Patent Description:
Wireless communication systems are rapidly growing in usage. In recent years, wireless devices such as smart phones and tablet computers have become increasingly sophisticated. In addition to supporting telephone calls, many mobile devices now provide access to the internet, email, text messaging, and navigation using the global positioning system (GPS), and are capable of operating sophisticated applications that utilize these functionalities. Additionally, there exist numerous different wireless communication technologies and standards. Some examples of wireless communication standards include GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., <NUM>×RTT, <NUM>×EV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), IEEE <NUM> (WLAN or Wi-Fi), BLUETOOTH™, etc..

Further reference is made to <NPL>"; <NPL>"; <NPL>"; and <NPL>".

The ever-increasing number of features and functionality introduced in wireless communication devices also creates a continuous need for improvement in both wireless communications and in wireless communication devices. To increase coverage and better serve the increasing demand and range of envisioned uses of wireless communication, in addition to the communication standards mentioned above, there are further wireless communication technologies under development, including fifth generation (<NUM>) new radio (NR) communication. Accordingly, improvements in the field in support of such development and design are desired.

The present invention attains the above objective by the independent claims and the preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims. The reference numerals, step Nos. , and the like in parenthesis indicate the correspondence with the embodiments related to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> supporting the claimed invention. All other embodiments are not covered by the claims and only provide background information helpful to understand the invention.

While the features described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to be limiting to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

Memory Medium - Any of various types of non-transitory memory devices or storage devices. The term "memory medium" is intended to include an installation medium, e.g., a CD-ROM, floppy disks, or tape device; a computer system memory or random-access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc.; a non-volatile memory such as a Flash, magnetic media, e.g., a hard drive, or optical storage; registers, or other similar types of memory elements, etc. The memory medium may include other types of non-transitory memory as well or combinations thereof. In addition, the memory medium may be located in a first computer system in which the programs are executed, or may be located in a second different computer system which connects to the first computer system over a network, such as the Internet. In the latter instance, the second computer system may provide program instructions to the first computer for execution. The term "memory medium" may include two or more memory mediums which may reside in different locations, e.g., in different computer systems that are connected over a network. The memory medium may store program instructions (e.g., embodied as computer programs) that may be executed by one or more processors.

Computer System - any of various types of computing or processing systems, including a personal computer system (PC), mainframe computer system, workstation, network appliance, Internet appliance, personal digital assistant (PDA), television system, grid computing system, or other device or combinations of devices. In general, the term "computer system" can be broadly defined to encompass any device (or combination of devices) having at least one processor that executes instructions from a memory medium.

User Equipment (UE) (or "UE Device") - any of various types of computer systems or devices that are mobile or portable and that perform wireless communications. Examples of UE devices include mobile telephones or smart phones (e.g., iPhone™, Android™-based phones), portable gaming devices (e.g., Nintendo DS™, PlayStation Portable™, Gameboy Advance™, iPhone™), laptops, wearable devices (e.g. smart watch, smart glasses), PDAs, portable Internet devices, music players, data storage devices, or other handheld devices, etc. In general, the term "UE" or "UE device" can be broadly defined to encompass any electronic, computing, and/or telecommunications device (or combination of devices) which is easily transported by a user and capable of wireless communication.

Processing Element - refers to various elements or combinations of elements that are capable of performing a function in a device, such as a user equipment or a cellular network device. Processing elements may include, for example: processors and associated memory, portions or circuits of individual processor cores, entire processor cores, processor arrays, circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), programmable hardware elements such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), as well any of various combinations of the above.

Thus, the term "automatically" is in contrast to an operation being manually performed or specified by the user, where the user provides input to directly perform the operation.

The communication area (or coverage area) of the base station may be referred to as a "cell. " The base station 102A and the UEs <NUM> may be configured to communicate over the transmission medium using any of various radio access technologies (RATs), also referred to as wireless communication technologies, or telecommunication standards, such as GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5Gnew radio (5GNR), HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., <NUM>×RTT, <NUM>×EV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc. Note that if the base station 102A is implemented in the context of LTE, it may alternately be referred to as an 'eNodeB' or 'eNB'. Note that if the base station 102A is implemented in the context of <NUM> NR, it may alternately be referred to as 'gNodeB' or 'gNB'.

In some embodiments, base station 102A may be a next generation base station, e.g., a <NUM> New Radio (5GNR) base station, or "gNB". In some embodiments, a gNB may be connected to a legacy evolved packet core (EPC) network and/or to a NR core (NRC) network. In addition, a gNB cell may include one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

Note that a UE <NUM> may be capable of communicating using multiple wireless communication standards. For example, the UE <NUM> may be configured to communicate using a wireless networking (e.g., Wi-Fi) and/or peer-to-peer wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi peer-to-peer, etc.) in addition to at least one cellular communication protocol (e.g., GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-A, <NUM> NR, HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., <NUM>×RTT, <NUM>×EV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc.). The UE <NUM> may also or alternatively be configured to communicate using one or more global navigational satellite systems (GNSS, e.g., GPS or GLONASS), one or more mobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M/H or DVB-H), and/or any other wireless communication protocol, if desired. Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including more than two wireless communication standards) are also possible.

<FIG> illustrates user equipment <NUM> (e.g., one of the devices 106A through 106N) in communication with a base station <NUM> and an access point <NUM>, according to some embodiments. The UE <NUM> may be a device with both cellular communication capability and non-cellular communication capability (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and so forth) such as a mobile phone, a hand-held device, a computer or a tablet, or virtually any type of wireless device.

The UE <NUM> may include one or more antennas for communicating using one or more wireless communication protocols or technologies. In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> may be configured to communicate using, for example, CDMA2000 (<NUM>×RTT / <NUM>×EV-DO / HRPD / eHRPD), LTE/LTE-Advanced, or <NUM> NR using a single shared radio and/or GSM, LTE, LTE-Advanced, or <NUM> NR using the single shared radio. The shared radio may couple to a single antenna, or may couple to multiple antennas (e.g., for MIMO) for performing wireless communications. In general, a radio may include any combination of a baseband processor, analog RF signal processing circuitry (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.), or digital processing circuitry (e.g., for digital modulation as well as other digital processing). Similarly, the radio may implement one or more receive and transmit chains using the aforementioned hardware. For example, the UE <NUM> may share one or more parts of a receive and/or transmit chain between multiple wireless communication technologies, such as those discussed above.

