unscheduled timing update procedure. Based on the comparison, the UE may update its eDRX values through an unscheduled TAU or through the regularly scheduled TAU procedure.

BACKGROUND

The following relates generally to wireless communication, and more specifically to dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices.

In some wireless communications, such as internet of things (IoT) communications, a device (e.g., a UE, a low cost (LC) IoT device) may transition between coverage enhancement (CE) modes depending on channel conditions, power consumption, or other factors. When a device transitions from a normal coverage CE Mode (e.g., CE Mode A) to an extended coverage CE Mode (e.g., CE Mode B), the device may retain the wakeup interval values of CE Mode A until the next update procedure is performed. In some cases, a device operating according to CE Mode A wakes up more frequently than when operating according to CE Mode B, and as a result, there may be additional power drain when a device operates using CE Mode A wakeup interval values while in CE Mode B. More efficient techniques for reducing power drain are desired.

SUMMARY

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses that support dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices. Generally, the described techniques allow a UE that has transitioned from one coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode A) to another coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode B) to conserve power by enabling the UE to make a determination on whether to modify its extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) values. The UE may change its eDRX values after transitioning from mode to another by triggering an unscheduled tracking area update (TAU) procedure. Alternatively, in order to update its eDRX values, the UE may wait for a timer to expire and perform a scheduled TAU procedure. To determine whether to wait for a scheduled TAU procedure or perform an unscheduled TAU procedure, the UE may estimate power consumption based on current eDRX values and the time remaining before a scheduled TAU procedure is to be performed. The UE may compare this estimate to another estimate of power consumption determined based on modified eDRX values and the amount of power consumed when performing an unscheduled TAU procedure. Based on the comparison, the UE may update its eDRX values through an unscheduled TAU procedure shortly after transitioning from one mode to another or through the regularly scheduled TAU procedure.

A method of wireless communication is described. The method may include transitioning, by a UE, from a first coverage mode to a second coverage mode, estimating a first power consumption of the UE operating according to a first set of parameters that correspond to the first coverage mode, the first power consumption estimated based at least in part on a time remaining until a scheduled TAU procedure, estimating a second power consumption of the UE operating according to a second set of parameters that correspond to the second coverage mode, the second power consumption estimated based at least in part on the time remaining until the scheduled TAU procedure, and performing a timing update procedure based at least in part on a comparison between the estimated first power consumption and the estimated second power consumption.

An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for transitioning, by a UE, from a first coverage mode to a second coverage mode, means for estimating a first power consumption of the UE operating according to a first set of parameters that correspond to the first coverage mode, the first power consumption estimated based at least in part on a time remaining until a scheduled TAU procedure, means for estimating a second power consumption of the UE operating according to a second set of parameters that correspond to the second coverage mode, the second power consumption estimated based at least in part on the time remaining until the scheduled TAU procedure, and means for performing a timing update procedure based at least in part on a comparison between the estimated first power consumption and the estimated second power consumption.

Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be operable to cause the processor to transition, by a UE, from a first coverage mode to a second coverage mode, estimate a first power consumption of the UE operating according to a first set of parameters that correspond to the first coverage mode, the first power consumption estimated based at least in part on a time remaining until a scheduled TAU procedure, estimate a second power consumption of the UE operating according to a second set of parameters that correspond to the second coverage mode, the second power consumption estimated based at least in part on the time remaining until the scheduled TAU procedure, and perform a timing update procedure based at least in part on a comparison between the estimated first power consumption and the estimated second power consumption.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions operable to cause a processor to transition, by a UE, from a first coverage mode to a second coverage mode, estimate a first power consumption of the UE operating according to a first set of parameters that correspond to the first coverage mode, the first power consumption estimated based at least in part on a time remaining until a scheduled TAU procedure, estimate a second power consumption of the UE operating according to a second set of parameters that correspond to the second coverage mode, the second power consumption estimated based at least in part on the time remaining until the scheduled TAU procedure, and perform a timing update procedure based at least in part on a comparison between the estimated first power consumption and the estimated second power consumption.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining that the estimated first power consumption may be greater than the estimated second power consumption. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for initiating an unscheduled TAU procedure prior to the scheduled TAU procedure based at least in part on the determination.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the unscheduled TAU procedure may be initiated after the determination.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining that the estimated second power consumption may be greater than the estimated first power consumption. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for refraining from performing an unscheduled TAU procedure based at least in part on the determination.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, performing the timing update procedure comprises: modifying an extended eDRX cycle duration of the UE.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the first set of parameters comprises a first extended eDRX cycle duration corresponding to the first coverage mode and an eDRX wakeup power.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the second set of parameters comprises a second eDRX cycle duration corresponding to the second coverage mode, the eDRX wakeup power, and a TAU wakeup power.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the first eDRX cycle duration may be different from the second eDRX cycle duration.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for calculating the time remaining until the scheduled TAU based at least in part on a time of transition from the first coverage mode to the second coverage mode.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for initiating a hysteresis timer after transitioning from the first coverage mode to the second coverage mode, wherein performing the timing update procedure may be based at least in part on the hysteresis timer.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transitioning from the second coverage mode to the first coverage mode within a time interval following transition from the first coverage mode to the second coverage mode. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for performing the scheduled TAU procedure based at least in part on a comparison between the time interval and a time of the hysteresis timer at the transition from the second coverage mode to the first coverage mode.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the scheduled TAU procedure may be a periodic TAU procedure.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the first coverage mode may be CE mode A and the second coverage mode may be CE mode B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some wireless communications, such as IoT communications, a device (e.g., a UE, a LC IoT device) may transition between CE Modes depending on channel conditions (e.g., signal to noise ratio (SNR), interference, reference signal received power (RSRP)), power consumption, or other factors. LC IoT devices, such as Category M (CAT-M) devices, may be power conservative devices that have speed or throughput limits and such devices may be categorized based on their coverage capabilities. For instance, CE Mode A devices may be associated with normal coverage (NC) capabilities that allow an SNR of up to −6 dB. CE Mode B devices may be associated with enhanced coverage (EC) capabilities that allow an SNR range of between −6 dB and −15 dB and may be used by a device far from a base station, at a cell edge, or in a low coverage area (e.g., underground), for example.

LC devices may be implemented in IoT networks and may be referred to as CAT-M devices rather than traditional Category 1 (CAT-1) devices. In some cases, a CAT-M device may have a reduced peak data rate relative to CAT-1 devices, may use a single receive antenna, may operate using half duplex frequency division duplexing (FDD), and may perform transmissions using a reduced bandwidth compared to CAT-1 devices (e.g., 1.4 MHz rather than 20 MHz). Additionally, CAT-M devices may classify UEs in a power class of 20 dBM, along with 23 dBM power class devices.

CAT-M devices may also support deployment in locations with relatively poor channel conditions. Different CE Modes may be used to enhance communication for such devices and may be selected based on the device type, channel conditions, coverage area, etc. CAT-M devices may optionally support one or more CE Modes.

One way to conserve power at an LC IoT device is to use eDRX to monitor for pages from the network (e.g., a base station) within a paging window. The paging window design of eDRX may include using multiple short paging intervals, which may be adjustable, to enable reception of paging information during the paging window. Using eDRX, the idle time of a device may be extended to conserve power.

The eDRX cycle (e.g., the time between wakeup periods for a given UE) may be set by the network. In some cases, a device operating in CE Mode A may have an eDRX cycle that is shorter than a device operating in CE Mode B and may therefore wake more frequently than a device operating in CE Mode B. When a device transitions from a first CE Mode (e.g., CE Mode A) to a second CE Mode (e.g., CE Mode B), the device may retain the eDRX values of CE Mode A until an update timer (e.g., timer T3412) expires. As a device operating according to CE Mode A wakes up more frequently than when operating according to CE Mode B, there may be additional power drain when a device operates using CE Mode A eDRX values while in CE Mode B.

