BACKGROUND

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and method for wireless communication.

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. In cellular communication, such as the 4th-gen eration (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the 5th- generation (5G) New Radio (NR), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines various baseband operations for cellular communication.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus may include a first baseband chip configured to, in response to a first reception condition, perform a first set of baseband operations. The apparatus may include a second baseband chip configured to, in response to a second reception condition, perform a second set of baseband operations. The first reception condition and the second reception condition may be different. The first set of baseband operations and the second set of baseband operations may be different.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication is provided. The method may include, in response to a first reception condition, causing, by a one or more first on-chip processors of a first baseband chip, a first set of baseband circuits to perform a first set of baseband operations. The method may include, in response to a second reception condition, causing, by one or more second on-chip processors of a second baseband chip, a second set of baseband circuits to perform a second set of baseband operations. The first reception condition and the second reception condition may be different. The first set of baseband operations and the second set of baseband operations may be different.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication is provided. The method may include sending, by a first baseband chip, a first capability report to a base station. The first capability report may indicate to the base station a first set of baseband capabilities. The method may include identifying, by the first baseband chip, a transition from a first reception condition to a second reception condition. The method may include sending, by the first baseband chip, an activation signal to a second baseband chip. The activation signal may cause the second baseband chip to enter an operational mode. The method may include, in response to entering the operational mode, obtaining, by the second baseband chip a second capability report. The second capability report may indicate a second set of baseband capabilities. The method may include sending, by the second baseband chip, a second capability report to the base station. The second capability report may be associated with a second set of baseband capabilities. The second set of baseband capabilities may include a subset of the first set of baseband capabilities.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication is provided. The method may include, in response to determining that a first reception condition is met (e.g., a first component carrier (CC) threshold condition is met), activating a first baseband chip and a second baseband chip. The method may include, in response to determining that a second reception condition is met (e.g., a second CC threshold condition is met, activating the first baseband chip and deactivating the second baseband chip. The method may also include, in response to determining that a third threshold condition is met (e.g., a third CC threshold condition is met), activating the second baseband chip and deactivating the first baseband chip.

[0007] These illustrative embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define the present disclosure, but to provide examples to aid understanding thereof. Additional embodiments are discussed in the Detailed Description, and further description is provided there.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example baseband chip.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary wireless network, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary node, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [0012] FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus including a first baseband chip, a second baseband chip, a radio frequency (RF) chip, and a host chip, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of another exemplary apparatus including a first baseband chip, a second baseband chip, a first RF chip, a second RF chip, and a host chip, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5A illustrates a flow chart of a first exemplary method of wireless communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5B illustrates a flow chart of a second exemplary method of wireless communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5C illustrates a flow chart of a third exemplary method of wireless communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Although specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the pertinent art that the present disclosure can also be employed in a variety of other applications.

[0019] It is noted that references in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of a person skilled in the pertinent art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0020] In general, terminology may be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

[0021] Various aspects of wireless communication systems will now be described with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, units, components, circuits, steps, operations, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, firmware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0022] The techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communication networks, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) system, time division multiple access (TDMA) system, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) system, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC- FDMA) system, wireless local area network (WLAN) system, and other networks. The terms “network” and “system” are often used interchangeably. A CDMA network may implement a radio access technology (RAT), such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), CDMA 2000, etc. A TDMA network may implement a RAT, such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network may implement a RAT, such as LTE or NR. A WLAN system may implement a RAT, such as Wi-Fi. The techniques described herein may be used for the wireless networks and RATs mentioned above, as well as other wireless networks and RATs.

[0023] As used herein, the term “full capability” may refer to the entire set of services supported by a wireless communication network. As used herein, the term “partial capability” may refer to fewer capabilities than the entire set of capabilities supported by a wireless communication network.

[0024] In wireless communication, it is the user equipment’s baseband chip that typically performs the baseband operations for all cellular RATs, e.g., 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G, 6G, etc., for which the device is configured. A block diagram of an example user equipment (UE) 100 (referred to hereinafter as “UE 100”) is depicted in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, UE 100 may include a baseband chip 102, a radio frequency (RF) chip 104, and a host chip 106. Thus, baseband chip 102 may be configured to perform all baseband operations for the cellular RATs supported by UE 100.

[0025] With the development of improved and/or new cellular RATs, baseband chip 102 may support larger amounts of data throughput than legacy baseband chips. Consequently, the baseband circuitry, processors, and firmware are more complex and consume more power than those in legacy devices. Moreover, newer generation RF chips (e.g., such as RF chip 104) may be more complex and power-consuming for the same or similar reasons. However, although the capability baseband chip 102 and/or RF chip 104 may be more powerful, the maximum data throughput or the maximum bandwidth supported by these devices may only be achievable a fraction of the time. One factor that limits the achievable data throughput may relate to network traffic conditions. When network traffic is high, for instance, the number of resources available for allocation to UE 100 may be limited such that the maximum supported data throughput is unachievable. Another factor that affects data throughput is non-uniform cellular coverage or service gaps. In rural or underdeveloped regions, for example, 5G or even 4G may be unavailable, or the deployments of those RATs may be limited such that their full capabilities are not supported in those areas. In such instances, the complex circuitry, processor(s), and/or firmware of baseband chip 102 and/or RF chip 104 drain a significant amount of power without providing the benefit of maximum data throughput.

[0026] Thus, one challenge of baseband chip 102 and RF chip 104 relates to its/their considerable power consumption. This challenge is made worse during certain reception conditions, e.g., such discontinuous reception (DRX) (e.g., connected mode DRX (CDRX)), low throughput scenarios, and/or physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)-only reception. More specifically, because baseband chip 102 and RF chip 104 are designed to support peak throughput scenarios, when UE 100 performs DRX or PDCCH-only reception, for example, baseband chip 102 and RF chip 104 still use high-dynamic power. Therefore, even when DRX and/or PDCCH- only reception are implemented, baseband chip 102 and RF chip 104 still consume an undesirable amount of power without providing the benefit(s) of maximum data throughput.

[0027] Thus, there exists an unmet need for an apparatus that supports the full capability of a RAT when available, while at the same time avoiding an unnecessary drain of battery resources when reception conditions preclude the full capability of a RAT from being achieved.

