Low-Power Reference Signals for Main-Receiver-Sparing Cell Re-Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in achieving energy-efficient cell re-selection due to the need for a main receiver to actively measure reference signals, which consumes significant power, especially in devices with limited battery resources like coin-cell batteries.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low-power receiver (LP-Rx) capable of performing channel measurements and cell re-selection using low-power reference signals (LP-RS), allowing the main receiver (M-Rx) to remain in an inactive state, reducing power consumption by enabling cell re-selection without active M-Rx operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a main receiver is used to actively measure reference signals for cell re-selection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver functionality into two distinct components: a low-power receiver (LP-Rx) for basic reference signal detection and a main receiver (M-Rx) for comprehensive channel measurements. This segmentation allows the device to use only the LP-Rx for cell re-selection tasks, avoiding the high power consumption of the M-Rx while maintaining adequate measurement capability through the specialized low-power receiver design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new parameter dimension by creating a specialized low-power receiver with different operational characteristics than the main receiver. The LP-Rx is designed with specific parameters optimized for low-power operation, including reduced signal processing complexity and targeted frequency range monitoring, allowing it to perform cell re-selection measurements with acceptable accuracy at significantly lower power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a low-power receiver is used for cell re-selection, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized low-power reference signal (LP-RS) as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between power consumption requirements and measurement capability. The LP-RS is specifically designed to be detectable by the LP-Rx with sufficient accuracy for cell re-selection decisions, acting as a mediator that enables the low-power receiver to achieve adequate measurement precision without requiring the full capability of the main receiver.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the main receiver remains inactive during cell re-selection, then battery life is prolonged, but cell re-selection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a specialized copy of the reference signal functionality through the low-power reference signal (LP-RS), which replicates the essential measurement capabilities needed for cell re-selection without requiring the full main receiver system. The LP-RS contains the necessary signal characteristics and information structure to enable reliable cell re-selection decisions, serving as a sufficient copy for this specific function while avoiding the power consumption of the complete M-Rx system.
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples of the disclosure pertain to using cell-specific low-power reference signals—that may be received using a low-power receiver—for cell re-selection.