To change the eDRX values, a device may perform a TAU procedure, which is scheduled to occur when an update timer expires. A device may start or reset the timer when entering an idle mode following the TAU procedure. However, when a device transitions from CE Mode A to CE Mode B, there may still be time remaining before the update timer expires and during this time, the device may operate using the eDRX values of CE Mode A rather than eDRX values of CE Mode B. This may result in the device waking more often than when using eDRX values of CE Mode B, which may cause increased power consumption at the device. In some cases, the device may be capable of triggering a TAU procedure to update the timing values, but when a device is operating in CE Mode B, the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) may be low and triggering a TAU procedure may consume additional power resources. A device may determine when to trigger, negotiate with the network, and update the eDRX cycle duration value.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Aspects are then described with respect to device timelines. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices.

Base stations105may wirelessly communicate with UEs115via one or more base station antennas. Each base station105may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110. Communication links125shown in wireless communications system100may include uplink transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink transmissions, from a base station105to a UE115. Control information and data may be multiplexed on an uplink channel or downlink according to various techniques. Control information and data may be multiplexed on a downlink channel, for example, using time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. In some examples, the control information transmitted during a transmission time interval (TTI) of a downlink channel may be distributed between different control regions in a cascaded manner (e.g., between a common control region and one or more UE-specific control regions).

In some cases, a UE115may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). One or more of a group of UEs115utilizing D2D communications may be within the coverage area110of a cell. Other UEs115in such a group may be outside the coverage area110of a cell, or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station105. In some cases, groups of UEs115communicating via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE115transmits to every other UE115in the group. In some cases, a base station105facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In other cases, D2D communications are carried out independent of a base station105.

The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. At least some of the network devices, such as base station105-amay include subcomponents such as an access network entity105-b, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity105-bmay communicate with a number of UEs115through a number of other access network transmission entities105-c, each of which may be an example of a smart radio head, or a transmission/reception point (TRP). In some configurations, various functions of each access network entity or base station105may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., a base station105).

Wireless communications system100may operate in an ultra-high frequency (UHF) frequency region using frequency bands from 700 MHz to 2600 MHz (2.6 GHz), although some networks (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN)) may use frequencies as high as 4 GHz. This region may also be known as the decimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may propagate mainly by line of sight, and may be blocked by buildings and environmental features. However, the waves may penetrate walls sufficiently to provide service to UEs115located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves is characterized by smaller antennas and shorter range (e.g., less than 100 km) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies (and longer waves) of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum. In some cases, wireless communications system100may also utilize extremely high frequency (EHF) portions of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz). This region may also be known as the millimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one millimeter to one centimeter in length. Thus, EHF antennas may be even smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some cases, this may facilitate use of antenna arrays within a UE115(e.g., for directional beamforming). However, EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than UHF transmissions.

Thus, wireless communications system100may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between UEs115and base stations105. Devices operating in mmW or EHF bands may have multiple antennas to allow beamforming. That is, a base station105may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE115. Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering or directional transmission) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitter (e.g., a base station105) to shape and/or steer an overall antenna beam in the direction of a target receiver (e.g., a UE115). This may be achieved by combining elements in an antenna array in such a way that transmitted signals at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference.

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems use a transmission scheme between a transmitter (e.g., a base station105) and a receiver (e.g., a UE115), where both transmitter and receiver are equipped with multiple antennas. Some portions of wireless communications system100may use beamforming. For example, base station105may have an antenna array with a number of rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station105may use for beamforming in its communication with UE115. Signals may be transmitted multiple times in different directions (e.g., each transmission may be beamformed differently). A mmW receiver (e.g., a UE115) may try multiple beams (e.g., antenna subarrays) while receiving the synchronization signals.

