RF Energy Harvesting Indication for Low-Power UE Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing RF energy harvesting for reduced capability devices due to the intermittent availability of RF signals, leading to unnecessary power consumption when no energy is present.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an energy harvesting indication signal that identifies time periods when RF signals are available, allowing devices to harvest energy only during these periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If devices continuously monitor for RF signals to harvest energy, then energy harvesting opportunities are maximized, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary monitoring when no RF energy is available
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs preliminary action by transmitting an energy harvesting indication signal before actual RF energy transmission. This signal informs the reduced capability device in advance about upcoming RF signal transmission time periods, allowing the device to activate its energy harvesting circuitry only during these predetermined periods rather than continuously monitoring, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanism where the base station provides information about RF signal transmission schedules to the reduced capability device through the energy harvesting indication signal. This feedback enables the device to synchronize its energy harvesting operations with actual RF energy availability, avoiding unnecessary monitoring and power consumption
2Loss of energy
If reduced capability devices activate receiver continuously to harvest RF energy, then all available RF energy can be captured, but battery life decreases due to constant power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous receiver activation to periodic action by using the energy harvesting indication signal to define specific time periods when RF energy transmission occurs. The reduced capability device activates its receiver periodically during these indicated time windows rather than continuously, significantly reducing power consumption while capturing all available RF energy for harvesting
Solution Approach 2:
The base station provides preliminary information through the energy harvesting indication signal about when RF energy will be transmitted. This allows the reduced capability device to plan and activate its receiver only during these predetermined periods, avoiding continuous operation and extending battery life
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
Enhances power efficiency by ensuring energy harvesting occurs only when RF energy is available, reducing unnecessary power consumption and improving battery life in reduced capability devices.
Implementation Method 1
harvesting RF energy from the RF signal during the time period
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, devices and systems for harvesting radio frequency (RF) energy based on an energy harvesting EH indication signal. A transmitting device such as a base station may transmit, to a user equipment (UE), an EH indication signal that indicates a time period when radio frequency (RF) energy is to be available. The UE may receive the EH indication signal and harvest RF energy from the RF signal during the time period. The transmitting device may transmit an RF signal to the UE or another UE during the time period. The UE may receive a wake up indication indicating a second time period to monitor a control channel. The UE may split power between energy harvesting and receiving RF signals during the second time period.