UE Power Profile Adaptation via Hybrid BWP Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation 5G new radio (NR) user equipment (UE) experiences higher power consumption compared to LTE, particularly in PDCCH only and low-throughput scenarios, necessitating effective power saving solutions without compromising latency or throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method of UE power profile adaptation based on traffic characteristics, utilizing a hybrid of bandwidth parts (BWP) and power profiles, where power profiles are configured and switched in response to network signals or timers, to optimize power consumption according to varying traffic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If NR UE uses higher bandwidth and more RF modules to achieve higher throughput, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the UE configuration adaptive rather than static. The network can dynamically configure UE-specific parameters such as subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length, and bandwidth based on current traffic conditions and UE capabilities. This allows the system to optimize the balance between throughput and power consumption in real-time, switching between different configuration states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical and operational parameters of the UE to optimize performance. By adjusting subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix configuration, and bandwidth allocation based on traffic characteristics and UE power consumption levels, the system can achieve higher throughput when needed while reducing power consumption during low-activity periods. The network can signal different parameter sets to match varying operational requirements.
2Reliability
If NR UE monitors all search spaces and performs frequent measurements to maintain connection quality, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the UE monitor only a subset of search spaces and perform measurements at reduced frequency when traffic conditions allow. Instead of continuously monitoring all search spaces and performing frequent inter-cell measurements, the UE can perform partial monitoring based on network configuration and current traffic patterns, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate connection quality through selective measurement and reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mechanisms where the UE alternates between active monitoring periods and sleep periods. During DRX cycles, the UE performs measurements and monitoring only during designated wake-up intervals, significantly reducing average power consumption while maintaining connection reliability. The periodic nature of DRX allows the network to predict when the UE will be available for communication.
3Speed
If NR UE uses larger channel bandwidth and more resource blocks to achieve higher peak rates, then data transmission speed is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the available spectrum into smaller bandwidth parts (BWPs) that can be independently configured and activated. Instead of requiring the UE to support and operate across the entire system bandwidth simultaneously, the network can allocate specific BWPs tailored to current traffic requirements and UE capabilities. This reduces the instantaneous processing complexity and power consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve high peak rates when needed by allocating larger BWPs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of UE power profile adaptation to traffic and UE power consumption characteristics based on power profile is proposed. In one preferred embodiment, hybrid of bandwidth part (BWP) and power profile is proposed. UE is configured with multiple BWPs and each BWP includes a set of power profiles. Two types of adaptation triggering can be used, a first type of trigger is based on power saving signals sent from the network, and the second type of trigger is based on timers. When the traffic characteristic for UE changes, the network can send a power saving signal to UE to trigger power profile adaptation, e.g., BWP+power profile switching. When traffic has been digested and becomes sporadic, then power profile adaptation can be triggered based on timers, e.g., a timer for BWP adaptation and another timer for power profile adaptation.