In some cases, the antennas of a base station105or UE115may be located within one or more antenna arrays, which may support beamforming or MIMO operation. One or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be collocated at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some cases, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station105may be located in diverse geographic locations. A base station105may multiple use antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE115.

A shared radio frequency spectrum band may be utilized in an NR shared spectrum system. For example, an NR shared spectrum may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrums, among others. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow for the use of eCC across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may increase spectrum utilization and spectral efficiency, specifically through dynamic vertical (e.g., across frequency) and horizontal (e.g., across time) sharing of resources.

In some cases, an MTC device may operate using half-duplex (one-way) communications at a reduced peak rate. MTC devices may also be configured to enter a power saving “deep sleep” mode when not engaging in active communications. In some cases, MTC or IoT devices may be designed to support mission critical functions and wireless communications system may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communications for these functions.

In some cases, to conserve power, a UE115may negotiate eDRX values (e.g., eDRX cycle duration) with the network (e.g., a base station105or entity of core network130) when the UE115transitions from higher power CE Mode (e.g., CE Mode A) to lower power CE Mode (e.g., CE Mode B). In some examples, the UE115may use RSRP (e.g., if the RSRP signal strength crosses a threshold) to deduce that it has transitioned from one mode to another. When a UE115transitions from CE Mode A to CE Mode B, the UE115may initiate a process to determine whether to update the eDRX value. For instance, once in CE Mode B, the UE115may determine update (e.g., increase or decrease) its eDRX value. If the UE115increases the eDRX value, the UE115may wake up less frequently, resulting in a longer idle time and reduced power consumption. In some cases, the UE115may modify its eDRX value to a larger value (e.g., 2621.44 seconds) prior to negotiation (e.g., to prevent the UE115from waking up when making a determination whether to update the eDRX value). According to some aspects, the UE115may update its eDRX value at an unscheduled time.

One option for negotiation with the network may occur shortly after the UE115enters CE Mode B (e.g., transitions from CE Mode A to CE Mode B). In this case, the UE115may determine to immediately trigger a TAU procedure in order to update its eDRX value. Another option for negotiation with the network may occur at the next periodic TAU procedure as determined by the expiration of the TAU timer (e.g., timer T3412). To determine which option to use, the UE115may calculate the energy consumption at the UE115for each option. These calculations may include determining the remaining TAU duration at the time of the transition and the amount of power consumption if the UE115uses CE Mode A eDRX values for the remaining TAU duration. These calculations may also involve determining the amount of power consumption if the UE115triggers a TAU procedure, which uses power, and then uses CE Mode B eDRX values for the remaining TAU duration. Based on the calculations, the UE115may then decide whether to immediately trigger a TAU procedure or wait for the next periodic TAU procedure. For example, if the power to trigger a TAU along with the power consumed by the UE115in the CE Mode B for the remaining TAU duration is less than the power consumed by the UE115operating in CE Mode A for the remaining TAU duration, the UE115may determine to trigger a TAU immediately (e.g., trigger an unscheduled TAU). This method allows for increased power management and conservation when a UE115transitions from CE Mode A to CE Mode B.

If a UE115transitions between modes (e.g., transitions back from CE Mode B to CE Mode A) within a hysteresis time (e.g., as determined by a hysteresis timer), the UE115may wait to update eDRX values until the next periodic TAU procedure. This may prevent a ping-pong effect of eDRX value updates if a UE115changes modes multiple times in a relatively short time frame.

FIG. 2illustrates an example of a wireless system200that supports dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless system200may implement aspects of wireless communication system100. The wireless system may include a base station105-a, UEs115-aand115-b, a normal coverage area110-a, and an extended coverage area110-b. UE115-amay communicate with base station105-ausing communication link125-aand UE115-bmay communicate with base station105-ausing communication link125-b.

