Adaptive Receive Chain Selection for Wireless UE Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing downlink receive chains, leading to increased power consumption and reduced battery life, as they often maintain multiple active chains even during low activity periods, which is not optimized for varying network conditions and grant activities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing adaptive receive chain management at user equipment (UE) that dynamically adjusts the number of active downlink receive chains based on downlink grant activity, channel conditions, and network parameters using high and low activity estimator blocks, allowing for efficient switching between reduced and increased receive chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple downlink receive chains are used to increase communications bandwidth, then the data reception capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic receive chain selection where the UE adapts the number of active downlink receive chains based on real-time conditions including downlink grant activity, channel conditions (SNR, CQI), and network parameters. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where receive chains are activated or deactivated according to current communication demands, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high data reception capability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of active receive chain count based on multiple conditions: downlink grant activity (using high/low activity estimator blocks with different time periods and thresholds), channel conditions (SNR, CQI), and network parameters (scheduling rate, grant arrival uniformity). By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between data reception capability and power consumption.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the number of active receive chains is reduced to save power, then battery life is extended, but communication reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors downlink grant activity, channel conditions, and communication performance, then adjusts the number of active receive chains accordingly. The high activity estimator block and low activity estimator block provide feedback about grant patterns, while channel condition feedback (SNR, CQI) informs the adjustment decisions. This feedback loop ensures that receive chain reduction does not compromise communication reliability under normal operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary estimation blocks that analyze downlink grant activity patterns before making receive chain adjustment decisions. The high activity estimator block with shorter time period and higher threshold, and the low activity estimator block with longer time period and lower threshold, prepare advance assessments of communication demands. This preliminary action allows the system to proactively adjust receive chains while maintaining reliability by anticipating future communication needs.
3Productivity
If receive chain adjustments are made frequently to adapt to changing conditions, then UE efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receive chain adjustment decision-making into distinct functional blocks: high activity estimator block, low activity estimator block, channel condition evaluation unit, and receive chain selection unit. Each block handles specific aspects of the decision-making process independently. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by making each component's function clear and manageable, while still achieving high UE efficiency through coordinated operation of these modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide for receive chain selection at a user equipment (UE) with efficient switching between a reduced number of receive chains and an increased number of receive chains for downlink communications based on conditions at the UE. A UE may adaptively adjust the number of active receive chains based on downlink grant activity, channel conditions, network parameters, or any combinations thereof. An estimator block at the UE may determine to adjust the number of receive chains based on a number of downlink grants within one or more time periods. In some cases, grants for an amount of data that exceeds a threshold may be qualified in order to be counted at the estimation block. Further, a transient state may be provided where the UE may maintain a higher number of active receive chains until UE feedback is provided.