RF Power Amplifier Gain Control for Low-Power DCH Uplink

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing power consumption of smartphones due to idle dedicated channel (DCH) states in wireless terminals leads to reduced standby time and increased user experience delays, as existing solutions like fast dormancy require network support and incur additional power and signaling costs.

Innovation Solution

A wireless terminal with a main control unit, radio frequency power amplifier, and antenna that maintains a physical channel link by reducing uplink gain when no data is transmitted within a preset time, without disconnecting the link, and increases gain when data is available, thereby optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the wireless terminal maintains DCH state for extended period to avoid reconnection delay, then user experience is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveWeb page refresh delayVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the DCH state configurable and time-dependent. The network can dynamically adjust the DCH inactivity timeout parameter to match actual service patterns, allowing the system to adapt between maintaining DCH longer (reducing delay) or shorter (reducing power consumption) based on traffic characteristics and network conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timeout parameter value to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the DCH inactivity timeout from fixed to variable, the system can optimize the balance between maintaining connection (reducing refresh delay) and power consumption, allowing longer timeout for interactive services and shorter for background services

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If fast dormancy technology is used to reduce power consumption by releasing DCH quickly, then power consumption is reduced, but network compatibility and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the solution universal by implementing a standardized mechanism that works across different network types and configurations. The timeout-based approach is compatible with both fast dormancy networks and traditional networks, allowing the same principle to serve multiple network architectures without requiring network-specific modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the power management approach into network-controlled timeout adjustment and terminal execution. The network side determines the optimal timeout value based on its capabilities and policies, while the terminal simply follows the parameter, dividing the complexity and ensuring broad compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If DCH is released quickly to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but reconnection delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidreconnection delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the DCH inactivity timeout parameter based on service characteristics and network conditions. Instead of making hasty connection/release decisions, the system prepares appropriate timeout values in advance, allowing the terminal to maintain DCH for the predetermined period before release, thus avoiding both excessive power consumption and reconnection delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively reduces power consumption and maintains radio performance, extending standby time and improving user experience without requiring network support for power-saving features.

Implementation Method 1

an output end of the radio frequency power amplifier is coupled to the antenna; the radio frequency power amplifier determines its gain level according to the first gain control instruction; and the antenna is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal amplified by the radio frequency power amplifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP2733996B1Method for reducing power consumption of wireless terminal and wireless terminal
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP2733996B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2733996B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2733996B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present invention provides a wireless terminal, including a main control unit, a radio frequency power amplifier, and an antenna, where: the main control unit is coupled to the radio frequency power amplifier, and an output end of the radio frequency power amplifier is coupled to the antenna; the main control unit is configured to initiate a procedure for establishing a physical channel, and send a first gain control instruction to the radio frequency power amplifier, where when there is no uplink data to be transmitted through the physical channel link within a first preset time, the first gain control instruction is an instruction for reducing a gain; the radio frequency power amplifier determines its gain level according to the first gain control instruction; and the antenna is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal amplified by the radio frequency power amplifier. The present invention also provides a method for reducing power consumption of a wireless terminal.