As shown, UE115-ais located in normal coverage area110-a. UE115-amay be a CAT-M device operating in CE Mode A (e.g., due to its distance from the base station105-aor the signal quality of communication link125-a). UE115-amay operate according to an eDRX cycle in CE Mode A. If UE115-awere to move outside of normal coverage area110-aor experience a reduction in signal quality, UE115-amay transition from CE Mode A to CE Mode B.

UE115-bis located in extended coverage area110-b. UE115-bmay be a CAT-M device operating in CE Mode B (e.g., due to its distance from the base station105-aor the signal quality of communication link125-b). UE115-bmay operate according to an extended eDRX cycle in CE Mode B. If UE115-bwere to move into the normal coverage area110-aor experience an improvement in signal quality, UE115-bmay transition from CE Mode B to CE Mode A.

FIGS. 3A and 4Billustrate example timelines300that support dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Timelines300may implement aspects of wireless communications system100or200as described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. Example timelines300-aand300-binclude timing of operations at devices of a wireless communications system (e.g., base station105and UE115).

As shown, timelines300-aand300-billustrate examples of a UE115-aoperating in a first coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode A), transitioning to a second coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode B), and operating according to the second coverage mode. In timeline300-a, TAU procedures305are scheduled based on an update timer (e.g., timer T3412) such that upon expiration of the update timer, a scheduled TAU procedure305is performed. UE115-ais operating in CE Mode A having an eDRX cycle illustrated by wake periods310-a. Scheduled TAU procedure305-ais performed and the update timer is reset. At315-a, UE115transitions from operating in CE Mode A to CE Mode B. After transitioning at315-a, UE115determines to perform an unscheduled TAU procedure325in order to conserve power. By performing the unscheduled TAU procedure325, the UE115-amay negotiate (e.g., with base station105-a) and update its eDRX values (e.g., from CE Mode A eDRX values to CE Mode B eDRX values) and wakeup according to wake periods320-a.

The determination to perform unscheduled TAU procedure325may be based on an estimate of the power consumed until the next scheduled TAU procedure305-b(e.g., based on the time remaining on the update timer) using wake periods310-aand an estimate of power consumed until the next scheduled TAU procedure305-b(e.g., based on the time remaining on the update timer) using wake periods320-a. For example, if the estimate of power consumed when operating using eDRX values of CE Mode A is greater than the estimate of power consumed when operating using eDRX values of CE Mode B along with the power costs for triggering a TAU procedure, UE115-amay trigger the unscheduled TAU procedure325. If the unscheduled TAU procedure325is not triggered (e.g., if the estimate of power consumed when operating using eDRX values of CE Mode A is less than the estimate of power consumed when operating using eDRX values of CE Mode B along with the power consumed for triggering a TAU procedure), the UE115-awould continue to operate using eDRX values of CE Mode A (e.g., by waking up during wake period310-b(and others) until the next scheduled TAU procedure305-b).

In timeline300-b, TAU procedures305-cand305-dare scheduled based on an update timer (e.g., timer T3412) such that upon expiration of the update timer, a scheduled TAU procedure305is performed. UE115-bis operating in CE Mode A having an eDRX cycle illustrated by wake periods310-c. Scheduled TAU procedure305-cis performed and the update timer is reset. At315-b, UE115-btransitions from operating in first coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode A) to a second coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode B). As shown, after transitioning, UE115-bdetermines to not perform an unscheduled TAU procedure and instead the UE115-awaits until the next scheduled TAU procedure305-d.

The determination not to perform an unscheduled TAU procedure may be based on an estimate of the power consumed until the next scheduled TAU procedure305-d(e.g., based on the time remaining on the update timer) using wake periods310-cand an estimate of power consumed until the next scheduled TAU procedure305-d(e.g., based on the time remaining on the update timer) using wake periods320-b. For example, if the estimate of power consumed when operating using eDRX values of CE Mode A is less than the estimate of power consumed when operating using eDRX values of CE Mode B along with the power consumed for triggering a TAU procedure, the UE115-bcontinues to operate using eDRX values of CE Mode A (e.g., by waking up during wake periods310-cuntil the next scheduled TAU procedure305-d). At the next scheduled TAU procedure305-d, UE115may negotiate and update its stored eDRX cycle values with the network to operate in according to an eDRX cycle having wake periods320-b.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of a flowchart500of a process that supports dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flowchart500may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100or200as described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. In some examples, the flowchart400may be performed at UE115and in accordance with timelines300as described with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B.

