5G • 5G-Advanced (Rel-18)
Time-Domain Micro-Sleep
Symbol and Slot-Level gNodeB Micro-Sleep Muting
Powers down base station RF transceiver chips for a few microseconds within an active slot whenever no user data is scheduled.
Technical Explanation
Even during busy daylight hours, individual OFDM symbols frequently carry no data packets. Rel-18 Time-Domain Micro-Sleep allows gNodeB power amplifier bias circuits and digital transceivers to shut off in sub-microsecond intervals during empty symbols, waking up instantly for scheduled symbols, cutting standby power consumption with zero impact on latency.
Key Functions
- Powers down RF power amplifiers during unallocated OFDM symbol intervals
- Executes sub-microsecond wake-up and sleep transitions using fast bias switching
- Harvests substantial energy savings even during moderate daytime network traffic loads
- Operates invisibly to connected user equipment with zero latency degradation
Specifications
3GPP TR 38.864 (Rel-18)
Interfaces
gNodeB Digital Front-End / Power Amplifier
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