Uplink Downlink Synchronization Buffering Wireless Device Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices face challenges in conserving battery life due to unsynchronized uplink and downlink transmissions, especially in bi-directional interactive and multimedia traffic patterns, leading to increased power consumption and potential thermal issues, particularly in low signal strength areas.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing uplink and downlink transmissions by buffering uplink data until a downlink grant is received, allowing the device to remain in a reduced-power state longer and reducing the need for immediate active state transitions, thereby conserving battery life without significantly impacting data throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If uplink and downlink transmissions are not synchronized, then device can respond immediately to uplink data, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by monitoring downlink grants and preparing uplink scheduling requests in advance. When a downlink grant is received, the device has already prepared the corresponding uplink scheduling request, allowing immediate transmission without state transitions. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by anticipating needed actions before they are strictly required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts the synchronization between uplink and downlink transmissions based on device state and traffic conditions. The device can operate in synchronized mode when in active state to minimize response time, and in asynchronous mode when in reduced-power state to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between power consumption and response time based on current operating conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If uplink and downlink transmissions are synchronized, then periods of inactivity are maximized and power savings increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by autonomously determining when to synchronize uplink and downlink transmissions based on its own state and observed traffic patterns. The device monitors its own power state and automatically adjusts synchronization without requiring complex external coordination or control mechanisms. This self-service approach achieves power savings while minimizing the added complexity by keeping the synchronization logic simple and state-driven.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the uplink and downlink transmission timing by aligning them to occur simultaneously or in close proximity. By combining these previously separate transmission events, the device creates extended periods of inactivity where neither transmission is occurring, thereby maximizing power savings opportunities without requiring separate complex control mechanisms for each direction.
3Ease of operation
If device operates in continuous active state due to non-synchronous traffic patterns, then transmission responsiveness is maintained, but battery life decreases and temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements periodic action by transitioning between active and reduced-power states based on synchronized uplink-downlink transmission cycles. Instead of operating continuously in active state, the device periodically enters reduced-power state during synchronized transmission periods, maintaining responsiveness when needed while conserving battery life during coordinated inactivity periods. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction between continuous responsiveness and battery duration.
4Speed
If uplink scheduling requests are transmitted immediately, then uplink data is sent without delay, but device cannot enter reduced-power state between bursts
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses feedback from downlink grant reception to trigger uplink scheduling requests. Instead of transmitting uplink requests immediately or independently, the device monitors downlink grants as feedback and uses their arrival to synchronize and trigger corresponding uplink transmissions. This feedback-driven approach ensures uplink data is transmitted with minimal delay while allowing the device to enter reduced-power state during periods without downlink grants, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Synchronizing uplink and downlink transmissions by a wireless user equipment (UE) device. A connection with a network may be established via a wireless link with a cell. The UE may operate in an active state during first periods of time in which uplink or downlink communications may be performed between the UE and the network. The UE may operate in a reduced-power state during second periods of time in which uplink and downlink communications are not performed. The first periods of time may alternate with the second periods of time in a repeating manner. Uplink data generated by the UE may be buffered during second periods of time and transmitted during first periods of time. Buffering uplink data in this manner may prevent the UE from immediately transitioning from the reduced-power state to the active state to transmit uplink data, which may conserve battery of the UE.