Control Information Reception Mode for UE Bandwidth Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices face inefficiencies in power consumption due to unnecessary wide bandwidth operation and inadequate consideration of energy and latency costs in bandwidth switching, which are not addressed by current power saving mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically select control information reception modes based on energy consumption and latency estimates, utilizing narrower RF bandwidth and bandpass-sampling principles to minimize power usage while adhering to scheduling constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the UE operates with wide bandwidth continuously to support maximum data rates, then the data transmission capability is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidUE power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the bandwidth configuration changeable over time. The network can dynamically switch between wide bandwidth and narrow bandwidth configurations based on traffic conditions. The UE adapts its reception bandwidth accordingly, operating in wide bandwidth mode when high data rates are needed and switching to narrow bandwidth mode when power saving is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth parameter dynamically. The network configures the UE with different bandwidth parts (BWPs) - a wide BWP for high data rate requirements and a narrow BWP for power saving. The UE switches between these bandwidth configurations based on network indications and traffic conditions, allowing the system to optimize the balance between data transmission capability and power consumption by adjusting the bandwidth parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the UE switches to narrow bandwidth mode to save power, then the power consumption is reduced, but the transition latency and reconfiguration time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE power consumptionVSAvoidbandwidth switching latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) in advance. Both the wide BWP and narrow BWP are configured beforehand with all necessary parameters. When switching is needed, the UE can quickly activate the pre-configured BWP without time-consuming reconfiguration, thus reducing transition latency while still achieving power saving benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the UE monitors PDCCH in narrow bandwidth to save power, then the power consumption during monitoring is reduced, but the ability to receive scheduled data efficiently is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDCCH monitoring powerVSAvoiddata reception efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the overall bandwidth into different bandwidth parts (BWPs). The control signaling (PDCCH) is monitored in a narrow control BWP to save power, while data transmission can occur in a separate wide data BWP when needed. This segmentation allows the UE to maintain low power consumption during monitoring while preserving the capability to efficiently receive scheduled data by switching to the appropriate data BWP.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the bandwidth configuration dynamic, allowing the UE to switch between narrow bandwidth mode for PDCCH monitoring and wide bandwidth mode for data reception based on scheduling decisions. When data is scheduled, the UE can activate the wide data BWP temporarily for efficient data reception, then return to narrow bandwidth mode for monitoring, thus balancing power saving with data reception efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3878217B1Wireless communication device, method and computer program for selection of an energy efficient control information reception mode

Publication Date: 2026.01.07 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

There is provided a method of a wireless communication device, the communication device being arranged to operate in a wireless communication system employing a plurality of bandwidth alternatives for downlink control information. The method comprises determining feasible control information reception modes, acquiring an estimate of energy consumption for respective feasible control information reception modes, selecting control information reception mode based on the estimated energy consumption, and operating the wireless communication device with the selected control information reception mode. A wireless communication device and a computer program for implementing the method in the wireless communication device are also provided.