[0028] To overcome these and other challenges, the present disclosure provides an apparatus that is designed with two or more baseband chips configured to operate during different reception conditions. For instance, the exemplary apparatus may include a first baseband chip configured to support a RAT’s full capability when available. The exemplary apparatus may also include a second baseband chip configured to support only a subset of the full capability when the RAT’s full capability cannot be achieved. For example, the first baseband chip may be activated during high-throughput reception conditions or when certain cellular networks (e.g., 5G, 6G, etc.) are available. On the other hand, the second baseband chip, which has limited capabilities as compared to the first baseband chip, may be configured to operate during low-throughput reception conditions or when only legacy cellular networks (e.g., 2G, 3G, LTE, etc.) are available. While one of the baseband chips is in operational mode, the other baseband chip enters a reduced-power mode. Thus, during a reception condition associated with low-throughput, the first baseband chip with its complex baseband circuitry, processors, and/or firmware may enter a reduced-power mode or sleep mode, while the second baseband chip is activated. Moreover, multiple RF chips with different complexity and capabilities may also be included in the exemplary apparatus for the same or similar reasons. Still further, the first baseband chip and the second baseband chip may be configured to perform cellular operations associated with different numbers of CCs. For example, the first baseband chip may be configured to support a first number of CCs (e.g., two or more CCs), while the second baseband chip may be configured to support a second number of CCs (e.g., one or more CCs) less than the first number of CCs. When the base station schedules cellular communication using a number of CCs that falls within the first number of CCs supported by the first baseband chip, the first baseband chip may be activated, and the second baseband chip deactivated. On the other hand, when the base station schedules communications using a number of CCs that falls within the second number of CCs supported by the second baseband chip, the second baseband chip may be activated, and the first baseband chip deactivated. In high throughput scenarios, e.g., such as when the base station schedules communications using a number of CCs that exceeds the number of CCs supported by the first baseband chip, both the first and second baseband chips may be activated so that cellular communications may be performed using the high throughput number of CCs. For example, when the first baseband chip supports four CCs and the second baseband chip supports one CC, and when the base station schedules five CCs for cellular communication with the UE, cellular communication using five CCs may be effected by the UE by activating the first and second baseband chips.

[0029] In this way, the exemplary apparatus described herein provides flexibility and feasibility as compared to other mobile devices by supporting full baseband capability, full CC capability, and/or RF operations without depleting battery power unnecessarily during limitedthroughput reception conditions. Additional details of the exemplary apparatus are provided below in connection with FIGs. 2-5C.

[0030] Although the following description is directed to two baseband chips and two RF chips, the concepts provided herein are not limited to these number. Instead, the following description may be extended to any number of baseband chips and RF chips without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary wireless network 200, in which some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, wireless network 200 may include a network of nodes, such as a user equipment 202, an access node 204, and a core network element 206. User equipment 202 may be any terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a vehicle computer, a gaming console, a printer, a positioning device, a wearable electronic device, a smart sensor, or any other device capable of receiving, processing, and transmitting information, such as any member of a vehicle to everything (V2X) network, a cluster network, a smart grid node, or an Intemet-of-Things (loT) node. It is understood that user equipment 202 is illustrated as a mobile phone simply by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

[0032] Access node 204 may be a device that communicates with user equipment 202, such as a wireless access point, a base station (BS), a Node B, an enhanced Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB), a cluster master node, or the like. Access node 204 may have a wired connection to user equipment 202, a wireless connection to user equipment 202, or any combination thereof. Access node 204 may be connected to user equipment 202 by multiple connections, and user equipment 202 may be connected to other access nodes in addition to access node 204. Access node 204 may also be connected to other user equipments. When configured as a gNB, access node 204 may operate in millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies and/or near mmW frequencies in communication with the user equipment 202. When access node 204 operates in mmW or near mmW frequencies, the access node 204 may be referred to as an mmW base station. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is part of the RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters. Radio waves in the band may be referred to as a millimeter wave. Near mmW may extend down to a frequency of 3 GHz with a wavelength of 200 millimeters. The super high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, also referred to as centimeter wave. Communications using the mmW or near mmW radio frequency band have extremely high path loss and a short range. The mmW base station may utilize beamforming with user equipment 202 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. It is understood that access node 204 is illustrated by a radio tower by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

[0033] Access nodes 204, which are collectively referred to as E-UTRAN in the evolved packet core network (EPC) and as NG-RAN in the 5G core network (5GC), interface with the EPC and 5GC, respectively, through dedicated backhaul links (e.g., SI interface). In addition to other functions, access node 204 may perform one or more of the following functions: transfer of user data, radio channel ciphering and deciphering, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, distribution for non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio access network (RAN) sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment trace, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. Access nodes 204 may communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., through the 5GC) with each other over backhaul links (e.g., X2 interface). The backhaul links may be wired or wireless.

[0034] Core network element 206 may serve access node 204 and user equipment 202 to provide core network services. Examples of core network element 206 may include a home subscriber server (HSS), a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (SGW), or a packet data network gateway (PGW). These are examples of core network elements of an evolved packet core (EPC) system, which is a core network for the LTE system. Other core network elements may be used in LTE and in other communication systems. In some embodiments, core network element 206 includes an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), or a user plane function (UPF) of the 5GC for the NR system. The AMF may be in communication with a Unified Data Management (UDM). The AMF is the control node that processes the signaling between the user equipment 202 and the 5GC. Generally, the AMF provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet protocol (IP) packets are transferred through the UPF. The UPF provides user equipment (UE) IP address allocation as well as other functions. The UPF is connected to the IP Services. The IP Services may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a PS Streaming Service, and/or other IP services. It is understood that core network element 206 is shown as a set of rack-mounted servers by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

[0035] Core network element 206 may connect with a large network, such as the Internet 208, or another Internet Protocol (IP) network, to communicate packet data over any distance. In this way, data from user equipment 202 may be communicated to other user equipments connected to other access points, including, for example, a computer 210 connected to Internet 208, for example, using a wired connection or a wireless connection, or to a tablet 212 wirelessly connected to Internet 208 via a router 214. Thus, computer 210 and tablet 212 provide additional examples of possible user equipments, and router 214 provides an example of another possible access node. [0036] A generic example of a rack-mounted server is provided as an illustration of core network element 206. However, there may be multiple elements in the core network including database servers, such as a database 216, and security and authentication servers, such as an authentication server 218. Database 216 may, for example, manage data related to user subscription to network services. A home location register (HLR) is an example of a standardized database of subscriber information for a cellular network. Likewise, authentication server 218 may handle authentication of users, sessions, and so on. In the NR system, an authentication server function (AUSF) device may be the entity to perform user equipment authentication. In some embodiments, a single server rack may handle multiple such functions, such that the connections between core network element 206, authentication server 218, and database 216, may be local connections within a single rack.

[0037] Each element in FIG. 2 may be considered a node of wireless network 200. More detail regarding the possible implementation of a node is provided by way of example in the description of a node 300 in FIG. 3. Node 300 may be configured as user equipment 202, access node 204, or core network element 206 in FIG. 2. Similarly, node 300 may also be configured as computer 210, router 214, tablet 212, database 216, or authentication server 218 in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, node 300 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, and a transceiver 306. These components are shown as connected to one another by a bus, but other connection types are also permitted. When node 300 is user equipment 202, additional components may also be included, such as a user interface (UI), sensors, and the like. Similarly, node 300 may be implemented as a blade in a server system when node 300 is configured as core network element 206. Other implementations are also possible.

