User Equipment Power Management for Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
User devices operating in dual connectivity (DC) mode with low battery power levels consume excessive power, potentially leading to shutdown or inability to make emergency calls, as they require more power than single connectivity (SC) mode and may need to operate two separate chipsets when using different radio access technologies.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) detects low battery power and switches from dual connectivity to single connectivity by disabling DC operation, either explicitly or implicitly, by suspending measurement reports, simulating low signal strength, or deactivating the secondary node's chip, thereby reducing power consumption and ensuring continued functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE operates in dual connectivity mode with MN and SN, then communication capability and data rate are improved, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between dual connectivity and single connectivity modes based on battery power levels. The UE monitors battery status and adaptively changes its operational mode: operating in DC mode when power is sufficient, and switching to SC mode when battery level drops below a threshold, thus optimizing the balance between communication performance and power consumption in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (connectivity mode) based on battery power level conditions. By monitoring the battery status parameter and switching between different connectivity configurations (DC with both MN and SN, or SC with only MN), the system adjusts its operational state to match available power resources, preventing excessive power consumption while maintaining adequate communication capability
2Reliability
If the UE operates in dual connectivity mode with different RATs, then network coverage and service reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring two separate chipsets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the secondary node (SN) from the dual connectivity configuration when battery power becomes insufficient. By selectively disabling the SN connection while maintaining the master node (MN) connection, the system simplifies the operational configuration and reduces the effective device complexity during low-power conditions, while still maintaining basic communication reliability through the MN alone
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the UE continues operating in dual connectivity mode with low battery power, then communication sessions are maintained, but battery drain leads to shutdown or loss of emergency call capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by switching to single connectivity mode before the battery is completely depleted. By proactively monitoring battery status and switching configurations in advance, the system prevents the harmful outcome of complete battery drain and loss of emergency call capability, ensuring that basic communication functions remain available throughout the battery's operational life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides a cushioning effect by maintaining communication capability through the master node (MN) even when the secondary node (SN) is disabled due to low battery. This ensures that emergency call capability and basic communication services are preserved throughout the entire battery discharge cycle, preventing a sudden loss of service near the end of battery life
Data Source
AI summary
A user device capable of operating in dual-mode connectivity with a master node and a secondary node detects a low-power condition of a battery of the UE. In response, the user device prevents the UE from operating in DC with the SN, so that the UE and the MN are configured to operate in single connectivity.