For example, the UE <NUM> might include a shared radio for communicating using either of LTE or 5GNR (or LTE or <NUM>×RTT or LTE or GSM), and separate radios for communicating using each of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an access point (AP) <NUM>. It is noted that the block diagram of the AP of <FIG> is only one example of a possible system. As shown, the AP <NUM> may include processor(s) <NUM> which may execute program instructions for the AP <NUM>. The processor(s) <NUM> may also be coupled (directly or indirectly) to memory management unit (MMU) <NUM>, which may be configured to receive addresses from the processor(s) <NUM> and to translate those addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory <NUM> and read only memory (ROM) <NUM>) or to other circuits or devices.

The AP <NUM> may include at least one network port <NUM>. The network port <NUM> may be configured to couple to a wired network and provide a plurality of devices, such as UEs <NUM>, access to the Internet. For example, the network port <NUM> (or an additional network port) may be configured to couple to a local network, such as a home network or an enterprise network. For example, port <NUM> may be an Ethernet port. The local network may provide connectivity to additional networks, such as the Internet.

The AP <NUM> may include at least one antenna <NUM>, which may be configured to operate as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured to communicate with UE <NUM> via wireless communication circuitry <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> communicates with the wireless communication circuitry <NUM> via communication chain <NUM>. Communication chain <NUM> may include one or more receive chains, one or more transmit chains or both. The wireless communication circuitry <NUM> may be configured to communicate via Wi-Fi or WLAN, e.g., <NUM>. The wireless communication circuitry <NUM> may also, or alternatively, be configured to communicate via various other wireless communication technologies, including, but not limited to, <NUM> NR, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Global System for Mobile (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), CDMA2000, etc., for example when the AP is co-located with a base station in case of a small cell, or in other instances when it may be desirable for the AP <NUM> to communicate via various different wireless communication technologies.

In some embodiments, as further described below, an AP <NUM> may be configured to implement methods for configuring a power savings signal in fifth generation (<NUM>) new radio (NR) networks, e.g., as further described herein.

<FIG> illustrates an example simplified block diagram of a communication device <NUM>, according to some embodiments. It is noted that the block diagram of the communication device of <FIG> is only one example of a possible communication device. According to embodiments, communication device <NUM> may be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet and/or a combination of devices, among other devices. As shown, the communication device <NUM> may include a set of components <NUM> configured to perform core functions. For example, this set of components may be implemented as a system on chip (SOC), which may include portions for various purposes. Alternatively, this set of components <NUM> may be implemented as separate components or groups of components for the various purposes. The set of components <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to various other circuits of the communication device <NUM>.

As shown, the SOC <NUM> may include processor(s) <NUM>, which may execute program instructions for the communication device <NUM> and display circuitry <NUM>, which may perform graphics processing and provide display signals to the display <NUM>. The processor(s) <NUM> may also be coupled to memory management unit (MMU) <NUM>, which may be configured to receive addresses from the processor(s) <NUM> and translate those addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory <NUM>, read only memory (ROM) <NUM>, NAND flash memory <NUM>) and/or to other circuits or devices, such as the display circuitry <NUM>, short range wireless communication circuitry <NUM>, cellular communication circuitry <NUM>, connector I/F <NUM>, and/or display <NUM>. The MMU <NUM> may be configured to perform memory protection and page table translation or set up. In some embodiments, the MMU <NUM> may be included as a portion of the processor(s) <NUM>.

As noted above, the communication device <NUM> may be configured to communicate using wireless and/or wired communication circuitry. The communication device <NUM> may be configured to perform methods for configuring a power savings signal in fifth generation (<NUM>) new radio (NR) networks, e.g., as further described herein.

As described herein, the communication device <NUM> may include hardware and software components for implementing the above features for a communication device <NUM> to communicate a scheduling profile for power savings to a network. The processor <NUM> of the communication device <NUM> may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), processor <NUM> may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or in addition) the processor <NUM> of the communication device <NUM>, in conjunction with one or more of the other components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein.

Further, as described herein, cellular communication circuitry <NUM> and short-range wireless communication circuitry <NUM> may each include one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements may be included in cellular communication circuitry <NUM> and, similarly, one or more processing elements may be included in short range wireless communication circuitry <NUM>. Thus, cellular communication circuitry <NUM> may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of cellular communication circuitry <NUM>. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of cellular communication circuitry <NUM>. Similarly, the short-range wireless communication circuitry <NUM> may include one or more ICs that are configured to perform the functions of short-range wireless communication circuitry <NUM>. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the functions of short-range wireless communication circuitry <NUM>.

The network port <NUM> may be configured to couple to a telephone network and provide a plurality of devices, such as UE devices <NUM>, access to the telephone network as described above in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In addition, base station <NUM> may be considered a <NUM> NR cell and may include one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs).

The radio <NUM> may be configured to communicate via various wireless communication standards, including, but not limited to, <NUM> NF, LTE, LTE-A, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc..

As described further subsequently herein, the BS <NUM> may include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting implementation of features described herein, e.g., for configuring a power savings signal in fifth generation (<NUM>) new radio (NR) networks.

<FIG> illustrates an example simplified block diagram of cellular communication circuitry, according to some embodiments. It is noted that the block diagram of the cellular communication circuitry of <FIG> is only one example of a possible cellular communication circuit. According to embodiments, cellular communication circuitry <NUM> may be include in a communication device, such as communication device <NUM> described above. As noted above, communication device <NUM> may be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet and/or a combination of devices, among other devices.

The cellular communication circuitry <NUM> may couple (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as antennas 335a-b and <NUM> as shown (in <FIG>). In some embodiments, cellular communication circuitry <NUM> may include dedicated receive chains (including and/or coupled to, e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly. For example, as shown in <FIG>, cellular communication circuitry <NUM> may include a modem <NUM> and a modem <NUM>. Modem <NUM> may be configured for communications according to a first RAT, e.g., such as LTE or LTE-A, and modem <NUM> may be configured for communications according to a second RAT, e.g., such as 5GNR.

In some embodiments, the cellular communication circuitry <NUM> may be configured to perform methods for defining and using a resource map for semi-persistent resource reservations/scheduling for unicast and/or groupcast communications in V2X (vehicle to everything) networks, e.g., as further described herein.

As described herein, the modem <NUM> may include hardware and software components for implementing the above features or for time division multiplexing UL data for NSA NR operations, as well as the various other techniques described herein. The processors <NUM> may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), processor <NUM> may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or in addition) the processor <NUM>, in conjunction with one or more of the other components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein.

As described herein, the modem <NUM> may include hardware and software components for implementing the above features for communicating a scheduling profile for power savings to a network, as well as the various other techniques described herein. The processors <NUM> may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), processor <NUM> may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or in addition) the processor <NUM>, in conjunction with one or more of the other components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein.