[0038] Transceiver 306 may include any suitable device for sending and/or receiving data. Node 300 may include one or more transceivers, although only one transceiver 306 is shown for simplicity of illustration. An antenna 308 is shown as a possible communication mechanism for node 300. Multiple antennas and/or arrays of antennas may be utilized for receiving multiple spatially multiplex data streams. Additionally, examples of node 300 may communicate using wired techniques rather than (or in addition to) wireless techniques. For example, access node 204 may communicate wirelessly to user equipment 202 and may communicate by a wired connection (for example, by optical or coaxial cable) to core network element 206. Other communication hardware, such as a network interface card (NIC), may be included as well.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, node 300 may include processor 302. Although only one processor is shown, it is understood that multiple processors can be included. Processor 302 may include microprocessors, microcontroller units (MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout the present disclosure. Processor 302 may be a hardware device having one or more processing cores. Processor 302 may execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Software can include computer instructions written in an interpreted language, a compiled language, or machine code. Other techniques for instructing hardware are also permitted under the broad category of software. [0040] As shown in FIG. 3, node 300 may also include memory 304. Although only one memory is shown, it is understood that multiple memories can be included. Memory 304 can broadly include both memory and storage. For example, memory 304 may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, hard disk drive (HDD), such as magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, Flash drive, solid-state drive (SSD), or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions that can be accessed and executed by processor 302. Broadly, memory 304 may be embodied by any computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0041] Processor 302, memory 304, and transceiver 306 may be implemented in various forms in node 300 for performing wireless communication functions. In some embodiments, at least two of processor 302, memory 304, and transceiver 306 are integrated into a single system- on-chip (SoC) or a single system-in-package (SiP). In some embodiments, processor 302, memory 304, and transceiver 306 of node 300 are implemented (e.g., integrated) on one or more SoCs. In one example, processor 302 and memory 304 may be integrated on an application processor (AP) SoC (sometimes known as a “host,” referred to herein as a “host chip”) that handles application processing in an operating system (OS) environment, including generating raw data to be transmitted. In another example, processor 302 and memory 304 may be integrated on a baseband processor (BP) SoC (sometimes known as a “modem,” referred to herein as a “baseband chip”) that converts the raw data, e.g., from the host chip, to signals that can be used to modulate the carrier frequency for transmission, and vice versa, which can run a real-time operating system (RTOS). In still another example, processor 302 and transceiver 306 (and memory 304 in some cases) may be integrated on an RF SoC (sometimes known as a “transceiver,” referred to herein as an “RF chip”) that transmits and receives RF signals with antenna 308. It is understood that in some examples, some or all of the host chip, baseband chip, and RF chip may be integrated as a single SoC. For example, a baseband chip and an RF chip may be integrated into a single SoC that manages all the radio functions for cellular communication.

[0042] Referring back to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, user equipment 202 may be designed with two or more baseband chips. A first baseband chip may support full capability and may be activated when a RAT’s full capability can be achieved. UE 202 may also include a second baseband chip configured to support only a subset of the full capability and may be activated when the full capability of the first baseband chip cannot be achieved. For example, the first baseband chip may be activated during high-throughput reception conditions or when certain cellular networks (e.g., 5G, 6G, etc.) are available. On the other hand, the second baseband chip, which has limited capabilities as compared to the first baseband chip, may be configured to operate during low-throughput reception conditions or when only legacy cellular networks (e.g., 2G, 3G, LTE, etc.) are available. While one of the baseband chips is in operational mode, the other baseband chip enters a reduced-power mode. Thus, during a reception condition associated with low- throughput, the complex and power-hungry first baseband chip may enter a low-power mode or sleep mode, while the less power-hungry second baseband chip performs the baseband operations for user equipment 202. Moreover, multiple RF chips with different complexity and capabilities may also be included in user equipment 202 for the same or similar reasons. In this way, user equipment 202 may provide an improved user experience by supporting full baseband capability and/or RF operations without depleting battery power unnecessarily during low-throughput reception conditions. Additional details of the multiple-baseband chip/multiple RF chip architecture of user equipment 202 are provided below in connection with FIGs. 4A, 4B, and 5A- 5C.

[0043] FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 400 including a first baseband chip 402a, a second baseband chip 402b, a first RF chip 404a, and a host chip 406, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 415 including a first baseband chip 402a, a second baseband chip 402b, a first RF chip 404a, a second RF chip 404b, and a host chip 406, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGs. 4A and 4B will be described together.

[0044] Apparatus 400 and apparatus 415 may each be implemented as user equipment 202 of wireless network 200 in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4A, apparatus 400 may include a first baseband chip 402a, a second baseband chip 402b, a first RF chip 404a, a host chip 406, and one or more first antennas 410a. As shown in FIG. 4B, apparatus 415 may include a first baseband chip 402a, a second baseband chip 402b, a first RF chip 404a, a second RF chip 404b, a host chip 406, and one or more first antennas 410a.

[0045] Referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, in some embodiments, first baseband chip 402a is implemented by a processor and a memory, second baseband chip 402b is implemented by a processor and a memory, first RF chip 404a is implemented by a processor, memory, and a transceiver, and second RF chip 404b is implemented by a processor memory, and a transceiver. Besides the first on-chip memory 418a on first baseband chip 402a, the second on-chip memory 418b on second baseband chip 402b, and other on-chip memories (not shown) on first RF chip 404a, second RF chip 404b, and host chip 406, apparatus 400, 415 may further include an external memory 408 (e.g., the system memory or main memory) that can be shared by each chip 402a, 402b, 404a, 404b, or 406 through the system/main bus. On-chip memory may refer to “internal memory,” e.g., which includes registers, buffers, or caches. Although first baseband chip 402a is illustrated as a standalone SoC or SiP in FIG. 4A, it is understood that in one example, first baseband chip 402a and first RF chip 404a may be integrated as one SoC or SiP; in another example, first baseband chip 402a and host chip 406 may be integrated as one SoC or SiP; in still another example, first baseband chip 402a, first RF chip 404a, and host chip 406 may be integrated as one SoC or SiP. Moreover, although second baseband chip 402b is illustrated as a standalone SoC or SiP in FIG. 4A, it is understood that in another example, second baseband chip 402b and first RF chip 404a may be integrated as one SoC or SiP; in a further example, second baseband chip 402b and host chip 406 may be integrated as one SoC or SiP; in still another example, second baseband chip 402b, first RF chip 404a, and host chip 406 may be integrated as one SoC or SiP; in yet a further example, first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b may be integrated as one SoC or SiP; in yet another example, first baseband chip 402a, second baseband chip 402b, first RF chip 404a, and host chip 406 may be integrated as one SoC or SiP. The chips 402a, 402b, 404a, 404b, and 406 in FIG. 4B may be grouped into one or more SoCs or SiP in a manner similar to those described above in connection with FIG. 4A.

[0046] In the uplink, host chip 406 may generate raw data and send it to either first baseband chip 402a or second baseband chip 402b for encoding, modulation, and mapping, depending on which baseband chip is activated. Interface 414a of first baseband chip 402a or interface 414b of second baseband chip 402b may receive the data from host chip 406. First baseband chip 402a or second baseband chip 402b may also access the raw data generated by host chip 406 and stored in external memory 408, for example, using a direct memory access (DMA). First baseband chip 402a or second baseband chip 402b may first encode (e.g., by source coding and/or channel coding) the raw data and modulate the coded data using any suitable modulation techniques, such as multi-phase shift keying (MPSK) modulation or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). First baseband chip 402a or second baseband chip 402b may perform any other functions, such as symbol or layer mapping, to convert the raw data into a signal that can be used to modulate the carrier frequency for transmission. Referring to FIG. 4A, in the uplink, first baseband chip 402a or second baseband chip 402b may send the modulated signal to first RF chip 404a via interface 414a or 414b, respectively. Referring to FIG. 4B, in the uplink, first baseband chip 402a may send the modulated signal to first RF chip 404a via interface 414a and second baseband chip 402b may send the modulated signal to second RF chip 404b via interface 414b.

