Selective Antenna Panel Reconfiguration for 5G Mobility Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless telecommunication networks face challenges in managing antenna panels efficiently, leading to higher device modem power consumption due to unexpected consequences during beam-level and cell-level mobility, particularly in 5G NR systems with narrow beams.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for selectively reconfiguring antenna panels based on radio environment information, including sensor data and downlink signal measurements, to adjust the number of active panels and measured signals in response to changes in signal quality, movement, and proximity to blockers, optimizing power consumption while maintaining mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antenna panels are kept active continuously for radio measurements, then mobility performance and signal quality are maintained, but device modem power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna panel reconfiguration where panels are selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time radio environment conditions. The system transitions from a static configuration (all panels always active) to a dynamic configuration where panel activity adapts to mobility state, signal quality, and radio conditions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining mobility performance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of antenna panels based on measured radio environment information. When radio conditions are good and mobility is low, panels are deactivated or placed in low-power mode. When conditions deteriorate or mobility increases, panels are reactivated. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize the balance between power consumption and mobility performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If antenna panels are deactivated to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but mobility performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors radio environment information including signal quality, mobility state, and panel performance. Based on this feedback, the system makes informed decisions about panel activation/deactivation. The feedback loop ensures that panels are kept active when mobility performance requires them and deactivated when power savings are achievable without compromising performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessments of radio conditions and mobility requirements before making panel reconfiguration decisions. By evaluating current radio environment information and predicting future needs, the system can proactively activate or deactivate panels in advance, ensuring mobility performance is maintained when needed while maximizing power savings during stable conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, comprising: means for obtaining radio environment information related to at least one downlink signal received by a user equipment using at least one currently-active reception antenna panel of a plurality of selectively-activatable reception antenna panels; and means for reconfiguring at least one of the plurality of selectively-activatable reception antenna panels to be used for performing radio measurements of a downlink signal to be one of active and inactive in response to a variation in the radio environment information.