Base Station DTX-DRX Coordination for Lower Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not standardized methods to reduce power consumption in base stations, which is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable development goals.
Innovation Solution
A terminal is provided with a control unit that enables or disables the transmitting and receiving units of a base station, utilizing discontinuous transmission and reception functions, and a communication unit for transmission and reception, with configurations managed by RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base stations continuously transmit and receive signals to maintain communication availability, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous transmission (DTX) and discontinuous reception (DRX) functions that enable the base station to periodically switch between active and inactive states. The transmitting unit is enabled during transmission intervals and disabled during idle periods, while the receiving unit operates in periodic cycles defined by DRX parameters. This periodic operation pattern allows the base station to maintain communication availability when needed while significantly reducing power consumption during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration mechanisms where DTX and DRX parameters can be adjusted based on communication conditions. The base station can dynamically switch between different transmission and reception states, and the terminal can be configured with adaptable DRX cycles and wake-up signal parameters. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the balance between communication reliability and power consumption according to real-time network conditions.
2Loss of energy
If base stations reduce power consumption by disabling transmitting and receiving units, then energy efficiency is improved, but communication responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements wake-up signal mechanisms that prepare the base station for upcoming transmission or reception activities. Before the base station enters a low-power state, wake-up signals can be exchanged to indicate impending communication needs, allowing the base station to activate its transmitting and receiving units in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when communication is actually needed, the base station is already prepared, minimizing delay while still benefiting from power savings during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wake-up signals as intermediary elements that mediate between the low-power state and active communication state. These wake-up signals serve as a precursor mechanism that alerts the base station to upcoming communication requirements without requiring continuous monitoring. The wake-up signal function acts as an intermediary layer that bridges the gap between energy-saving operations and responsive communication, allowing the base station to transition from idle to active states efficiently.
3Use of energy by moving object
If base stations implement discontinuous transmission and reception functions, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the configuration of DTX and DRX functions into a unified control framework. The same control unit that manages DRX operations also controls DTX functionality, and both functions share common parameter structures and signaling mechanisms. This merging approach allows the base station to manage transmission and reception discontinuities through integrated control logic, reducing the overall system complexity compared to implementing DTX and DRX as separate, independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the DTX and DRX control mechanisms to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The wake-up signal mechanism not only prepares the base station for communication but also coordinates between DTX and DRX operations. Configuration parameters are designed to be universally applicable across different scenarios, and the control unit handles multiple responsibilities including transmission control, reception scheduling, and power state management within a single integrated structure, reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A terminal includes: a control unit configured to expect that a base station performs a discontinuous transmission function of enabling or disabling a transmitting unit and that the base station performs a discontinuous reception function of enabling or disabling a receiving unit; and a communication unit configured to perform transmission and reception to and from the base station. The control unit either jointly configures or separately configures the discontinuous transmission function and the discontinuous reception function.