[0047] First RF chip 404a and second RF chip 404b, through their respective transmitter (TX), may convert the modulated signal in the digital form into analog signals, i.e., RF signals, and perform any suitable front-end RF functions, such as filtering, digital pre-distortion, up- conversion, or sample-rate conversion. First antenna 410a (e.g., an antenna array) may transmit the RF signals provided by the transmitter of first RF chip 404a, and second antenna 410b (e.g., an antenna array) may transmit RF signals provided by the transmitter of second RF chip 404b.

[0048] Referring to FIGs. 4 A and 4B, in the downlink, first antenna 410a and second antenna 410b may receive RF signals from an access node or other wireless device. The RF signals may be passed to the receiver (Rx) of first RF chip 404a or second RF chip 404b. First RF chip 404a and second RF chip 404b may perform any suitable front-end RF functions, such as filtering, IQ imbalance compensation, down-paging conversion, or sample-rate conversion, and convert the RF signals (e.g., transmission) into low-frequency digital signals (baseband signals) that can be processed by first baseband chip 402a or second baseband chip 402b, depending on the reception conditions.

[0049] Still referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, first baseband chip 402a may include a first set of baseband circuits 422a configured to perform a first set of baseband operations during the first reception condition, and second baseband chip 402b may include a second set of baseband circuits 422b configured to perform a second set of baseband operations during the second reception condition. The first reception condition and the second reception condition are different, and the first set of baseband operations and the second baseband operations are different. One difference between the first set of baseband operations and the second set of baseband operations may be that the second set of baseband operations consumes less power.

[0050] In one example, first set of baseband circuits 422a may be configured to perform baseband operations associated with 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, while second set of baseband circuits 422b may be configured to perform baseband operations associated with 2G, 3G, and 4G. In another example, first set of baseband circuits 422a may be configured to perform baseband operations that support all 5G services at the maximum data throughput (or when the data throughput meets a threshold condition), while second set of baseband circuits 422b may be configured to perform baseband operations that support all 5G services at a reduced data throughput. In a further example, first set of baseband circuits 422a may be configured to perform baseband operations that support all 5G services at the maximum data throughput, while second set of baseband circuits 422b may be configured to perform only a subset of the 5G services at reduced data throughput. In other words, second set of baseband circuits 422b may be a subset of first set of baseband circuits 422a. Put another way, second set of baseband circuits 422b may consume less power than if first set of baseband circuits 422a were used during the second reception condition. [0051] The first reception condition may include one or more of, e.g., a first set of available

RAT(s) (e.g., 5G, 6G, 7G, etc.), a non-idle mode, non-discontinuous reception (non-DRX), a first data throughput level that meets a data throughput threshold condition, physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) reception with a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) reception, a first number of component carriers (CCs) that meets a component carrier (CC) threshold condition, a first multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) layer number that meets a MEMO layer threshold condition, or a first bandwidth part (BWP) size that meets a BWP size threshold condition, in some examples. Thus, when apparatus 400 or apparatus 415 receives an indication from access node 204 that communication will be performed, e.g., in idle mode, without DRX, using a data throughput level that meets or exceeds a data throughput threshold (e.g., the data throughput threshold condition is met), using PDCCH reception with PDSCH reception, using a number of CCs that meets or exceeds a threshold number of CCs (e.g., the CC threshold condition is met), using a MEMO layer number that meets or exceeds the MEMO layer threshold (e.g., the MEMO layer threshold condition is met), and/or using a BWP size that meets or exceeds a BWP size threshold (e.g., the BWP threshold condition is met), the first baseband chip 402 may be activated and perform the first set of baseband operations. Here, second baseband chip 402b may be in a reduced-power mode, e.g., such as a light-sleep mode or a deep-sleep mode.

[0052] On the other hand, the second reception condition may include one or more of, e.g., a second set of available RAT(s) (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, etc.) but not a first set of RAT(s) (e.g., 5G, 6G, etc.), an idle mode, DRX, a second data throughput level that does not meet the threshold condition, PDCCH reception without PDSCH reception, a second number of CCs that do not meet the CC threshold condition, a second MEMO layer number that does not meet the MEMO layer threshold condition, and/or a second BWP size that does not meet the BWP size threshold condition. Thus, when apparatus 400 receives an indication from access node 204 that communication between the two devices will be performed using, e.g., DRX, a data throughput level that is less than the data throughput threshold, PDCCH reception without PDSCH reception, a number of CCs that does not meet the threshold number of CCs, a MEMO layer number that does not meet the MEMO layer threshold, and/or a BWP size that does not meet the BWP size threshold, the second baseband chip may be activated and perform the second set of baseband operations. In some embodiments, the second reception condition includes one or more of the second set of available RAT(s), and the second set of available RAT(s) partially overlaps the first set of available RAT(s), such as 4G, 5G and/or beyond. Here, first baseband chip 402a may be in a reduced-power mode, e.g., such as a light-sleep mode or a deep-sleep mode.

[0053] First processor 420a and/or second processor 420b may be configured to identify a reception condition and/or identify when a transition from the first reception condition to the second reception condition or vice versa occurs. By way of example, assuming first baseband chip 402a is activated and second baseband chip 402b remains in reduced-power mode when apparatus 400 is powered on, first processor 420a may be configured to determine whether the first reception condition or the second reception condition exists. First processor 420a may make this determination based on signals (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) connection configuration/reconfiguration messaging, etc.) received from the serving access node, e.g., an access node. For instance, when the signaling is received from the access node, first processor 420a may access reception condition information stored/maintained by first on-chip memory 418a. The signaling may be compared to the reception condition information, and first processor 420a may determine whether the first reception condition or the second reception condition exists based on the comparison. When first processor 420a determines that one or more of the threshold conditions mentioned above are met, it determines that the first reception condition exists. On the other hand, when first processor 420a determines that one or more of the threshold conditions mentioned above are not met, it determines that the second threshold condition exists.

[0054] By way of example and not limitation, assume first baseband chip 402a is configured to perform baseband operations associated with 5G and second baseband chip 402b is configured to perform baseband operations associated with 2G, 3G, and 4G. In this example, it is also assumed that apparatus 400 is located in an area that supports 2G, 3G, and/or 4G only. Thus, when apparatus 400 is powered on, first processor 420a may determine that the serving access node supports 4G but not 5G, and hence, identify the second reception condition. Here, first baseband chip 402a and/or first processor 420a may send an activation signal to second baseband chip 402b directly or via host chip 406. Once second baseband chip 402b is activated (or once the activation signal is sent by first baseband chip 402a), first baseband chip 402a may enter a reduced-power mode. However, the reception condition determination is not limited to when apparatus 400 is powered on. Instead, the reception condition determination may be made at any time while apparatus 400 is in use.