In some implementations, fifth generation (<NUM>) wireless communication will initially be deployed concurrently with current wireless communication standards (e.g., LTE). For example, dual connectivity between LTE and <NUM> new radio (<NUM> NR or NR) has been specified as part of the initial deployment of NR. Thus, as illustrated in <FIG>, evolved packet core (EPC) network <NUM> may continue to communicate with current LTE base stations (e.g., eNB <NUM>). In addition, eNB <NUM> may be in communication with a <NUM> NR base station (e.g., gNB <NUM>) and may pass data between the EPC network <NUM> and gNB <NUM>. Thus, EPC network <NUM> may be used (or reused) and gNB <NUM> may serve as extra capacity for UEs, e.g., for providing increased downlink throughput to UEs. In other words, LTE may be used for control plane signaling and NR may be used for user plane signaling. Thus, LTE may be used to establish connections to the network and NR may be used for data services.

<FIG> illustrates a proposed protocol stack for eNB <NUM> and gNB <NUM>. As shown, eNB <NUM> may include a medium access control (MAC) layer <NUM> that interfaces with radio link control (RLC) layers 622a-b. RLC layer 622a may also interface with packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer 612a and RLC layer 622b may interface with PDCP layer 612b. Similar to dual connectivity as specified in LTE-Advanced Release <NUM>, PDCP layer 612a may interface via a master cell group (MCG) bearer to EPC network <NUM> whereas PDCP layer 612b may interface via a split bearer with EPC network <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown, gNB <NUM> may include a MAC layer <NUM> that interfaces with RLC layers 624a-b. RLC layer 624a may interface with PDCP layer 612b of eNB <NUM> via an X2 interface for information exchange and/or coordination (e.g., scheduling of a UE) between eNB <NUM> and gNB <NUM>. In addition, RLC layer 624b may interface with PDCP layer <NUM>. Similar to dual connectivity as specified in LTE-Advanced Release <NUM>, PDCP layer <NUM> may interface with EPC network <NUM> via a secondary cell group (SCG) bearer. Thus, eNB <NUM> may be considered a master node (MeNB) while gNB <NUM> may be considered a secondary node (SgNB). In some scenarios, a UE may be required to maintain a connection to both an MeNB and a SgNB. In such scenarios, the MeNB may be used to maintain a radio resource control (RRC) connection to an EPC while the SgNB may be used for capacity (e.g., additional downlink and/or uplink throughput).

In some embodiments, the <NUM> core network (CN) may be accessed via (or through) a cellular connection/interface (e.g., via a 3GPP communication architecture/protocol) and a non-cellular connection/interface (e.g., a non-3GPP access architecture/protocol such as Wi-Fi connection). <FIG> illustrates an example of a <NUM> network architecture that incorporates both 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g., non-cellular) access to the <NUM> CN, according to some embodiments. As shown, a user equipment device (e.g., such as UE <NUM>) may access the <NUM> CN through both a radio access network (RAN, e.g., such as gNB or base station <NUM>) and an access point, such as AP <NUM>. The AP <NUM> may include a connection to the Internet <NUM> as well as a connection to a non-3GPP inter-working function (N3IWF) <NUM> network entity. The N3IWF may include a connection to a core access and mobility management function (AMF) <NUM> of the <NUM> CN. The AMF <NUM> may include an instance of a <NUM> mobility management (<NUM> MM) function associated with the UE <NUM>. In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB <NUM>) may also have a connection to the AMF <NUM>. Thus, the <NUM> CN may support unified authentication over both connections as well as allow simultaneous registration for UE <NUM> access via both gNB <NUM> and AP <NUM>. As shown, the AMF <NUM> may include one or more functional entities associated with the <NUM> CN (e.g., network slice selection function (NSSF) <NUM>, short message service function (SMSF) <NUM>, application function (AF) <NUM>, unified data management (UDM) <NUM>, policy control function (PCF) <NUM>, and/or authentication server function (AUSF) <NUM>). Note that these functional entities may also be supported by a session management function (SMF) 706a and an SMF 706b of the <NUM> CN. The AMF <NUM> may be connected to (or in communication with) the SMF 706a. Further, the gNB <NUM> may in communication with (or connected to) a user plane function (UPF) 708a that may also be communication with the SMF 706a. Similarly, the N3IWF <NUM> may be communicating with a UPF 708b that may also be communicating with the SMF 706b. Both UPFs may be communicating with the data network (e.g., DN 710a and 710b) and/or the Internet <NUM> and IMS core network <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a <NUM> network architecture that incorporates both dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE and <NUM> NR) access and non-3GPP access to the <NUM> CN, according to some embodiments. As shown, a user equipment device (e.g., such as UE <NUM>) may access the <NUM> CN through both a radio access network (RAN, e.g., such as gNB or base station <NUM> or eNB or base station <NUM>) and an access point, such as AP <NUM>. The AP <NUM> may include a connection to the Internet <NUM> as well as a connection to the N3IWF <NUM> network entity. The N3IWF may include a connection to the AMF <NUM> of the <NUM> CN. The AMF <NUM> may include an instance of the <NUM> MM function associated with the UE <NUM>. In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB <NUM>) may also have a connection to the AMF <NUM>. Thus, the <NUM> CN may support unified authentication over both connections as well as allow simultaneous registration for UE <NUM> access via both gNB <NUM> and AP <NUM>. In addition, the <NUM> CN may support dual-registration of the UE on both a legacy network (e.g., LTE via base station <NUM>) and a <NUM> network (e.g., via base station <NUM>). As shown, the base station <NUM> may have connections to a mobility management entity (MME) <NUM> and a serving gateway (SGW) <NUM>. The MME <NUM> may have connections to both the SGW <NUM> and the AMF <NUM>. In addition, the SGW <NUM> may have connections to both the SMF 706a and the UPF 708a. As shown, the AMF <NUM> may include one or more functional entities associated with the <NUM> CN (e.g., NSSF <NUM>, SMSF <NUM>, AF <NUM>, UDM <NUM>, PCF <NUM>, and/or AUSF <NUM>). Note that UDM <NUM> may also include a home subscriber server (HSS) function and the PCF may also include a policy and charging rules function (PCRF). Note further that these functional entities may also be supported by the SMF706a and the SMF 706b of the <NUM> CN. The AMF <NUM> may be connected to (or in communication with) the SMF 706a. Further, the gNB <NUM> may in communication with (or connected to) the UPF 708a that may also be communication with the SMF 706a. Similarly, the N3IWF <NUM> may be communicating with a UPF 708b that may also be communicating with the SMF 706b. Both UPFs may be communicating with the data network (e.g., DN 710a and 710b) and/or the Internet <NUM> and IMS core network <NUM>.

Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above described network entities may be configured to perform methods to configure a power savings signal in fifth generation (<NUM>) new radio (NR) networks, e.g., as further described herein.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a baseband processor architecture for a UE (e.g., such as UE <NUM>), according to some embodiments. The baseband processor architecture <NUM> described in <FIG> may be implemented on one or more radios (e.g., radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> described above) or modems (e.g., modems <NUM> and/or <NUM>) as described above. As shown, the non-access stratum (NAS) <NUM> may include a <NUM> NAS <NUM> and a legacy NAS <NUM>. The legacy NAS <NUM> may include a communication connection with a legacy access stratum (AS) <NUM>. The <NUM> NAS <NUM> may include communication connections with both a <NUM> AS <NUM> and a non-3GPP AS <NUM> and Wi-Fi AS <NUM>. The <NUM> NAS <NUM> may include functional entities associated with both access stratums. Thus, the <NUM> NAS <NUM> may include multiple <NUM> MM entities <NUM> and <NUM> and <NUM> session management (SM) entities <NUM> and <NUM>. The legacy NAS <NUM> may include functional entities such as short message service (SMS) entity <NUM>, evolved packet system (EPS) session management (ESM) entity <NUM>, session management (SM) entity <NUM>, EPS mobility management (EMM) entity <NUM>, and mobility management (MM)/ GPRS mobility management (GMM) entity <NUM>. In addition, the legacy AS <NUM> may include functional entities such as LTE AS <NUM>, UMTS AS <NUM>, and/or GSM/GPRS AS <NUM>.

Thus, the baseband processor architecture <NUM> allows for a common <NUM>-NAS for both 5Gcellular and non-cellular (e.g., non-3GPP access). Note that as shown, the 5GMM may maintain individual connection management and registration management state machines for each connection. Additionally, a device (e.g., UE <NUM>) may register to a single PLMN (e.g., <NUM> CN) using <NUM> cellular access as well as non-cellular access. Further, it may be possible for the device to be in a connected state in one access and an idle state in another access and vice versa. Finally, there may be common <NUM>-MM procedures (e.g., registration, de-registration, identification, authentication, as so forth) for both accesses.

Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above described elements may be configured to perform methods to implement mechanisms for configuring a power savings signal in fifth generation (<NUM>) new radio (NR) networks, e.g., as further described herein.

In some existing implementations, a mobile station, or UE, may have a limited amount of power, e.g., based on a size of an included battery. Thus, due to the size of the included battery, power consumption of the UE may be directly translated (or related) to talk time, stand by time, and/or usage time. In addition, as compared to legacy protocols (or RATs) such as LTE, Fifth Generation (<NUM>) New Radio (NR), which supports much wider bandwidth than LTE, is expected to consume more power. Further, since initial deployment of <NUM> NR will be based on a dual connectivity solution with LTE, power consumption will be further increased due to requiring both LTE and <NUM> NR radios to be on. Thus, power consumption reduction is needed.

For example, it has been acknowledged that UE power consumption in initial deployments of <NUM> NR (e.g., dual connectivity <NUM> NR-LTE) is unnecessarily high due to a variety of factors. As one example, physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring without a grant has been shown to unnecessarily increase power consumption in certain instances, such as PDCCH monitoring without a grant between packet arrival times and PDCCH monitoring without a grant during a connected mode discontinuous reception cycle (CDRX) "on" duration. Additionally, unnecessary power consumption has been shown when using too wide bandwidth for data arrival (e.g., the bandwidth used for data arrival is too wide as compared to an amount of data arriving). As another example, S-cells may be turned on for a longer time than necessary to fully utilize. In other words, S-cells may be under-utilized based on the duration that they are on. As a further example, usage of more multiple input multiple output (MIMO) layers than necessary leads to unnecessary power consumption since addition receive chains need to be powered to support the MIMO layers.

Embodiments described herein provide a configurable power saving signal (or channel) with multiple functionalities. In some embodiments, the functionalities of the configurable power saving signal may include any, any combination of, and/or all of a wake-up signal, a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal, a PDCCH monitoring periodicity change signal, a signal to trigger bandwidth switching, a signal to trigger maximum MIMO layer indication, a signal to trigger minimum K0 indicator, and/or a signal to trigger S-cell control. In some embodiments, the functionality of the configurable power saving signal may be determined by radio resource control (RRC) signaling depending on UE capability and needs.

For example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, is configured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which may be configured as a wake-up signal (or channel). In some embodiments, the UE is configured to monitor a power saving signal prior to an "on" period (or wakeup period) of a discontinuous reception cycle (DRX). Additionally, in some embodiments, a gap (e.g., a period of time) between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and a DRX "on" start time may be pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between a base station, such as gNB <NUM> and the UE). In some embodiments, the pre-configuration may involve a negotiation between the UE and a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the UE may request a minimum gap value and the base station may accommodate the UE with a gap time greater than or equal to the minimum gap value. In some embodiments, the base station may configure the gap time without input from the UE, e.g., based on a pre-configured and/or standardized value for the gap time.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may monitor a power saving signal (or channel), such as PS signal <NUM>, from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. As discussed above, the base station may specify a gap <NUM> between detection of PS signal <NUM> and a start of a corresponding DRX on cycle, such as DRX on <NUM>. Further, as shown, if the UE does not detect PS signal <NUM> (e.g., shown as no PS signal <NUM>), the UE may skip a correspond DRX on cycle (e.g., shown as DRX on skip <NUM>). Thus, based upon detection (or lack of detection) of PS signal <NUM>, the UE may realize power savings.

In some embodiments, a PS signal may be further configured to include a parameter indicating the gap between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and a DRX "on" start time (e.g., as described above) and a parameter indicating a number of DRX "on" cycles to attend (in case of PS signal detection) or skip (in case of no PS signal detection). In such embodiments, a periodicity of the PS signal may be longer than a DRX cycle.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may periodically monitor a power saving signal (or channel), such as PS signal <NUM>, from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. As discussed above, the base station may specify a gap (e.g., T <NUM>) between detection of PS signal <NUM> and a start of a corresponding DRX on cycle, such as DRX on cycle <NUM>. Additionally, the PS signal <NUM> may include a parameter (e.g., N) indicating a number of DRX on cycles <NUM> the UE is to perform. Further, as shown in <FIG>, if the UE does not detect PS signal <NUM> (e.g., shown as no PS signal <NUM>), the UE may skip a corresponding number DRX on cycles (e.g., shown as DRX on skip <NUM>). Note that the number of DRX on cycles may be pre-configured (e.g., via RRC signaling) in at least some embodiments. Thus, based upon detection (or lack of detection) of PS signal <NUM>, the UE may realize power savings.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE may, during a DRX on cycle, perform PDCCH monitoring <NUM> upon detection of a PS signal <NUM>. During PDCCH monitoring <NUM>, the UE may detect a downlink control index (DCI) <NUM> indicating a scheduled PDSCH <NUM>. Thus, in some embodiments, a data scheduling DCI may be used as a PS signal. For example, as illustrated by <FIG>, a base station, such as gNB <NUM>, may send a DCI for data scheduling instead of a PS signal. Thus, PS signal <NUM> may be the data scheduling DCI and may include resource allocation information for corresponding PDSCH <NUM>. Thus, upon receipt of the PS signal (or data scheduling DCI) <NUM>, the UE may wakeup and may schedule both PDCCH monitoring <NUM> and the PDSCH <NUM> without receiving further scheduling information from the base station. In some embodiments, the UE may interpret (or understand) that the data scheduling DCI received during wake up signal monitoring occasion may include only K0 values larger than (greater than or equal to) the gap (e.g., T <NUM>) among all K0 values in a time domain resource allocation TDRA (table).

