UE Uplink DTX Mode for Lower Battery Drain
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of dedicated channels in wireless communication systems, such as UMTS, consumes significant battery power at user equipment (UE), leading to reduced operational time due to the continuous transmission requirements of dedicated physical control channels.
Innovation Solution
Configuring a 10 ms transmission mode on the uplink channel at the UE, compressing a 20 ms transmission into a 10 ms compressed transmission, and performing discontinuous transmission (DTX) during the second 10 ms of the 20 ms TTI to reduce battery consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous transmission is performed on dedicated physical control channels, then communication reliability is maintained, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous transmission (DTX) where the UE transmits control information periodically at specific time intervals (e.g., every 20ms or 40ms) rather than continuously. The transmission is activated only when there is data to send, with transmission opportunities occurring at predetermined periodic intervals, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining communication reliability through periodic updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic transmission modes where the UE can switch between continuous transmission and discontinuous transmission based on traffic conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the transmission behavior by enabling DTX during periods of no data activity and resuming transmission when data becomes available, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If dedicated channels operate continuously, then communication quality is maintained, but operational time of UE is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic transmission intervals where the UE maintains communication capability by transmitting at regular intervals (20ms or 40ms) rather than continuously. This periodic action ensures communication quality is maintained through regular updates while extending operational time by eliminating power consumption during intervals between transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of control information transmission and separates it from continuous operation. By taking out only the necessary transmission moments (when data is available or periodic updates are due) and removing unnecessary continuous transmission, the system maintains communication quality while significantly extending UE operational time.
3Reliability
If transmission power is increased, then signal quality is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces battery consumption by transmitting at periodic intervals rather than continuously, allowing the UE to use higher transmission power during active transmission periods to ensure signal quality while having sufficient time between transmissions to recharge battery energy, thus balancing signal quality requirements with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only when necessary (when data is available or at periodic intervals) rather than continuously. This allows the system to use adequate or even excessive transmission power during these partial transmission periods to ensure signal quality, while the overall battery consumption is reduced due to the intermittent nature of transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure presents a method and an apparatus for reducing battery consumption at a user equipment (UE). For example, the method may include configuring a 10 ms transmission mode on an uplink (UL) channel at the UE, indicating configuration of the 10 ms transmission mode to a base station in communication with the UE, compressing a 20 ms transmission associated with a 20 ms transmission time interval (TTI) into a 10 ms compressed transmission, transmitting the 10 ms compressed transmission during a first 10 ms of the 20 ms TTI, and performing a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the UL channel during a second 10 ms of the 20 ms TTI. As such, reduced battery consumption at a UE may be achieved.