[0055] In another non-limiting example, assume first baseband chip 402a is configured to perform baseband operations associated with 5G and second baseband chip 402b is configured to perform baseband operations associated with 2G, 3G, and 4G, as described in the preceding example. However, in this example, it is also assumed that apparatus 400 is moved from a first service area that supports 2G, 3G, and/or 4G into a second service area that supports 5G. Thus, when second processor 420b determines that a transition from the second reception condition to the first reception condition occurs, second baseband chip 402b and/or second processor 420b may send an activation signal to first baseband chip 402a directly or via host chip 406. In response to the activation signal, first baseband chip 402a transitions from reduced-power mode to operational mode and begin performing 5G baseband operations. Once the activation signal is sent (or once first baseband chip 402a enters operational mode), second baseband chip 402b transitions from its operational mode to a reduced-power mode.

[0056] In still another non-limiting example, assume first baseband chip 402a is configured to perform a first set of 5G baseband operations and second baseband chip 402b is configured to perform a second set of 5G baseband operations. The first set of 5G baseband operations may be associated with the maximum data throughput supported by the 5G network, while the second set of 5G baseband operations may be associated with a limited data throughput, which is less than the maximum. Moreover, in this example, assume that due to an increase in network traffic, the data throughput level provided by the service area is located is reduced. Thus, first processor 420a may identify that the data throughput is no longer the maximum, and hence, that the first reception condition has transitioned to the second reception condition. Here again, first baseband chip 402a and/or first processor 420a may send an activation signal to second baseband chip 402b directly or via host chip 406. Second baseband chip 402b transitions from reduced-power mode to operational mode to perform the second set of 5G baseband operations, and first baseband chip 402a transitions from its operational mode to a reduced-power mode. Because second set of baseband circuits 422b, second processor 420b, and/or firmware of second baseband chip 402b are less complex and power-hungry than those of first baseband chip 402a, the battery life of apparatus 400 may be extended as compared to other apparatuses. This is because when only a single baseband chip is included in a wireless device, it operates as if maximum data throughput is available even when it is not, which consumes a great deal of power without providing the most beneficial user experience.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4B, during the first reception condition, first baseband chip 402a may communicate with other wireless devices via first RF chip 404a. During the second reception condition, second baseband chip 402b may communicate with other wireless devices via second RF chip 404b. Similar to the baseband chips 402a, 402b, first RF chip 404a may be configured to perform a first set of RF operations, and second RF chip 404b may be configured to perform a second set of RF operations. The second set of RF operations are associated with less power consumption than that of the first set of RF operations. During the first reception condition, first baseband chip 402a and first RF chip 404a enter their respective operational modes, and second baseband chip 402b and second RF chip 404b enter their respective reduced-power modes. During the second reception condition, second baseband chip 402b and second RF chip 404b enter their respective operational modes, while first baseband chip 402a and first RF chip 404a enter their respective reduced-power modes. When second baseband chip 402b transitions from reduced- power mode to operational mode, it may send an activation signal to second RF chip 404b, which transitions to its operational mode; and when first baseband chip 402a transitions from operational mode to reduced-power mode, first baseband chip 402a may send a deactivation signal to first RF chip 404a, which transitions to its reduced-power mode. Conversely, when second baseband chip 402b transitions from operational mode to reduced-power mode, it may send a deactivation signal to second RF chip 404b; and when first baseband chip 402a transitions from reduced-power mode to operational mode, it may send an activation signal to first RF chip 404a, which transitions from reduced-power mode to operational mode. In this way, further power savings may be achieved with the use of second RF chip 404b, while at the same time still supporting the full benefit of network services when available with the use of first RF chip 404a.

[0058] During the first reception condition, first baseband chip 402a may be configured to send a first capability report to its serving access node to indicate a first set of capabilities. The first set of capabilities may include one or more 5G services at maximum data throughput, the nubmer of CCs supported by first baseband chip 402a, among other things. In some examples, the first set of capabilities may be associated with the first set of baseband operations. Based on the first capability report, the serving access node may allocate resources based on the number of CCs indicated in the capability report from first baseband chip 402a and/or otherwise schedule uplink and downlink transmissions so that the maximum data throughput (or a data throughput that meets a threshold level) can be achieved.

[0059] When second baseband chip 402b enters its operational mode after a transition from the first reception condition to the second reception condition, second processor 420b/second baseband chip 402b may send a second capability report to the serving access node to indicate a second set of capabilities. The second set of capabilities may include one or more 5G services at a reduced data throughput (e.g., throughput level, number of CCs, etc.) or legacy RAT(s), among other things. In some examples, the second set of capabilities may be associated with the second set of baseband operations. Based on the second capability report, the serving access node may allocate resources based on the number of CCs indicated in the capability report from second baseband chip 402b or otherwise schedule uplink and downlink transmissions so that second baseband chip 402b is not excepted to operate as if maximum data throughput can be achieved, thereby conserving power during the second reception condition. Each of the first capability report and the second capability report may be dynamic or static. When dynamic, first processor 420a may generate the first capability report based on first baseband chip’s 402a real-time capabilities, and second processor 420b may generate the second capability report based on second baseband chip’s 402b real-time capabilities. When static, first processor 420a may obtain the first capability report from first on-chip memory 418a (or another storage device either local or remote to apparatus 400), and second processor 420b may obtain the second capability report from second on-chip memory 418b (or another storage device either loal or remote to apparatus 400).

[0060] Still referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, in some embodiments, the various receiption conditions may be assoicated with different data throughput levels and/or the number of CCs scheduled for communications with apparatus 400. These reception conditions may be idenitfied by, e.g., first set of processors 420a, second set of processors 420b, and/or a set of processor(s) (not shown) located at host chip 406. In this example, first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b may be configured to perform cellular operations with different numbers of CCs. For example, the first baseband chip may be configured to support a first number of CCs (e.g., two or more CCs), while the second baseband chip may be configured to support a second number of CCs (e.g., one or more CCs) less than the first number of CCs.

[0061] In a high data-throughput scenario (also referred to as “a first reception condition”), access node 204 may schedule a number of CCs for apparatus 400 that exceeds the number of CCs supported by first baseband chip 402a. Under the first reception condition, first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b may be activated so that communications may be performed using the high data-throughput number of CCs. By way of example and not limitation, assume first baseband chip 402a supports four CCs, second baseband chip 402b supports one CC, and access node 204 schedules five CCs for communications with apparatus 400. Here, apparatus 400 may activate first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b to enable cellular communication using the five CCs scheduled by access node 204. Given that the high data- throughput scenario is rare, even though multiple baseband chips (e.g., first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b) are activated, the power consumption is still smaller than other approaches because a baseband with higher capability is not always activated to support full power consumption while users do not need the maximum data-throughput.

[0062] In a medium data-throughput scenario (also referred to as “a second reception condition”), access node 204 may schedule a number of CCs for apparatus that exceeds the number of CC(s) supported by second baseband chip 402b. Under the second reception condition, first baseband chip 402a may be activated and second baseband chip 402b may be deactivated. By way of example and not limitation, assume first baseband chip 402a supports four CCs, second baseband chip 402b supports one CC, and access node 204 schedules three CCs for communications with apparatus 400. Here, apparatus 400 may activate first baseband chip 402a and deactivate second baseband chip 402b to enable cellular communication using the three CCs scheduled by access node 204 and to conserve power my placing second baseband chip 402b in reduced-power mode.

