Modem Acknowledgement Handling in Power Saving Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, when an application processor is in power saving mode, there is a delay in responding to messages, leading to potential retransmissions of SMS messages, as existing modems do not account for the processor's mode when sending acknowledgments to the network.
Innovation Solution
A modem with a processing unit that determines if the host processor is in power saving mode and sends an acknowledgement to the network regardless of a response from the host processor, reducing unnecessary retransmissions by using a first interface to transmit the acknowledgement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the modem waits for a response from the application processor before sending an acknowledgement to the network, then the network can confirm correct processing of the message, but the application processor's power saving mode causes delayed responses leading to unnecessary retransmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The modem acts as an intermediary between the application processor and the network. When the application processor is in power saving mode, the modem autonomously sends acknowledgements to the network based on local buffer status rather than waiting for processor responses, thereby mediating the communication delay caused by the processor's sleep state while maintaining reliable message delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The modem performs preliminary actions by sending acknowledgements to the network before receiving confirmation from the application processor. By checking the buffer status and proactively acknowledging received messages when the processor is in power saving mode, the modem prevents retransmissions that would otherwise occur due to the processor's delayed response
2Productivity
If the modem sends an acknowledgement to the network without waiting for the application processor's response, then retransmissions are reduced, but the application processor may not be able to process the message correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The modem implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the application processor's state (active vs. power saving mode) and buffer status. This feedback allows the modem to dynamically decide whether to send acknowledgements autonomously or wait for processor confirmation, ensuring that productivity is improved when the processor is sleeping while maintaining reliability when the processor is active
Solution Approach 2:
The modem dynamically adjusts its acknowledgment behavior based on real-time conditions. When the application processor is in power saving mode, the modem sends acknowledgements proactively; when the processor is active, the modem waits for processor responses. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between improving communication efficiency and ensuring correct message processing
3Use of energy by moving object
If the modem continuously monitors the application processor's state to determine when to send acknowledgements, then power saving mode can be optimized, but the modem's complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modem performs self-service by autonomously determining its own operating mode based on the application processor's state. By independently monitoring the processor's power mode and buffer status, and making autonomous decisions about when to send acknowledgements, the modem reduces the need for complex coordination protocols while optimizing power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a modem for use at a terminal. In one embodiment, the modem includes: (1) a first interface arranged for connection to a network; (2) a second interface arranged for connection to a host processor on the terminal; and (3) a processing unit arranged to, on receipt of a message from the network addressed to the host processor: determine whether or not the host processor is in a power saving mode; and if it is determined that the host processor is in a power saving mode, cause the first interface to transmit an acknowledgement to the message to the network regardless of whether a communication from the host processor is received via the second interface.