DTX Voice Frame Transmission for UMTS Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in UMTS networks, circuit-switched voice calls consume significant power, leading to battery life issues in battery-powered devices, as existing technologies do not effectively manage power consumption during transmission and reception, especially in scenarios where data transmission time can be reduced to conserve power.

Innovation Solution

Implementing discontinuous transmission (DTX) and reception (DRX) by transmitting voice frames during a portion of the TTI and suspending transmission during the remainder, with the configuration switching based on available transmitter power headroom, allowing for power savings without compromising link efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If continuous transmission is used during circuit-switched voice calls, then link efficiency is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlink efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements discontinuous transmission (DTX) where the transmitter operates periodically rather than continuously. Voice frames are transmitted during active TTI portions and transmission is suspended during inactive portions, creating a periodic on-off pattern that reduces power consumption while maintaining communication functionality through scheduled reactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration switching between DTX and non-DTX modes based on real-time transmitter power headroom conditions. When power headroom exceeds a threshold, the system dynamically transitions to DTX configuration; when below the threshold, it switches to non-DTX configuration, allowing adaptive optimization of power efficiency versus link performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If transmitter power is reduced to save power, then battery life extends, but transmission reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing periodic transmission with suspended intervals, the system reduces average power consumption and extends battery life. The transmitter remains inactive during suspended TTI portions, significantly lowering energy drain while maintaining transmission reliability during active periods through proper power management and configuration switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors its own power headroom conditions and autonomously switches between DTX and non-DTX configurations to maintain reliable transmission. When power headroom is sufficient, DTX mode extends battery life; when power headroom is limited, non-DTX mode ensures transmission reliability, creating a self-regulating power management mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If discontinuous transmission is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts between DTX and non-DTX configurations based on power headroom conditions. When power is abundant, DTX mode reduces power consumption; when power is limited, non-DTX mode maintains continuous transmission to avoid time loss, creating a dynamic balance between energy efficiency and transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission mode parameter (DTX vs. non-DTX) based on power headroom threshold conditions. This parameter switching allows the system to optimize between reduced power consumption and minimized transmission time loss, adapting to varying power availability conditions throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3011797B1Reduced circuit-switched voice user equipment current using discontinuous transmissions on dedicated channels
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3011797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3011797B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3011797B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method, apparatus, and computer software for wireless communication. In various examples, DTX is enabled for the transmission of voice frames corresponding to a circuit-switched voice call. That is, the voice frames may be transmitted during a portion of a transmission time interval TTI that is less than an entirety of the TTI (for example, during half of the TTI). The transmission may be suspended during a remainder of the TTI following the portion of the TTI.