Selective Antenna-Port Activation for Multi-Link DRX Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in balancing power efficiency with the need to maintain link performance during Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles, particularly in multi-link communication scenarios where activating multiple antenna links consumes significant power without optimizing for power savings.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a UE and base station to manage antenna links during DRX cycles by selectively activating and deactivating subsets of antenna ports based on signal strength measurements and network coordination, using a low-power wake-up subsystem to search for activation signals and adjust link usage dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antenna links are activated during DRX cycle, then link performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link management where the number of active antenna ports is adjusted based on traffic conditions and signal quality measurements. The UE can activate or deactivate antenna ports dynamically during DRX cycles, transitioning between different operational states (full activation, partial activation, sleep mode) to optimize the trade-off between link performance and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including the number of active antenna ports, DRX cycle lengths, and signal quality thresholds. By adjusting these parameters based on channel conditions and traffic requirements, the system adapts to maintain adequate link performance while minimizing power consumption during various DRX states.
2Use of energy by moving object
If antenna ports are deactivated during sleep mode, then power savings are achieved, but link monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna port operations into different functional groups with different activation states. During DRX sleep mode, the system can maintain a minimal subset of antenna ports in a low-power monitoring state while deactivating others for full power savings. This segmentation allows selective monitoring of essential links while conserving energy on non-critical ports.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully activating or completely deactivating all antenna ports, the system employs partial action by keeping a minimal necessary subset of ports active during sleep mode. This partial monitoring capability provides sufficient link awareness to detect wake-up signals while consuming significantly less power than full activation would require.
3Use of energy by moving object
If DRX cycle length is increased, then power efficiency is improved, but response time to communication requests worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of signal quality and traffic patterns during active periods to predict future communication needs. Based on these predictions, the UE can proactively adjust DRX cycle lengths and antenna port activation states before actual communication requests arrive, ensuring rapid response when needed while maintaining power efficiency during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors for wake-up signals and communication requests during DRX cycles. When activity is detected, the system provides feedback to adjust subsequent DRX parameters and antenna port activation, creating a closed-loop control that balances power efficiency with responsive communication capability based on actual network conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide for power saving and the flexibility to activate a sufficient number of links without sacrificing link performance during a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, a method to selectively activate a subset of links is disclosed. The method includes a user equipment (UE) receiving an indication from a base station to use a subset of a plurality of antenna ports. The UE may enter a sleep mode as part of the DRX cycle. The UE may activate the subset of the plurality of antenna ports indicated during a part of the DRX cycle such as during periodic wake up intervals. The UE may monitor for communication from the base station during the part of the DRX cycle using the plurality of antenna ports. If the UE detects the communication, the device may activate one or more additional links to prepare for data communication during another part of the DRX cycle.