As another example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may be configured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which may be configured as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, if a UE detects such a power saving signal (or channel), the UE may skip scheduled monitoring of the PDCCH for a specified length of time. Additionally, in some embodiments, a gap (e.g., a period of time) between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and PDCCH monitoring skipping may be pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between a base station, such as gNB <NUM> and the UE). In some embodiments, the pre-configuration may involve a negotiation between the UE and a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the UE may request a minimum gap value and the base station may accommodate the UE with a gap time greater than or equal to the minimum gap value. In some embodiments, the base station may configure the gap time without input from the UE, e.g., based on a pre-configured and/or standardized value for the gap time.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may monitor a power saving signal (or channel), such as PS signal <NUM>, from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. As discussed above, the base station may specify a gap <NUM> (e.g., time period) between detection of PS signal <NUM> and a start of a skipping period. Thus, as shown, upon detection of the PS signal <NUM>, a UE may continue PDCCH monitoring <NUM> for a gap <NUM> before entering a sleep cycle (as specified by sleep time <NUM>) during which the UE skips PDCCH monitoring (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring <NUM>).

In some embodiments, a PS signal may be further configured to include a parameter indicating the gap between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and a PDCCH monitoring skipping period, a duration of a skipping period (e.g., a sleep duration) or an indication of a duration of a skipping period chosen from a plurality of durations of a skipping period, and an indication of a cell or set of cells (e.g., a primary (or master) cell and one or more secondary cells). For example, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may receive a PS signal <NUM> from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. The PS signal <NUM> may include a duration, T <NUM>, until start of a sleep period, a sleep time <NUM>, and an indication of whether the sleep period applies to p-cell 1104a and/or s-cell 1104b. As shown, the PS signal <NUM> may indicate that the sleep period applies to s-cell 1104b and not to p-cell 1104a. Thus, the UE may continue PDCCH monitoring <NUM> on p-cell 1104a while skipping PDCCH monitoring <NUM> (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring <NUM>) for the sleep time <NUM> on s-cell 1104b. As another example, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may receive a PS signal <NUM> from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. The PS signal <NUM> may include a duration, T <NUM>, until start of a sleep period, a sleep time <NUM>, and an indication of whether the sleep period applies to p-cell 1104a and/or s-cell 1104b. As shown, the PS signal <NUM> may indicate that the sleep period applies to s-cell 1104b and to p-cell 1104a. Thus, the UE may skip PDCCH monitoring <NUM> (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring <NUM>) on p-cell 1104a and s-cell 1104b for the sleep time <NUM>.

As another example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may be configured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which may be configured as a PDCCH monitoring periodicity change signal. In some embodiments, if a UE detects such a power saving signal (or channel), the UE may switch its PDCCH monitoring periodicity for a specified length of time. Additionally, in some embodiments, a gap (e.g., a period of time) between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and PDCCH monitoring periodicity change may be pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between a base station, such as gNB <NUM> and the UE). In some embodiments, the pre-configuration may involve a negotiation between the UE and a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the UE may request a minimum gap value and the base station may accommodate the UE with a gap time greater than or equal to the minimum gap value. In some embodiments, the base station may configure the gap time without input from the UE, e.g., based on a pre-configured and/or standardized value for the gap time.

In some embodiments, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may monitor a power saving signal (or channel), such as PS signal <NUM>, from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. As discussed above, the base station may specify a time period <NUM> between detection of PS signal <NUM> and a start of a change in PDCCH monitoring periodicity. Thus, as shown, upon detection of the PS signal <NUM>, a UE may continue PDCCH monitoring <NUM> for a time period <NUM> (e.g., gap) before changing its PDCCH monitoring periodicity. Thus, the UE may skip monitoring of the PDCCH (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring <NUM>) based on the indicated periodicity. As shown, upon receiving PS signal <NUM>, the UE may continue PDCCH monitoring based on PS signal <NUM> for a time period <NUM> before changing its PDCCH monitoring periodicity based on PS signal <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a PS signal may be further configured to include a parameter indicating the gap between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and a change in PDCCH monitoring periodicity, a periodicity of PDCCH monitoring skipping or an indication of a periodicity chosen from a plurality of PDCCH monitoring periodicity, and an indication of a cell or set of cells (e.g., a primary (or master) cell and one or more secondary cells). For example, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may receive a PS signal <NUM> from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. The PS signal <NUM> may include a duration, T <NUM>, until start of a change in PDCCH monitoring periodicity, an indication of the PDCCH monitoring periodicity, and an indication of whether the PDCCH monitoring periodicity applies to p-cell 1204a and/or s-cell 1204b. As shown, the PS signal <NUM> may indicate that the change applies to s-cell 1204b and not to p-cell 1204a. Thus, the UE may continue PDCCH monitoring <NUM> on p-cell 1204a while changing PDCCH monitoring <NUM> (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring <NUM>) for s-cell 1204b. Further, as shown, upon receiving PS signal <NUM>, the UE may continue PDCCH monitoring based on PS signal <NUM> for a time period <NUM> before changing its PDCCH monitoring periodicity for s-cell 1204b (e.g., as indicated by PS signal <NUM>) based on PS signal <NUM>. As another example, as illustrated by <FIG>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may receive a PS signal <NUM> from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. The PS signal <NUM> may include a duration, T <NUM>, until start of a change in PDCCH monitoring periodicity, an indication of the PDCCH monitoring periodicity, and an indication of whether the PDCCH monitoring periodicity applies to p-cell 1204a and/or s-cell 1204b. As shown, the PS signal <NUM> may indicate that the change applies to p-cell 1204a and s-cell 1204b. Thus, after time period <NUM>, the UE change PDCCH monitoring <NUM> (e.g., skip PDCCH monitoring <NUM>) for p-cell 1204a and s-cell 1204b, e.g., as indicated by PS signal <NUM>. Further, as shown, upon receiving PS signal <NUM>, the UE may continue PDCCH monitoring based on PS signal <NUM> for the time period <NUM> before changing its PDCCH monitoring periodicity for p-cell 1204a and s-cell 1204b (e.g., as indicated by PS signal <NUM>) based on PS signal <NUM>.

