Terminal Power Reduction via Bandwidth Parts and Sleep Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to enhance power consumption reduction in next-generation wireless communication systems, particularly in terminals used in 5G communication systems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring bandwidth parts and sleep modes in terminals to optimize power usage, including configuring bandwidth parts with smaller bandwidths during low traffic conditions and using discontinuous reception (DRX) and sleep modes to minimize power consumption, as well as optimizing the transmission and reception of reference signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal monitors all downlink control channels continuously, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal performs discontinuous reception by periodically monitoring downlink control channels only during scheduled wake-up periods rather than continuously. The base station configures specific monitoring occasions and cycles, allowing the terminal to enter sleep mode between periods while still maintaining reliable communication through periodic channel access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal dynamically adjusts its monitoring behavior based on configured parameters including bandwidth part switching, wake-up signal detection, and adaptive monitoring occasions. The system transitions between active monitoring states and low-power states dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed monitoring pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the terminal uses wide bandwidth for data transmission, then data rate is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The available bandwidth is divided into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs), each with different bandwidth characteristics. The terminal can switch between BWPs depending on traffic requirements, using narrow bandwidth for low-traffic periods to save power and wide bandwidth for high-traffic periods to maximize data rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the bandwidth parameter dynamically by switching between different BWP configurations. The base station configures multiple BWPs with different bandwidths, and the terminal activates appropriate BWPs based on current traffic conditions, thereby adapting the bandwidth parameter to balance data rate and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the terminal maintains continuous connection to the network, then communication availability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal uses discontinuous reception with configured DRX cycles, waking up periodically to check for incoming data or control information while remaining connected to the network. During sleep periods, the terminal stops monitoring control channels but maintains its connection context, ensuring quick resumption of communication when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal autonomously manages its power state transitions based on configured parameters and received indicators, such as wake-up signals or go-to-sleep signals from the base station. The terminal self-determines when to wake up or enter sleep mode without requiring continuous network intervention, reducing power consumption while maintaining availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3881612B1Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption of terminal in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3881612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3881612B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3881612B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT) is provided. The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for reducing power consumption of the terminal.