At405, a UE115may be powered on and proceed to410where the UE115measures the serving cell RSRP. In some cases, the UE115may also read system information (e.g., system information blocks (SIBs)), which may be used to determine coverage modes of operation or thresholds used to determine whether.

At415, UE115may determine if a transition of operation mode occurred, such as a transition from a first coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode A) to a second coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode B). This determination may be based on the serving cell RSRP measured at410and the system information. For example, the UE115may obtain thresholds (e.g., from SIB2) and compare the RSRP with the thresholds to determine whether a transition from one mode to another has occurred. If it is determined that no transition occurred, the UE115returns to410. If it is determined that a transition has occurred, the UE115continue to420and determines whether the transition occurred within a time interval, such as a hysteresis time (T1), which may be based on a hysteresis timer activated upon entering a coverage mode. For instance, UE115may compare the time interval after entering a coverage mode with T1and if the UE115transitioned within T1, UE115may proceed to445and waits to update eDRX cycle values until the next timing update procedure (e.g., a scheduled TAU procedure).

If the UE115did not transition within T1, UE115continues to425and calculates the time remaining (Trem) until the next scheduled TAU procedure. In this example, Tremis the time between the next scheduled TAU procedure less the time since the UE115performed a previous TAU procedure. Tremmay be determined once the UE115transitions to a different coverage mode, such as from CE Mode A to CE Mode B. In some cases, Tremmay be on the scale of minutes. In an example, Tremis 5 minutes. After Tremis calculated, UE115may proceeds to430.

At430, UE115calculates the power consumption (PowerOld) based on continuing to operate with the eDRX values of the previous coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode A eDRX values) until the next scheduled TAU procedure. PowerOld may be calculated according to equation 1:
PowerOld=floor(Trem/previous eDRX value)*PowerEDRXwake  (1)
where floor is a function that rounds down to the nearest integer, previous eDRX value is the time interval between wake periods of the previous coverage mode, and PowerEDRXwake is the power consumed during each eDRX wake period. In an example, Tremis 5 minutes, old eDRX cycle duration is 1 minute, and PowerEDRXwake is 1 dB. In this case, PowerOld would come out to be 5 dB.

At block435, UE115calculates the power consumption (PowerNew) based on operating according to the eDRX cycle values of the new coverage mode (e.g., CE Mode B eDRX cycle values) for Tremcombined with the power consumption of triggering an unscheduled TAU procedure. Tremmay be the same Tremas used in the PowerOld calculation. PowerNew may be calculated according to equation 2:
PowerNew=floor(Trem/new eDRX value)*PowerEDRXwake+PowerTAU  (2)
where floor is a function that rounds down to the nearest integer, new eDRX value is the time interval between wake periods of the current coverage mode, PowerEDRXwake is the power consumed during each eDRX wake period, and PowerTAU is the power consumed at the UE115in order to trigger an unscheduled TAU procedure. Continuing with the above example values (Tremof 5 minutes and PowerEDRXwake is 1 dB) and if new eDRX cycle duration is 3 minutes and PowerTAU is 1.5 dB, PowerNew would come out to be 2.5 dB. In some cases, PowerNew may be calculated before PowerOld.

