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AppleGranted patentNetworks & wirelessInterest 3/10

Apple patents method to balance power between two cellular radios

This patent describes a way for a device with two different cellular radios to manage its total power output. It calculates how much power is left for a second radio after the first one is already transmitting, and only sends data if there is enough power left to do so safely.

Why it mattersThis helps ensure phones and other devices stay within legal power limits when using multiple types of cellular connections at the same time.

In the filing’s own words

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing maximum transmit power control when utilizing multiple radio access technologies. For example, a wireless communication device comprising two cellular radios may intend to transmit on the first radio, while concurrently transmitting on the second radio. To ensure compliance with a maximum transmit power limitation, the device may determine an allowed transmit power level of the first radio, representing a difference between the maximum transmit power limitation and the current transmit power level being transmitted by the second radio. The device may also determine a threshold power level for a communication by the first radio. If the allowed transmit power level meets the threshold power level, then the device may transmit the first communication having a power level between the threshold power level and the allowed transmit power level. Otherwise, the device may forego transmission of the first communication.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method comprising: receiving from a base station a first transmit power level for a first communication for transmission by a wireless communication device according to a first radio access technology (RAT); determining a first threshold reduction level for the first communication; determining an allowed transmit power level, based on a maximum transmit power limitation of the wireless communication device and a current transmit power level of an ongoing communication being transmitted by the wireless communication device according to a second RAT; and in response to determining that the allowed transmit power level meets the first transmit power level reduced by the first threshold reduction level, transmitting the first communication having a power level not greater than the allowed transmit power level; or in response to determining that the allowed transmit power level does not meet the first transmit power level reduced by the first threshold reduction level, forego transmission of the first communication.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
LTE NR power control for EN-DC
Patent number
US12732923B2
Application number
18469364
Filed
Sep 18, 2023
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
13
Claims
20

Classified under

H04W 52/367 Electricity & electronicsH04W 52/146 Electricity & electronicsH04W 52/52 Electricity & electronicsH04W 72/0473 Electricity & electronicsH04W 72/21 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.