Low-Power Reference Signal Switching for Battery-Efficient Channel Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in achieving energy-efficient operation, particularly for UEs with limited energy resources like coin-cell batteries, as they require frequent channel measurements that lead to high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low-power reference signal (LP-RS) designed for non-coherent decoding by a low-power receiver (LP-Rx), alongside a main receiver (M-Rx), with a predetermined relationship to a legacy synchronization signal (SSB) broadcasting pattern, allowing flexible channel measurements based on LP-RS or SSB depending on signal strength and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a low-power receiver (LP-Rx) is used for channel measurements, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision may be degraded due to non-coherent decoding limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver functionality into two distinct modes: coherent decoding for high-precision measurements and non-coherent decoding for low-power operation. The LP-Rx selectively switches between these modes based on measurement requirements, allowing it to achieve high precision when needed while maintaining low power consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The LP-Rx employs dynamic switching between coherent and non-coherent decoding modes. The receiver adapts its processing mode based on the specific measurement task at hand, transitioning from power-efficient non-coherent mode to high-precision coherent mode only when measurement accuracy requirements demand it.
2Reliability
If frequent channel measurements are performed to ensure reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic channel measurements using the LP-Rx in non-coherent mode during idle periods, maintaining sufficient communication reliability without continuous monitoring. The receiver performs measurements at optimized intervals rather than continuously, reducing power consumption while ensuring reliable detection of channel changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The LP-Rx performs self-service channel measurements using its own low-power capabilities, eliminating the need to activate higher-power receivers for routine monitoring. The device serves its own measurement needs through the LP-Rx, only invoking the M-Rx when the LP-Rx detects conditions requiring more sophisticated processing.
3Measurement precision
If a main receiver (M-Rx) with coherent decoding is used for channel measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LP-Rx acts as an intermediary between the M-Rx and the channel measurement process. It handles routine measurements independently, filtering out cases that require M-Rx intervention. This intermediary approach allows the high-power M-Rx to remain dormant during normal operation, activating only when the LP-Rx determines sophisticated coherent decoding is necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the LP-Rx as a disposable, low-cost solution for the majority of measurement tasks. The receiver uses inexpensive non-coherent decoding for routine operations, reserving the expensive coherent decoding capability of the M-Rx only for exceptional cases where high precision is absolutely necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-power reference signal is broadcasted by a base station. The low-power reference signal is designed for reception by a low-power receiver. Wireless communication devices can perform channel measurements using the low-power reference signal without having to activate a main receiver, e.g., to receive a synchronization signal block.