As another example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may be configured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which may be configured as a bandwidth part (BWP) switch indicator. In some embodiments, if the UE detects a PS signal indicating a different BWP, the UE may change its active BWP to ta BWP indicated in the PS signal. In some embodiments, such a PS signal may trigger BWP switching in multiple cells. For example, PS signal based BWP switching could trigger change of an active BWP of a p-cell to a default BWP and an active BWP of one or more s-cells to their own default BWPs. In some embodiments, such switching of the BWP of the one or more s-cells this could be signaled explicitly or implicitly. In some embodiments, PS signal based BWP switching to p-cell's default BWP may also trigger deactivation/suspension of one or more s-cell(s). In some embodiments, a PS signal may be further configured to include a parameter indicating the gap between a PS signal monitoring occasion and a change in BWP. Additionally, in some embodiments, the gap (e.g., a period of time) between a power saving signal monitoring occasion and change in BWP may be pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between a base station, such as gNB <NUM> and the UE). In some embodiments, the pre-configuration may involve a negotiation between the UE and a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the UE may request a minimum gap value and the base station may accommodate the UE with a gap time greater than or equal to the minimum gap value. In some embodiments, the base station may configure the gap time without input from the UE, e.g., based on a pre-configured and/or standardized value for the gap time.

As another example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may be configured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which may be configured to indicate a maximum number of MIMO layers (or maximum number of antennas to use for reception). In some embodiments, if UE detects a PS signal indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers, the UE may adjust its number of receive antennas and/and receive chains to reduce power consumption, e.g., based on the indicated maximum number of MIMO layers. In some embodiments, if the UE does not detect a PS signal indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers, then the UE may use a previously received indicated maximum value could be assumed if a most recent maximum number of MIMO layer indication by PS signal was received within a specified time period (e.g., a X ms, where, for example, X is between <NUM> and <NUM>). In some embodiments, if the UE does not detect a PS signal indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers and if there was no prior PS signal indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers for within a specified time period (e.g., X ms, where X is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>), then the UE may assume a default number of MIMO layers, e.g., as configured by RRC signaling.

As a further example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may be configured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which may be configured to indicate a minimum K0 value (K0_min) per bandwidth part (BWP) per component carrier, where K0 may be define as time distance between PDCCH and corresponding PDSCH in slots. In other words, a PS signal may be configured to specify a minimum K0 value per BWP per component carrier, where K0 may define a number of slots (e.g., from <NUM> to n) between a slot scheduled for the PDCCH and a slot scheduled for PDSCH. In some embodiments, if the UE detects a PS signal indicating minimum K0 values per BWP per component carrier, then the UE may expect to receive PDSCH based on only time domain resource allocation (TDRA) entries with K0 values larger than the minimum K0. In some embodiments, if the UE detects a PS signal indicating minimum K0 values per BWP per component carrier, then the UE may add the minimum K0 value indicated in the PS signal to all K0 values in TDRA entries. In some embodiments, if the UE does not detect a PS indicating a minimum K0 value per BWP per component carrier, then the UE may continue to use a most recently signaled minimum K0 value per BWP per component carrier.

In some embodiments, to aid a base station, such as gNB <NUM>, in determination of correct K0 values, a UE, such as UE <NUM> may transmit (e.g., via RRC signaling) preferred K0 value per BWP and per component carrier to the base station. In addition, the UE may transmit a PDCCH decoding delay in each BWP in each component carrier to the base station. In such embodiments, the base station may determine K0 values based, at least in part, on the UE's transmitted preferences, subcarrier spacings of BWPs considered (e.g., BWPs preferred by the UE), PDCCH decoding delay (e.g., as specified by the UE) in the related BWPs, and/or whether the base station uses cross carrier scheduling.

As a further example, in some embodiments, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may be configured to monitor a power saving (PS) signal (or channel) which may be configured to indicate secondary cell (s-cell) activation, deactivation, and/or suspension. In some embodiments, if a UE detects a PS signal indicating s-cell activation, the UE may activate an indicated s-cell (or s-cells). In some embodiments, if the UE detects a PS signal indicating s-cell deactivation, the UE may deactivate an indicated s-cell (or s-cells). In some embodiments, if the UE detects a PS signal indicating s-cell suspension, the UE may switch an indicated s-cell (or s-cells) in a suspend mode. Note that in some embodiments, a suspend mode may be defined as a mode in which the UE may not expect to receive any data transmission but in which the UE may still monitor downlink channel status monitoring related signaling such as CSI-RS. Additionally, in some embodiments, a gap (e.g., a period of time) between a power saving (PS) signal monitoring occasion and s-cell mode change may be pre-configured (e.g., via signaling between a base station, such as gNB <NUM> and the UE). In some embodiments, the pre-configuration may involve a negotiation between the UE and a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the UE may request a minimum gap value and the base station may accommodate the UE with a gap time greater than or equal to the minimum gap value. In some embodiments, the base station may configure the gap time without input from the UE, e.g., based on a pre-configured and/or standardized value for the gap time.

In some embodiments, one or more of the functionalities and/or configurations of a power saving (PS) signal described above may be configured simultaneously via radio resource control signaling between a UE, such as UE <NUM>, and a base station, such as gNB <NUM>, to support UE power savings. In some embodiments, if one or more functionalities/configurations are configured for a PS signal, then the PS signal may include (or carry) all associated parameters (or fields) until the PS signal is reconfigured. In other words, the PS signal may be configured to include any, any combination of, and/or all of the above described parameters/functionalities via RRC signaling. In addition, the PS signal may be reconfigured via RRC signaling to include any, any combination of, and/or all of the above described parameters/functionalities via RRC signaling.

For example, in some embodiments, a PS signal may be configured as a wake-up signal, a bandwidth part (BWP) indicator, a maximum number of MIMO layers indicator, and as an s-cell control. In such embodiments, a time gap between a wakeup signal and a start of a DRX "on" cycle (e.g., for PDCCH monitoring and/or PDSCH data reception) may accommodate UE activation of one or more s-cells (e.g., as indicated by the PS signal). Thus, the time gap may accommodate both UE modem warm up (e.g., for PDCCH monitoring and/or PDSCH data reception) and UE activation of the one or more s-cells. Thus, the PS signal may indicate whether UE needs to wake up, which BWP to monitor upon wake up, and a maximum number of MIMO layers in the indicated BWP in the indicates s-cells for activation. Note that applicability of the BWP indicator (or index) may depend on other jointly indicated signals, such as which s-cells are to be activated.