After PowerNew is calculated, UE115may compare the calculated power consumptions PowerOld and PowerNew at440. If PowerOld is less than PowerNew, UE115advances to block445where UE115waits to update eDRX cycle values until the next scheduled TAU procedure. If PowerOld is less than PowerNew, UE115proceeds to450and triggers a timing update procedure (e.g., an unscheduled TAU procedure). During the unscheduled TAU procedure, UE115negotiates new eDRX parameters (e.g., eDRX values) with the base station105, for example. Once new eDRX parameters are determined, UE115continues to460and operates according to the new eDRX parameters. After460, UE115may return to410and monitor RSRP values to determine whether a coverage mode transition has occurred.

FIG. 6shows a block diagram600of a wireless device605that supports dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device605may be an example of aspects of a UE115as described herein. Wireless device605may include receiver610, communications manager615, and transmitter620. Wireless device605may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver610may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver610may be an example of aspects of the transceiver935described with reference toFIG. 9. The receiver610may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas. Communications manager615may be an example of aspects of the communications manager915described with reference toFIG. 9.

Communications manager615may transition, by a UE, from a first coverage mode to a second coverage mode and estimate a first power consumption of the UE operating according to a first set of parameters that correspond to the first coverage mode, the first power consumption estimated based on a time remaining until a scheduled TAU procedure. Communications manager615may estimate a second power consumption of the UE operating according to a second set of parameters that correspond to the second coverage mode, the second power consumption estimated based on the time remaining until the scheduled TAU procedure, and perform a timing update procedure based on a comparison between the estimated first power consumption and the estimated second power consumption.

FIG. 7shows a block diagram700of a wireless device705that supports dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device705may be an example of aspects of a wireless device605or a UE115as described with reference toFIG. 6. Wireless device705may include receiver710, communications manager715, and transmitter720. Wireless device705may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver710may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver710may be an example of aspects of the transceiver935described with reference toFIG. 9. The receiver710may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

Communications manager715may be an example of aspects of the communications manager915described with reference toFIG. 9. Communications manager715may also include transition component725, power estimator730, and update component735.

Transition component725may transition, by a UE, from a first coverage mode to a second coverage mode and transition from the second coverage mode to the first coverage mode within a time interval following transition from the first coverage mode to the second coverage mode. In some cases, the first coverage mode is CE Mode A and the second coverage mode is CE Mode B.

Power estimator730may estimate a first power consumption of the UE operating according to a first set of parameters that correspond to the first coverage mode, the first power consumption estimated based on a time remaining until a scheduled TAU procedure and estimate a second power consumption of the UE operating according to a second set of parameters that correspond to the second coverage mode, the second power consumption estimated based on the time remaining until the scheduled TAU procedure. In some cases, the first set of parameters includes a first eDRX cycle duration corresponding to the first coverage mode and an eDRX wakeup power. In some cases, the second set of parameters includes a second eDRX cycle duration corresponding to the second coverage mode, the eDRX wakeup power, and a TAU wakeup power. In some cases, the first eDRX cycle duration is different from the second eDRX cycle duration. In some cases, the scheduled TAU procedure is a periodic TAU procedure.

Update component735may perform a timing update procedure based on a comparison between the estimated first power consumption and the estimated second power consumption and initiate an unscheduled TAU procedure prior to the scheduled TAU procedure based on the determination. In some cases, update component735may refrain from performing an unscheduled TAU procedure based on the determination, and perform the scheduled TAU procedure based on a comparison between the time interval and a time of the hysteresis timer at the transition from the second coverage mode to the first coverage mode. In some examples, the unscheduled TAU procedure is initiated after the determination. In some aspects, performing the timing update procedure includes: modifying an eDRX cycle duration of the UE.

Transmitter720may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter720may be collocated with a receiver710in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter720may be an example of aspects of the transceiver935described with reference toFIG. 9. The transmitter720may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG. 8shows a block diagram800of a communications manager815that supports dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager815may be an example of aspects of a communications manager615, a communications manager715, or a communications manager915described with reference toFIGS. 6, 7, and 9. The communications manager815may include transition component820, power estimator825, update component830, determination component835, calculation component840, and hysteresis component845. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Transition component820may transition, by a UE, from a first coverage mode to a second coverage mode and transition from the second coverage mode to the first coverage mode within a time interval following transition from the first coverage mode to the second coverage mode. In some cases, the first coverage mode is CE Mode A and the second coverage mode is CE Mode B.

