Dynamic 5G Module Activation for Standby Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices supporting dual connectivity between 4G and 5G networks face high power consumption due to continuous searching for 5G base stations, even when not needed, leading to increased standby power and unnecessary data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a first communication module for 4G and a second communication module for 5G, controlled by an application processor that activates or deactivates the 5G module based on the device's operation state, such as display activity and data transmission requirements, to reduce power consumption by disconnecting from 5G when not necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic device continuously searches for 5G base stations to maintain ENDC capability, then the 5G connection reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between 4G-only mode and ENDC mode based on operational conditions. The determination module dynamically decides when to activate or deactivate the 5G communication module, transitioning the system from a static always-connected state to a dynamic adaptive state that matches actual data transmission needs, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining connection reliability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication system by introducing conditional activation criteria. Instead of maintaining a constant connection state, the system adjusts its operational parameters (connection state, search frequency) based on detected operational conditions such as data transmission requirements and signal quality metrics, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption
2Speed
If the electronic device maintains dual connection to both 4G and 5G networks for ENDC function, then the high-speed data transmission capability is improved, but the standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating the 5G communication module only when specific operational conditions are met, rather than maintaining full ENDC functionality at all times. The determination module evaluates whether partial 5G activation is necessary based on current data transmission requirements, signal conditions, and power state, enabling the system to use 5G capabilities selectively without the overhead of continuous dual-network maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the 5G communication module as a separable, conditionally activatable component from the always-on communication stack. By making the 5G module independently controllable and activatable only when needed, the system can remove the 5G connection overhead during low-power states or when only modest data rates are required, thereby reducing standby power consumption while preserving high-speed capability when extracted/activated
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device activates the 5G communication module for searching 5G base stations, then the ENDC functionality is maintained, but the power consumption increases even when data transmission is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The determination module implements self-service by autonomously evaluating operational conditions and deciding when ENDC functionality should be active or inactive. The system monitors its own operational state, data transmission requirements, and signal conditions, then self-determines the appropriate communication mode without requiring continuous external control or user intervention, enabling adaptive power management that preserves ENDC capability when beneficial while reducing power consumption when unnecessary
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electronic device supporting dual connectivity (ENDC) between a 4G network (LTE) and a 5G network (NR), and the electronic device may include a first communication module connected to a 4G base station to perform control and signal processing for transmission and reception of signals through a 4G network; a second communication module connected to a 5G base station to perform control and signal processing for transmission and reception of signals through a 5G network; an application processor (AP) that detects a change of an operation state of the electronic device when the operation state is changed; and a modem that activates only the first communication module to perform wireless communication with the 4G base station, or further activates the second communication module to perform wireless communication with both the 4G base station and the 5G base station according to the operation state of the electronic device detected by the AP.