As another example, a PS signal may be configured as a wake-up signal and a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In such embodiments, the UE may interpret the PS signal based on a mode of the UE. Thus, if the UE is in an active mode (e.g., a DRX "on" cycle), the UE may interpret the PS signal as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. However, if the UE is not in the active mode (e.g., a DRX "off' cycle), the UE may interpret the PS signal as a wake-up signal. In other words, a functionality associated with the PS signal may be dependent upon a mode (or state) of the UE. Alternatively, in some embodiments, multiple PS signals may be configured via RRC signaling between a UE and a base station. In such embodiments, a first PS signal may be configured as a wake-up signal and a second PS signal may be configured as a PDCCH monitoring skipping indication. In such embodiments, a base station, such as gNB <NUM>, may transmit the first PS signal when a UE, such as UE <NUM>, is in a DRX "off' (or sleep) duration (or out of DRX "on" duration) and may transmit the second PS signal when the UE is in a DRX "on" duration (e.g., actively monitoring PDCCH) or when inactivity timer is running.

<FIG> illustrates one example of such a PS signal configuration (more precisely a single search space configuration for PS signal monitoring), according to some embodiments. As shown, a PS signal <NUM> may be periodically received by a UE, such as UE <NUM>, from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. As shown, when a PS signal <NUM> is received during PDCCH monitoring <NUM> (e.g., during a DRX "on" cycle), the UE may interpret the PS signal <NUM> as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and skip one or more PDCCH monitoring opportunities based on the PS signal <NUM>. However, when a PS signal <NUM> is received outside of PDCCH monitoring <NUM> (e.g., during a DRX "off' duration), the UE may interpret the PS signal <NUM> as a wake-up signal and, after a duration <NUM>, may resume PDCCH monitoring <NUM> for a duration as specified in PS signal <NUM> before reentering (or resuming) a DRX "off' (or sleep) cycle.

<FIG> illustrates another example of two PS signal configurations (more precisely two search space configurations; a first configuration for monitoring the PS signal as PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and a second configuration for monitoring PS signal as wake up signal), according to some embodiments. As shown, a PS signal may be periodically received by a UE, such as UE <NUM>, from a base station, such as gNB <NUM>. As shown, when a PS signal <NUM> is received by the UE during PDCCH monitoring <NUM> (e.g., during a DRX "on" cycle), the PS signal <NUM> may be configured as PDCCH monitoring skipping PS signal. Additionally, when the PS signal <NUM>, which is monitored based on the second search space configuration (e.g., during a DRX "off' cycle), the PS signal <NUM> may be configured as a wake-up PS signal.

As a further example, a PS signal may be configured as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and an s-cell control signal. In such embodiments, a PS signal may indicate PDCCH monitoring skipping duration and PDCCH monitoring periodicity to be used thereafter as well as s-cell activation/deactivation/suspension. In some embodiments, PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and s-cell control may be jointly encoded to save signaling overhead. For example, <FIG> illustrates examples of possible values of a PS signal and associated indications for p-cell and s-cell control, according to some embodiments. As shown, a joint signal value of '<NUM>' may indicate no PDCCH monitoring skipping for a p-cell and instruct a UE to resume monitoring of an s-cell (or s-cells) if stopped and/or activate an s-cell (or s-cells) if deactivated. A value of '<NUM>' may indicate <NUM> milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the p-cell and <NUM> milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of '<NUM>' may indicate <NUM> milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the p-cell and <NUM> milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of '<NUM>' may indicate <NUM> milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the p-cell and <NUM> milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of `<NUM>' may indicate <NUM> milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the p-cell and suspension of the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of '<NUM>' may indicate <NUM> milliseconds of PDCCH monitoring skipping for the p-cell and deactivation of the s-cell (or s-cells).

As another example, a PS signal may be configured as a bandwidth part (BWP) indicator and an s-cell control signal. In such embodiments, a PS signal may indicate BWP for both p-cell and s-cell (or s-cells) as well as s-cell activation/deactivation/suspension. In some embodiments, BWP indication and s-cell control may be jointly encoded to save signaling overhead and/or to capture most likely configurations. For example, <FIG> illustrates examples of possible values of a PS signal and associated indications for p-cell and s-cell control, according to some embodiments. As shown, a joint signal value of '<NUM>' may indicate default BWP for a p-cell and instruct a UE to deactivate an s-cell (or s-cells). A value of '<NUM>' may indicate default BWP for the p-cell and suspension of the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of '<NUM>' may indicate BWP1 for the p-cell and suspension of the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of '<NUM>' may indicate BWP2 for the p-cell and suspension of the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of '<NUM>' may indicate BWP2 for the p-cell and default BWP for the s-cell (or s-cells). A value of '<NUM>' may indicate BWP2 for the p-cell and BWP2 for the s-cell (or s-cells).

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an example of a method for configuring a power savings signal, according to some embodiments. The method shown in <FIG> may be used in conjunction with any of the systems, methods, or devices shown in the Figures, among other devices. In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may be performed concurrently, in a different order than shown, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as desired. As shown, this method may operate as follows.

At <NUM>, a UE, such as UE <NUM>, may transmit power savings requirements to a base station, such as base station <NUM> and/or gNB <NUM>.

At <NUM>, the UE receives, from the base station, a configuration of a power saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration may indicate one or more functionalities of the power saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration of the power saving signal may be received via radio resource control signaling. In some embodiments, the configuration may be negotiated between the UE and the base station. In such embodiments, the negotiation may include the UE requesting a minimum gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an action indicated by the functionality of the power saving signal. In some embodiments, a parameter included in the power saving signal may indicate a gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an action indicated by the functionality of the power saving signal that is greater than or equal to the minimum gap. In some embodiments, the one or more functionalities may include any, any combination of, and/or all of the power saving signal functioning as a wake-up signal, the power saving signal functioning as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring skipping signal, the power saving signal functioning as a PDCCH monitoring periodicity change signal, the power saving signal functioning as a bandwidth part (BWP) switching indicator, the power saving signal functioning as a maximum number of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) layer indicator, the power saving signal functioning as a minimum K0 indicator, where K0 may indicate a number of slots between a slot scheduled for the PDCCH and a slot scheduled for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and/or the power saving signal functioning as a secondary cell control indicator.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a wake-up signal, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a wake-up start time. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating a number of power on cycles to skip when the UE does not receive a power savings signal. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a third parameter indicating a scheduling downlink control index (DCI).

