Mobile Terminal Antenna Module Switching for 5G mmWave Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR mobile terminals, the limited internal space makes it difficult to accommodate multiple millimeter wave antenna modules, leading to high power consumption and inefficient data transmission due to the need for high EIRP and wide receiving coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow antenna modules in mobile terminals to transmit and receive capability information to a base station, enabling the base station to control which antenna modules work or stop working based on signaling, optimizing transmission efficiency and power consumption by adjusting antenna module usage according to transmission capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple millimeter wave antenna modules are set at edges of the mobile terminal to provide high EIRP and wide receiving coverage, then transmission capability is improved, but the mobile terminal internal space is insufficient and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of antenna module working states based on real-time transmission capability requirements. The base station determines which antenna modules should be active or inactive, and the terminal adjusts accordingly, transforming the static antenna configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of antenna modules by adjusting their working states (active/inactive) based on transmission capability information. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between power consumption and transmission performance by selectively activating only the necessary antenna modules for current communication requirements
2Reliability
If multiple millimeter wave antenna modules are set at edges of the mobile terminal to provide high EIRP and wide receiving coverage, then transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to limited internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function of antenna module selection from the terminal device and relocates it to the base station. The base station determines which antenna modules should be active based on network conditions and terminal capability information, thereby simplifying the terminal device complexity while maintaining optimal transmission capability through centralized control
3Productivity
If antenna modules are adjusted dynamically based on capability information, then power consumption is reduced and transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to capability information exchange and control signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capability information exchange as an intermediary mechanism between the terminal and base station. The terminal reports its antenna module capability information to the base station, which then uses this information to make informed decisions about antenna module activation. This intermediary information exchange enables efficient control while managing system complexity through structured communication protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting an antenna module can be applied to a terminal and include: transmitting, to a base station, the sending capability information of at least one antenna module of the terminal and/or the receiving capability information of at least one antenna module of the terminal; and according to a control signaling transmitted by the base station, controlling at least one antenna module of the terminal to work or stop working. Transmission efficiency of the terminal can therefore be improved, or be maintained while saving the power consumption of the terminal.