Vehicle Modem Power Mode Control for PLMN Search Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular modems in vehicles continue to perform PLMN searches even when stationary, leading to excessive battery consumption and potential drain due to the assumption that the terminal is in motion.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device for vehicles with an application processor that can switch power modes and deactivate PLMN searches based on network state, reducing power consumption by incrementally deactivating searches when stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cellular modem continuously performs PLMN searches to acquire the optimal network, then the network connectivity is improved, but the battery consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of PLMN search behavior based on vehicle motion state. The system transitions between different operational modes: when the vehicle is moving, the modem performs continuous PLMN searches to maintain optimal network connectivity; when the vehicle is stationary, the modem reduces or suspends searches to conserve battery power. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the search intensity variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of PLMN search frequency based on vehicle motion detection. When motion is detected, the search frequency is set to a higher value for optimal connectivity. When stationary, the search frequency is reduced or set to zero to minimize energy consumption. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize both connectivity and power consumption under different operational conditions.
2Reliability
If the PLMN searches are performed continuously based on motion assumption, then the optimal network acquisition is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing motion detection capabilities (from the vehicle's sensor system) to control the modem's PLMN search behavior. Rather than adding a separate complex control system, the modem leverages available vehicle state information to automatically adjust its operation. This self-service approach minimizes additional system complexity while achieving adaptive network acquisition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cellular modem performs PLMN searches when the vehicle is parked, then the network search capability is maintained, but the battery drain occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic PLMN searches only when the vehicle is in motion, rather than continuous searches. The search operation is triggered periodically based on motion detection events. When the vehicle is stationary, the periodic searches are suspended entirely. This periodic action approach maintains network search capability when needed while avoiding energy waste during stationary periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for a vehicle may include an application processor and a communication processor configured to communicate with the application processor and perform public land mobile network (PLMN) searches. The application processor is configured to receive a power mode change request to switch a power mode of the electronic device from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, based on the power mode change request, determine a network state of the communication processor included in the electronic device, and transmit, to the communication processor, a deactivation request to deactivate the PLMN searches based on the network state of the communication processor. The communication processor is configured to deactivate the PLMN searches in response to receiving the deactivation request from the application processor.