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating a sleep duration from a set of sleep durations. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a third parameter indicating a set of cells to skip monitoring PDCCH. In some embodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a PDCCH periodicity change signal, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a start of the PDCCH periodicity change. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating a PDCCH monitoring periodicity from a set of PDCCH monitoring periodicities. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a third parameter indicating a set of cells the change in PDCCH monitoring periodicity applies to. In some embodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a bandwidth part (BWP) switching indicator, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a switch of the BWP. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating the BWP. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a third parameter indicating a set of cells the BWP applies to. In some embodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a maximum number of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) layer indicator, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a switch of the maximum number of MIMO layers. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating the maximum number of MIMO layers. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a third parameter indicating a set of cells the maximum number of MIMO layers applies to. In some embodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a minimum K0 indicator per bandwidth part and/or per component carrier, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a switch of the minimum K0. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating the minimum K0. In some embodiments, K0 may indicate a number of slots between a slot scheduled for the PDCCH and a slot scheduled for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a third parameter indicating a set of cells the minimum K0 applies to. In some embodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells. In some embodiments, the UE may interpret the minimum K0 as an offset. In such embodiments, the UE may add the minimum K0 to all K0 values.

In some embodiments, when the power saving signal functions as a secondary cell control indicator, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a switch in a mode of the secondary cell. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating one or more secondary cells to switch. In some embodiments, the modes may include activation, deactivation, and/or suspension.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a wake-up signal, a bandwidth part (BWP) indicator, a maximum number of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) layer indicator, and a secondary cell control indicator. In such embodiments, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a switch in a mode of the secondary cell, a second parameter indicating one or more secondary cells to switch, a third parameter indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers, and a fourth parameter indicating BWP. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a fifth parameter indicating to which secondary cells the maximum number of MIMO layers and BWP are applicable.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a wake-up signal and a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is in an active mode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is not in the active mode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a wake-up signal. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a wake-up start time or a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping, a second parameter indicating a number of power on cycles to skip when the wireless device does not receive a power savings signal, and a third parameter indicating a sleep duration from a set of sleep durations.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and a secondary cell control indicator. In such embodiments, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping, a second parameter indicating PDCCH monitoring periodicity, and a third parameter indicating secondary cell mode. In some embodiments, the modes may include activation, deactivation, and suspension. In some embodiments, the PDCCH monitoring skipping and secondary control indicator may be jointly encoded to reduce signaling overhead.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a bandwidth part (BWP) indicator and a secondary cell control indicator. In some embodiments, the BWP and secondary cell control may be jointly encoded to reduce signaling overhead.

At <NUM>, the UE may periodically receive, from the base station, the power saving signal.

At <NUM>, the UE interprets the power saving signal based on the configuration.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive, from the base station, a configuration of a power saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration may indicate one or more functionalities of the power saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration of the power saving signal may be received via radio resource control signaling. In some embodiments, the configuration may be negotiated between the UE and the base station. In such embodiments, the negotiation may include the UE requesting a minimum gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an action indicated by the functionality of the power saving signal. In some embodiments, a parameter included in the power saving signal may indicate a gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an action indicated by the functionality of the power saving signal that is greater than or equal to the minimum gap. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a wake-up signal and may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a wake-up start time. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating a number of power on cycles to skip when the UE does not receive a power savings signal. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a third parameter indicating a scheduling downlink control index (DCI).

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further function as a bandwidth part (BWP) indicator, a maximum number of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) layer indicator, and a secondary cell control indicator. In such embodiments, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a switch in a mode of the secondary cell, a second parameter indicating one or more secondary cells to switch, a third parameter indicating a maximum number of MIMO layers, and a fourth parameter indicating BWP. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a fifth parameter indicating to which secondary cells the maximum number of MIMO layers and BWP are applicable.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also function as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is in an active mode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is not in the active mode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a wake-up signal. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a wake-up start time or a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping, a second parameter indicating a number of power on cycles to skip when the wireless device does not receive a power savings signal, and a third parameter indicating a sleep duration from a set of sleep durations.

At <NUM>, the UE may interpret the power saving signal based on the configuration.

At <NUM>, the UE may receive, from the base station, a configuration of a power saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration may indicate one or more functionalities of the power saving signal. In some embodiments, the configuration of the power saving signal may be received via radio resource control signaling. In some embodiments, the configuration may be negotiated between the UE and the base station. In such embodiments, the negotiation may include the UE requesting a minimum gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an action indicated by the functionality of the power saving signal. In some embodiments, a parameter included in the power saving signal may indicate a gap between receipt of the power saving signal and an action indicated by the functionality of the power saving signal that is greater than or equal to the minimum gap. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may function as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal and may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may also include a second parameter indicating a sleep duration from a set of sleep durations. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further include a third parameter indicating a set of cells to skip monitoring PDCCH. In some embodiments, the set of cells may include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further function as a wake-up signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is in an active mode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a PDCCH monitoring skipping signal. In some embodiments, when the UE is not in the active mode, the UE may interpret the power saving signal as a wake-up signal. In some embodiments, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a wake-up start time or a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping, a second parameter indicating a number of power on cycles to skip when the wireless device does not receive a power savings signal, and a third parameter indicating a sleep duration from a set of sleep durations.

In some embodiments, the power saving signal may further function as a secondary cell control indicator. In such embodiments, the power saving signal may include a first parameter indicating a time gap between receipt of the power saving signal and a start of the PDCCH monitoring skipping, a second parameter indicating PDCCH monitoring periodicity, and a third parameter indicating secondary cell mode. In some embodiments, the modes may include activation, deactivation, and suspension. In some embodiments, the PDCCH monitoring skipping and secondary control indicator may be jointly encoded to reduce signaling overhead.

In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a UE <NUM> or BS <NUM>) may be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium, where the memory medium stores program instructions, where the processor is configured to read and execute the program instructions from the memory medium, where the program instructions are executable to implement any of the various method embodiments described herein (or, any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or, any combination of such subsets). The device may be realized in any of various forms.

Claim 1:
A method for configuring a power saving signal, performed by a user equipment device, UE, (<NUM>), the method comprising:
receiving, from a base station (<NUM>), a configuration of a power saving signal, wherein the configuration indicates one or more functionalities of the power saving signal and wherein the power saving signal functions as a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH monitoring skipping signal;
monitoring, before a discontinuous reception cycle, DRX, on-duration, the power saving signal from the base station; and
interpreting the power saving signal based on the configuration.