Modem-Assisted Uplink Power Saving via Downlink Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in power saving due to misalignment between uplink and downlink active time periods, leading to increased power consumption and potential performance issues in user equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method in user equipment (UE) where the modem determines the downlink active time period and communicates this information to the application processor, allowing it to align application data transmissions with the downlink active time, either by adjusting the timer or buffering data for transmission during designated active periods, thereby optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE transmits uplink data continuously without alignment to downlink active time, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modem determines the downlink active time period in advance and communicates this information to the application processor before uplink data transmission. This allows the application processor to proactively align data transmissions with the predetermined downlink active time, ensuring transmission reliability while avoiding continuous transmission and reducing power consumption.
2Speed
If the application processor transmits data immediately when available, then transmission speed is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the uplink data transmission timing based on the downlink active time period. Instead of fixed immediate transmission, the application processor modifies transmission behavior to coincide with dynamic downlink active periods, maintaining effective transmission speed while improving power efficiency by avoiding transmissions during inactive periods.
3Reliability
If the UE monitors downlink continuously, then reception reliability is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE implements periodic monitoring of downlink during specifically determined active time periods rather than continuous monitoring. The modem identifies these periodic active periods and the application processor aligns operations accordingly, maintaining reception reliability during active periods while extending battery life by avoiding monitoring during inactive periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE includes an application processor that generates application data to be transmitted to a base station. The UE also includes a modem that determines a downlink active time period. The modem or the application processor determines whether the application data is available before the downlink active time period. The modem or the application processor withholds the transmission of the application data to the base station until the downlink active time period. The modem transmits the application data to the base station during the downlink active time period.