Adaptive UE Receivers Using Packet Error Rate for Antenna Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, there is a need to balance power consumption and performance by dynamically adjusting the number of reception antennas based on downlink traffic patterns, leading to inefficiencies and increased packet error rates due to mismatched antenna configurations during transitions between reception states.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) measures the downlink packet error rate (PER) and dynamically adjusts the fallback window size based on PER measurements to optimize the time spent in steady states, balancing power savings and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the number of reception antennas is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but packet error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the number of reception antennas based on downlink traffic patterns and channel conditions. The UE transitions between different reception states (e.g., 1Rx, 2Rx, 4Rx) according to measured metrics such as RSRP, SNR, and traffic load, allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining reliable reception when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the reception system by adjusting the number of active antennas based on measured channel conditions and traffic patterns. This parameter adjustment allows the UE to adapt between power-saving mode (fewer antennas) and high-reliability mode (more antennas) depending on current system state
2Reliability
If the fallback window size is increased to reduce packet error rates, then reliability improves, but the time spent in steady states increases leading to higher power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the fallback window size based on measured packet error rates and channel conditions. When PER is high, the fallback window is increased to allow more time for successful packet reception. When PER is low, the window is reduced to minimize the time spent in high-power steady states, thus optimizing the trade-off between reliability and power consumption
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of reception antennas is dynamically adjusted, then power consumption is optimized, but packet error rates increase due to mismatched antenna configurations during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of channel conditions (RSRP, SNR, PER) before transitioning between reception states. This allows the system to anticipate the need for antenna configuration changes and prepare accordingly, reducing the likelihood of packet errors during transitions by ensuring the new configuration is appropriate for current channel conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects are provided which allow a UE to manage a number of antennas in adaptive receive diversity (ARD) based on packet error rate (PER). The UE measures a downlink PER and determines a number of antennas for receiving a downlink transmission based on the measured, downlink PER. The UE measures downlink PER during switching from a fallback state to a steady state in an ARD state machine, and the UE changes a size of a fallback window in the ARD state machine based on the measured, downlink PER. The UE also disables switching from the steady state to the fallback state based on the measured downlink PER. As a result, a balance between UE reception performance and power savings is maximized and improved downlink data throughput is achieved.