Power-Aware Data Synchronization in Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The periodic data connections over cellular modems in wireless devices significantly affect battery life due to varying network conditions, leading to increased power consumption, especially under poor signal quality, which is not linear but exponential, thus reducing mobility and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the power consumption of initial communication based on measured network conditions processed by the modem, comparing it with predetermined values, and terminating or delaying data transfers when power consumption exceeds acceptable levels, thereby avoiding inefficient data synchronization and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic data connections are maintained for always-on mode, then data synchronization capability is improved, but power consumption increases exponentially under poor network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of network conditions before initiating data transfer. The modem evaluates signal quality metrics (RSRP, SINR, RSRQ) in advance, and the controller predicts power consumption based on these measurements. This preliminary action allows the system to avoid initiating transfers that would consume excessive power, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining synchronization capability and managing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts data transfer decisions based on real-time network conditions and power state. Rather than using fixed periodic connections, the controller continuously monitors network quality and power consumption predictions, adapting the timing and execution of data transfers. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain reliability when conditions are favorable while avoiding excessive power consumption when conditions are poor.
2Reliability
If data transfer is initiated under poor network conditions, then data synchronization is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Before initiating any data transfer, the system performs preliminary network condition assessment by measuring signal strength (RSRP), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and reference signal received quality (RSRQ). The controller uses these measurements to predict the power consumption that would result from the transfer. This preliminary evaluation prevents the device from committing energy resources to transfers likely to fail or consume excessive power, thus avoiding energy loss while preserving the ability to complete transfers when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the modem continuously reports network condition measurements to the controller, which then adjusts data transfer decisions accordingly. The controller receives real-time feedback on signal quality and uses this information to predict power consumption and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with data transfers. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that data transfer decisions are continuously optimized based on current network conditions, preventing energy waste on poor-quality transfers.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices and methods of a communication device including initiating an initial communication via a modem in response to a data pull communication event or a data push communication event and determining by the controller a measured network condition associated with transmitting the initial communication as well as determining by the controller the power consumption of the initial communication based on a measured network condition value processed by monitoring the modem. Methods of a communication device further include comparing the power consumption value with a predetermined power consumption value stored in the memory related to a predetermined acceptable measured network condition value for this type of communication event, and terminating by the controller, the communication when the power consumption value exceeds the predetermined power consumption value based upon the acceptable measured network condition value for this type of communication event.