Bidirectional Modem Power Reduction via Uplink Downlink Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, battery-operated client terminals face increased power consumption due to separate and non-coordinated uplink and downlink data transfer instances, leading to frequent transitions between sleep and active states, which is inefficient and consumes more power.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor and align uplink and downlink data transfer instances to occur in single active states, reducing the need for frequent state transitions by adjusting timing based on monitored patterns and Quality of Service parameters, allowing for overlapping or closer alignment of data transfer instances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uplink and downlink data transfer instances are separately scheduled without coordination, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases due to frequent state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges uplink and downlink data transfer operations by coordinating their timing so that both occur within the same active state window. The network entity schedules uplink and downlink transfers to overlap in time, allowing the client terminal to remain in active state for a single consolidated period rather than transitioning separately for each direction, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining resource allocation flexibility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If data transfer instances are aligned to occur in single active states, then power consumption is reduced, but timing coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network entity monitors the timing patterns of uplink and downlink data transfers and dynamically adjusts scheduling decisions. By observing actual transfer patterns and feedback from the client terminal about its state transitions, the network entity optimizes the alignment of data transfer instances to achieve power savings while managing coordination complexity through adaptive rather than purely deterministic scheduling.
3Loss of time
If the client terminal remains in active state longer to accommodate both uplink and downlink transfers, then number of state transitions decreases, but time resource utilization efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scheduling patterns where uplink and downlink data transfers are organized into regular, predictable cycles. By establishing periodic windows for bidirectional transfers, the system reduces the number of state transitions through consistent timing patterns while improving time resource utilization efficiency through predictable, optimized scheduling that minimizes idle active state periods between transfers.
Data Source
AI summary
Many applications used in communication systems involve bidirectional data transfer. In bidirectional data transfer applications, a client terminal has to turn on its hardware components such as transmitter at the time of transmitting the data and the receiver at the time of receiving the data. When the transmission and reception of data happens at different time instances, the client terminal has to turn on and off the transmitter, the receiver and other modules at separate time instances. This may lead to increased power consumption. A method and apparatus are disclosed for the modem in a client terminal that bring the transmission and the reception instances close to each other or overlap with each other when performing bidirectional communication. This may reduce the rate at which the client terminal has to turn on and off its transmitter, receiver and other modules which may in turn reduce its power consumption.