[0063] In a low data-throughput scenario (also referred to as “a third reception condition”), access node 204 may schedule a number of CCs for apparatus that does not exceed the number of CC(s) supported by second baseband chip 402b. Under the third reception condition, second baseband chip 402b may be activated and first baseband chip 402a may be deactivated. By way of example and not limitation, assume first baseband chip 402a supports four CCs, second baseband chip 402b supports one CC, and access node 204 schedules one CC for communications with apparatus 400. Here, apparatus 400 may activate second baseband chip 402b and deactivate first baseband chip 402a to enable cellular communication using the single CC scheduled by access node 204 and to conserve power by placing first baseband chip 402a in reduced-power mode.

[0064] FIG. 5A illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 of wireless communication, according to embodiments of the disclosure. Exemplary method 500 may be performed by an apparatus for wireless communication, e.g., such as a user equipment, a node, an apparatus, a first baseband chip, a second baseband chip, a first on-chip memory, a second on-chip memory, a first processor, and/or a second processor. Method 500 may include steps 502-514 as described below. It is to be appreciated that some of the steps may be optional, and some of the steps may be performed simultaneously, or in a different order than shown in FIG. 5 A.

[0065] At 502, the apparatus may determine whether it is operating under a first reception condition or a second reception condition. For example, referring to FIGs. 4 A and 4B, first processor 420a and/or second processor 420b may be configured to identify when a transition from the first reception condition to the second reception condition or vice versa occurs. By way of example, assuming first baseband chip 402a is activated and second baseband chip 402b remains in reduced-power mode when apparatus 400 is powered on, first processor 420a may be configured to determine whether the first reception condition or the second reception condition exists. First processor 420a may make this determination based on signals received from the serving access node, e.g., access node 204. For instance, when the signaling is received from the access node, first processor 420a may access reception condition information stored/maintained by first on-chip memory 418a. The signaling may be compared to the reception condition information, and first processor 420a may determine whether the first reception condition or the second reception condition exists based on the comparison. When first processor 420a determines that one or more of the threshold conditions mentioned above are met, it may determine that the first reception condition exists. On the other hand, when first processor 420a determines that one or more of the threshold conditions mentioned above are not met, it may determine that the second threshold condition exists. When the first reception condition is identified, the operations may move to 504; and when the second reception condition is identified, the operations may move to 508.

[0066] At 504, the apparatus may cause a first baseband chip to perform a first set of baseband operations. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, the first set of baseband operations may be associated with one or more RAT(s) (e.g., 5G, 6G, etc.), in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first set of baseband operations may include the full capabilities of one or more RAT(s) (e.g., 5G, 6G, etc.). First processor 420a may perform the first set of baseband operations during the first reception condition.

[0067] At 506, the apparatus may communicate with a first RF chip. For example, referring to FIG. 4B, during the first reception condition, first baseband chip 402a may communicate with other wireless devices via first RF chip 404a. Similar to the baseband chips 402a, 402b, first RF chip 404a may be configured to perform a first set of RF operations, and second RF chip 404b may be configured to perform a second set of RF operations. The second set of RF operations may be associated with less power consumption than that of the first set of RF operations. During the first reception condition, first baseband chip 402a and first RF chip 404a may enter their respective operational modes. When first baseband chip 402a transitions from reduced-power mode to operational mode, it may send an activation signal to first RF chip 404a, which transitions from reduced-power mode to operational mode.

[0068] At 508, the apparatus may cause a second baseband chip to enter operational mode. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, assume first baseband chip 402a is configured to perform baseband operations associated with 5G and second baseband chip 402b is configured to perform baseband operations associated with 2G, 3G, and 4G. In this example, it is also assumed that apparatus 400 is located in an area that supports 2G, 3G, and/or 4G only. Thus, when apparatus 400 is powered on, first processor 420a may determine that the serving access node supports 4G but not 5G, and hence, identify the second reception condition. Here, first baseband chip 402a and/or first processor 420a may send a signal that activates second baseband chip 402b.

[0069] At 510, the apparatus may cause the second baseband chip to communicate with a second RF chip. For example, referring to FIG. 4B, when second baseband chip 402b transitions from reduced-power mode to operational mode, it may send an activation signal to second RF chip 404b, which transitions to its operational mode.

[0070] At 512, the apparatus may cause a first baseband chip to enter a reduced-power mode. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, once second baseband chip 402b is activated (or once the activation signal is sent by first baseband chip 402a), first baseband chip 402a may enter a reduced-power mode.

[0071] At 514, the apparatus may cause the first RF chip to enter a reduced-power mode. For example, referring to FIG. 4B, during the second reception condition, second baseband chip 402b and second RF chip 404b may enter their respective operational modes, while first baseband chip 402a and first RF chip 404a may enter their respective reduced-power modes. When first baseband chip 402a transitions from operational mode to reduced-power mode (e.g., before switching to reduced-power mode, during the transition to reduced-power mode, or after entering reduced-power mode), first baseband chip 402a may send a deactivation signal to first RF chip 404a, which transitions to its reduced-power mode.

[0072] FIG. 5B illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 515 of wireless communication, according to embodiments of the disclosure. Exemplary method 515 may be performed by an apparatus for wireless communication, e.g., such as a user equipment, a node, an apparatus, a first baseband chip, a second baseband chip, a first on-chip memory, a second on-chip memory, a first processor, and/or a second processor. Method 515 may include steps 520-528 as described below. It is to be appreciated that some of the steps may be optional, and some of the steps may be performed simultaneously, or in a different order than shown in FIG. 5B.

[0073] At 520, the apparatus may send, by a first baseband chip, a first capability report to a base station, the first capability report indicating a first set of baseband capabilities. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, during the first reception condition, first baseband chip 402a may be configured to send a first capability report to its serving access node to indicate a first set of capabilities. The first set of capabilities may include one or more 5G services at maximum data throughput, among other things. In some examples, the first set of capabilities may be associated with the first set of baseband operations. Based on the first capability report, the serving access node may allocate resources and/or otherwise schedule uplink and downlink transmissions so that the maximum data throughput (or a data throughput that meets a threshold level) can be achieved. [0074] At 522, the apparatus may identify, by the first baseband chip, a transition from a first reception condition to a second reception condition. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, first processor 420a and/or second processor 420b may be configured to identify when a transition from the first reception condition to the second reception condition or vice versa occurs. By way of example, assuming first baseband chip 402a is activated and second baseband chip 402b remains in reduced-power mode when apparatus 400 is powered on, first processor 420a may be configured to determine whether the first reception condition or the second reception condition exists. First processor 420a may make this determination based on signals received from the serving access node, e.g., access node 204. For instance, when the signaling is received from the access node, first processor 420a may access reception condition information stored/maintained by first on-chip memory 418a. The signaling may be compared to the reception condition information, and first processor 420a may determine whether the first reception condition or the second reception condition exists based on the comparison. When first processor 420a determines that one or more of the threshold conditions mentioned above are met, it may determine that the first reception condition exists. On the other hand, when first processor 420a determines that one or more of the threshold conditions mentioned above are not met, it may determine that the second threshold condition exists.

