Unlicensed Band RF Module Power Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-U and LAA systems, electronic apparatuses waste power by continuously monitoring signals even when no transmission is expected from base stations, due to the inability to accurately determine channel occupation states in unlicensed bands.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a RF module and processor that switches between wake-up and sleep modes based on measured received signal strength, using energy detection or carrier sense methods to determine channel states and adjust communication modes accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the electronic apparatus continuously monitors signals in unlicensed band to accurately detect channel occupation state, then the detection precision is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel occupation state detection precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic apparatus performs channel occupation state detection periodically at specific time points (e.g., start of subframe, slot, or symbol) rather than continuously monitoring. The processor determines whether to perform energy detection or carrier sense based on timing conditions, and switches between wake-up and sleep modes periodically, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic apparatus dynamically adjusts its monitoring behavior based on detected channel conditions. When a signal is detected, the apparatus switches to wake-up mode to perform measurements; when no signal is detected, it transitions to sleep mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between detection precision and power consumption based on actual channel state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic apparatus switches communication mode at boundary between symbols, slots, or subframes to save power, then the power consumption is reduced, but the reliability of signal reception deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic apparatus performs energy detection or carrier sense in advance at the boundary between symbols, slots, or subframes before switching to sleep mode. By detecting the channel occupation state beforehand, the apparatus ensures that it will not miss any ongoing transmissions when switching to low-power mode, thereby maintaining signal reception reliability while achieving power savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic apparatus uses feedback from energy detection or carrier sense results to determine whether to switch to sleep mode or remain in wake-up mode. The processor continuously monitors channel conditions and adjusts the communication mode based on this feedback, ensuring that sleep mode transitions only occur when the channel is clear, thus maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the electronic apparatus maintains operation in first mode to ensure signal reception, then the reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic apparatus periodically switches between wake-up mode (first mode) and sleep mode (second mode) based on detected channel conditions. By using periodic energy detection or carrier sense at boundaries, the apparatus can confidently transition to sleep mode when no signals are present, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability through periodic checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic apparatus uses its own detection capabilities to determine when it can safely enter sleep mode. By performing energy detection or carrier sense itself and using the results to control its operational state, the apparatus autonomously optimizes its power consumption without external control, maintaining reliability through self-monitored channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10524204B2Apparatus for communication using unlicensed band and method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.12.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10524204B2 patent drawing
  • US10524204B2 patent drawing
  • US10524204B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) module receiving a signal from a base station (BS) of a first network through a downlink subframe including a plurality of symbols in an unlicensed band and at least one processor operating in a first mode or in a second mode power consumed in the second mode is lower than power consumed in the first mode.