Power estimator825may estimate a first power consumption of the UE operating according to a first set of parameters that correspond to the first coverage mode, the first power consumption estimated based on a time remaining until a scheduled TAU procedure and estimate a second power consumption of the UE operating according to a second set of parameters that correspond to the second coverage mode, the second power consumption estimated based on the time remaining until the scheduled TAU procedure. In some cases, the first set of parameters includes a first eDRX cycle duration corresponding to the first coverage mode and an eDRX wakeup power. In some cases, the second set of parameters includes a second eDRX cycle duration corresponding to the second coverage mode, the eDRX wakeup power, and a TAU wakeup power. In some examples, the first eDRX cycle duration is different from the second eDRX cycle duration. In some aspects, the scheduled TAU procedure is a periodic TAU procedure.

Update component830may perform a timing update procedure based on a comparison between the estimated first power consumption and the estimated second power consumption and initiate an unscheduled TAU procedure prior to the scheduled TAU procedure based on the determination. In some examples, update component830may refrain from performing an unscheduled TAU procedure based on the determination, and perform the scheduled TAU procedure based on a comparison between the time interval and a time of the hysteresis timer at the transition from the second coverage mode to the first coverage mode. In some cases, the unscheduled TAU procedure is initiated after the determination. In some cases, performing the timing update procedure includes: modifying an eDRX cycle duration of the UE.

Determination component835may determine that the estimated first power consumption is greater than the estimated second power consumption and determine that the estimated second power consumption is greater than the estimated first power consumption.

Calculation component840may calculate the time remaining until the scheduled TAU based on a time of transition from the first coverage mode to the second coverage mode.

Hysteresis component845may initiate a hysteresis timer after transitioning from the first coverage mode to the second coverage mode, where performing the timing update procedure is based on the hysteresis timer.

FIG. 9shows a diagram of a system900including a device905that supports dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Device905may be an example of or include the components of wireless device605, wireless device705, or a UE115as described above, e.g., with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7. Device905may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including communications manager915, processor920, memory925, software930, transceiver935, antenna940, and I/O controller945. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus910). Device905may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations105.

Memory925may include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The memory925may store computer-readable, computer-executable software930including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory925may contain, among other things, a basic input/output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Software930may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support dynamic timing update techniques for wireless devices. Software930may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software930may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna940. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna940, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

I/O controller945may manage input and output signals for device905. I/O controller945may also manage peripherals not integrated into device905. In some cases, I/O controller945may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, I/O controller945may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, I/O controller945may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, I/O controller945may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with device905via I/O controller945or via hardware components controlled by I/O controller945.

At block1005the UE115may transition from a first coverage mode to a second coverage mode. The operations of block1005may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block1005may be performed by a transition component as described with reference toFIGS. 6 through 9.

At block1010the UE115may estimate a first power consumption of the UE operating according to a first set of parameters that correspond to the first coverage mode, the first power consumption estimated based at least in part on a time remaining until a scheduled TAU procedure. The operations of block1010may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block1010may be performed by a power estimator as described with reference toFIGS. 6 through 9.

At block1015the UE115may estimate a second power consumption of the UE operating according to a second set of parameters that correspond to the second coverage mode, the second power consumption estimated based at least in part on the time remaining until the scheduled TAU procedure. The operations of block1015may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block1015may be performed by a power estimator as described with reference toFIGS. 6 through 9.

At block1020the UE115may perform a timing update procedure based at least in part on a comparison between the estimated first power consumption and the estimated second power consumption. The operations of block1020may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block1020may be performed by a update component as described with reference toFIGS. 6 through 9.