[0075] At 524, the apparatus may send, by the first baseband chip, an activation signal to a second baseband chip, the activation signal causing the second baseband chip to enter an operational mode. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, assume first baseband chip 402a is configured to perform baseband operations associated with 5G and second baseband chip 402b is configured to perform baseband operations associated with 2G, 3G, and 4G. In this example, it is also assumed that apparatus 400 is located in an area that supports 2G, 3G, and/or 4G only. Thus, when apparatus 400 is powered on, first processor 420a may determine that the serving access node supports 4G but not 5G, and hence, identify the second reception condition. Here, first baseband chip 402a and/or first processor 420a may send an activation signal to second baseband chip 402b. Once second baseband chip 402b is activated (or once the activation signal is sent by first baseband chip 402a), first baseband chip 402a may enter a reduced-power mode. However, the reception condition determination is not limited to when apparatus 400 is powered on. Instead, the reception condition determination may be made at any time while apparatus 400 is in use.

[0076] At 526, the apparatus may obtain, by the second baseband chip, a second capability report, the second capability report indicating a second set of baseband capabilities. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, the second capability report may be dynamic or static. When dynamic, second processor 420b may generate the second capability report based on second baseband chip’s 402b real-time capabilities. When static, second processor 420b may obtain the second capability report from second on-chip memory 418b (or another storage device either local or remote to apparatus 400).

[0077] At 528, the apparatus may send, by the second baseband chip, a second capability report to the base station, the second capability report being associated with a second set of baseband capabilities. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, when second baseband chip 402b enters its operational mode after a transition from the first reception condition to the second reception condition, second processor 420b/second baseband chip 402b may send a second capability report to the serving access node to indicate a second set of capabilities. The second set of capabilities may include one or more 5G services at a reduced data throughput or legacy RAT(s), among other things. In some examples, the second set of capabilities may be associated with the second set of baseband operations. Based on the second capability report, the serving access node may allocate resources or otherwise schedule uplink and downlink transmissions so that second baseband chip 402b is not excepted to operate as if maximum data throughput can be achieved, thereby conserving power during the second reception condition.

[0078] FIG. 5C illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 530 of wireless communication, according to embodiments of the disclosure. Exemplary method 530 may be performed by an apparatus for wireless communication, e.g., such as user equipment 202, node 300, apparatus 400, apparatus 415, first baseband chip 402a, second baseband chip 402b, first on- chip memory 418a, second on-chip memory 418b, first processor 420a, and/or second processor 420b. Method 530 may include steps 532-542 as described below. It is to be appreciated that some of the steps may be optional, and some of the steps may be performed simultaneously, or in a different order than shown in FIG. 5C. [0079] Referring to FIG. 5C, at 532, the apparatus may determine whether it is operating under a first reception condition. The first reception condition may include a number of CCs that exceeds the number of CCs (e.g., a first number of CC(s) threshold condition) individually supported by any of its baseband chips. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, various receiption conditions may be assoicated with different data throughput levels and/or the number of CCs scheduled for communications with apparatus 400. These reception conditions may be idenitfied by, e.g., first processor 420a, second processor 420b, and/or a processor (not shown) located at host chip 406. In this example, first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b may be configured to perform cellular operations with different numbers of CCs. For example, the first baseband chip may be configured to support a first number of CCs (e.g., two or more CCs), while the second baseband chip may be configured to support a second number of CCs (e.g., one or more CCs) less than the first number of CCs. In a high data-throughput scenario (also referred to as “a first reception condition”), access node 204 may schedule a number of CCs for apparatus 400 that exceeds the number of CCs supported by first baseband chip 402a. When the apparatus determines it is operating under a first reception condition (532:YES), the operations may move to 534. Otherwise, when the apparatus determines it is not operating under the first reception condition (532:NO), the operations may move to 536.

[0080] At 534, the apparatus may activate both the first baseband chip and the second baseband chip. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, under the first reception condition, first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b may be activated so that communications may be performed using the high data-throughput number of CCs. By way of example and not limitation, assume first baseband chip 402a supports four CCs, second baseband chip 402b supports one CC, and access node 204 schedules five CCs for communications with apparatus 400. Here, apparatus 400 may activate first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b to enable cellular communication using the five CCs scheduled by access node 204.

[0081] At 536, the apparatus may determine whether its operating under a second reception condition. The second reception condition may include a number of CCs (e.g., a second number of CC(s) threshold condition) that exceeds the number of CCs supported by the second baseband chip but not the first baseband chip. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, various receiption conditions may be assoicated with different data throughput levels and/or the number of CCs scheduled for communications with apparatus 400. These reception conditions may be idenitfied by, e.g., first processor 420a, second processor 420b, and/or a processor (not shown) located at host chip 406. In this example, first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b may be configured to perform cellular operations with different numbers of CCs. For example, the first baseband chip may be configured to support a first number of CCs (e.g., two or more CCs), while the second baseband chip may be configured to support a second number of CCs (e.g., one or more CCs) less than the first number of CCs. In a medium data-throughput scenario (also referred to as “a second reception condition”), access node 204 may schedule a number of CCs for apparatus that exceeds the number of CC(s) supported by second baseband chip 402b. When the apparatus determines it is operating under a second reception condition (536:YES), the operations may move to 538. Otherwise, when the apparatus determines it is not operating under the second reception condition (536:NO), the operations may move to 540.

[0082] At 538, the apparatus may activate the first baseband chip and deactivate the second baseband chip. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, in a medium data-throughput scenario (also referred to as “a second reception condition”), access node 204 may schedule a number of CCs for apparatus that exceeds the number of CC(s) supported by second baseband chip 402b. Under the second reception condition, first baseband chip 402a may be activated and second baseband chip 402b may be deactivated. By way of example and not limitation, assume first baseband chip 402a supports four CCs, second baseband chip 402b supports one CC, and access node 204 schedules three CCs for communications with apparatus 400. Here, apparatus 400 may activate first baseband chip 402a and deactivate second baseband chip 402b to enable cellular communication using the three CCs scheduled by access node 204 and to conserve power my placing second baseband chip 402b in reduced-power mode.

[0083] At 540, the apparatus may determine whether it is operating under a third reception condition. The third reception condition may include a number of CCs (e.g., a third number of CC(s) threshold condition) that does not exceed the number of CCs supported by the second baseband chip. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, various receiption conditions may be assoicated with different data throughput levels and/or the number of CCs scheduled for communications with apparatus 400. These reception conditions may be idenitfied by, e.g., first processor 420a, second processor 420b, and/or a processor (not shown) located at host chip 406. In this example, first baseband chip 402a and second baseband chip 402b may be configured to perform cellular operations with different numbers of CCs. For example, the first baseband chip may be configured to support a first number of CCs (e.g., two or more CCs), while the second baseband chip may be configured to support a second number of CCs (e.g., one or more CCs) less than the first number of CCs. In a low data-throughput scenario (also referred to as “a third reception condition”), access node 204 may schedule a number of CCs for apparatus that does not exceed the number of CC(s) supported by second baseband chip 402b. When the apparatus determines its operating under the third reception condition (540:YES), the operations may move to 542.

[0084] At 542, the apparatus may activate the second baseband chip and deactivate the first baseband chip. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, under the third reception condition, second baseband chip 402b may be activated and first baseband chip 402a may be deactivated. By way of example and not limitation, assume first baseband chip 402a supports four CCs, second baseband chip 402b supports one CC, and access node 204 schedules one CC for communications with apparatus 400. Here, apparatus 400 may activate second baseband chip 402b and deactivate first baseband chip 402a to enable cellular communication using the single CC scheduled by access node 204 and to conserve power by placing first baseband chip 402a in reduced-power mode.

[0085] In various aspects of the present disclosure, the functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or encoded as instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computing device, such as node 300 in FIG. 3. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, HDD, such as magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, Flash drive, SSD, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a processing system, such as a mobile device or a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital video disc (DVD), and floppy disk where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. [0086] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus may include a first baseband chip configured to, in response to a first reception condition, perform a first set of baseband operations. The apparatus may include a second baseband chip configured to, in response to a second reception condition, perform a second set of baseband operations. The first reception condition and the second reception condition may be different. The first set of baseband operations and the second set of baseband operations may be different.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first reception condition may include one or more of a non-DRX operation, a first data throughput level that meets a threshold condition, a first PDCCH reception with a PDSCH reception, a first number of CCs that meets a CC threshold condition, a first MEMO layer number that meets a MEMO layer threshold condition, or a first BWP size that meets a BWP size threshold condition. In some embodiments, the second reception condition may include one or more of a DRX operation, a second data throughput level that does not meet the threshold condition, a second PDCCH reception without PDSCH reception, a second number of CCs that do not meet the CC threshold condition, a second MEMO layer number that does not meet the MEMO layer threshold condition, or a second BWP size that does not meet the BWP size threshold condition.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first set of baseband operations may be associated with a first set of RATs, and the second set of baseband operations are associated with a second set of RATs different than the first set of RATs.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first set of baseband operations may be associated with a full set of RAT capabilities, and the second set of baseband operations are associated with a subset of RAT capabilities.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second baseband chip may be configured to send, to a base station, a capability report indicating the subset of RAT capabilities.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first baseband chip is further configured to, in response to the second reception condition, enter a reduced-power mode. In some embodiments, the first baseband chip may be configured to activate the second baseband chip prior to entering the reduced-power mode.

[0092] In some embodiments, the second baseband chip may be further configured to, in response to the first reception condition, enter a reduced-power mode. In some embodiments, the second baseband chip may be further configured to activate the first baseband chip prior to entering the reduced-power mode.

[0093] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a first RF chip coupled to the first baseband chip and configured to, in response to the first reception condition, receive a first instruction from the first baseband chip to enter an operational mode. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a first RF chip coupled to the first baseband chip and configured to, enter the operational mode based on the first instruction. [0094] In some embodiments, the first RF chip may be coupled to the second baseband chip and further configured to, in response to the second reception condition, communicate with the second baseband chip.

[0095] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a second RF chip coupled to the second baseband chip and configured to, in response to the second reception condition, communicate with the second baseband chip.

[0096] In some embodiments, in response to the second reception condition, the first RF chip may be further configured to receive a second instruction from the first baseband chip to enter a reduced-power mode. In some embodiments, in response to the second reception condition, the first RF chip may be further configured to enter the reduced-power mode based on the second instruction.

[0097] In some embodiments, in response to the first reception condition, the first RF chip may be further configured to receive a second instruction from the first baseband chip to enter an operational mode. In some embodiments, in response to the first reception condition, the first RF chip may be further configured to enter the operational mode based on the second instruction.

[0098] In some embodiments, in response to the first reception condition, the second RF chip may be further configured to receive a first instruction from the second baseband chip to enter a reduced-power mode. In some embodiments, in response to the first reception condition, the second RF chip may be further configured to enter the reduced-power mode based on the first instruction.

[0099] In some embodiments, in response to the second reception condition, the second RF chip may be further configured to receive a second instruction from the second baseband chip to enter an operational mode. In some embodiments, in response to the second reception condition, the second RF chip may be further configured to enter the operational mode based on the second instruction.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first baseband chip may include a first set of baseband circuits configured to perform the first set of baseband operations. In some embodiments, the first baseband chip may include one or more first on-chip processors. In some embodiments, the first baseband chip may include a first on-chip memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed by the one or more first on-chip processors cause the one or more first on-chip processors to identify a first transition from the first reception condition to the second reception condition. In some embodiments, the first baseband chip may include a first on-chip memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed by the one or more first on-chip processors cause the one or more first on-chip processors to, in response to identifying the first transition, send a first activation signal to the second baseband chip. In some embodiments, the first baseband chip may include a first on-chip memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed by the one or more first on-chip processors cause the one or more first on-chip processors to cause the first set of baseband circuits to enter a first reduced-power mode after the first activation signal is sent to the second baseband chip.

[0101] In some embodiments, the second baseband chip may include a second set of baseband circuits configured to perform the second set of baseband operations. In some embodiments, the second baseband chip may include one or more second on-chip processors. In some embodiments, the second baseband chip may include a second on-chip memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed by the one or more second on-chip processors cause the one or more second on-chip processors to identify a second transition from the second reception condition to the first reception condition. In some embodiments, the second baseband chip may include a second on-chip memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed by the one or more second on-chip processors cause the one or more second on-chip processors to, in response to identifying the second transition, send a second activation signal to the first baseband chip. In some embodiments, the second baseband chip may include a second on-chip memory having instructions stored thereon that when executed by the one or more second on-chip processors cause the one or more second on-chip processors to cause the second set of baseband circuits to enter a second reduced-power mode after the second activation signal is sent to the first baseband chip.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second set of baseband circuits may be a subset of the first set of baseband circuits.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first set of baseband circuits is associated with a first RAT. In some embodiments, the second set of baseband circuits may be associated with a second RAT different than the first RAT.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication is provided. The method may include, in response to a first reception condition, causing, by a one or more first on-chip processors of a first baseband chip, a first set of baseband circuits to perform a first set of baseband operations. The method may include, in response to a second reception condition, causing, by one or more second on-chip processors of a second baseband chip, a second set of baseband circuits to perform a second set of baseband operations. The first reception condition and the second reception condition may be different. The first set of baseband operations and the second set of baseband operations may be different.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method may include, in response to the first reception condition, receiving, by a first RF chip, a first instruction from the first baseband chip to enter an operational mode. In some embodiments, the method may include, in response to the first reception condition, entering, by the first RF chip, the operational mode based on the first instruction.

[0106] In some embodiments, the method may include, in response to the second reception condition, receiving, by a second RF chip, a second instruction from the second baseband chip to enter an operational mode. In some embodiments, the method may include, in response to the second reception condition, entering, by the second RF chip, the operational mode based on the second instruction.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication is provided. The method may include sending, by a first baseband chip, a first capability report to a base station. The first capability report may indicate to the base station a first set of baseband capabilities. The method may include identifying, by the first baseband chip, a transition from a first reception condition to a second reception condition. The method may include sending, by the first baseband chip, an activation signal to a second baseband chip. The activation signal may cause the second baseband chip to enter an operational mode. The method may include, in response to entering the operational mode, obtaining, by the second baseband chip a second capability report. The second capability report may indicate a second set of baseband capabilities. The method may include sending, by the second baseband chip, a second capability report to the base station. The second capability report may be associated with a second set of baseband capabilities. The second set of baseband capabilities may include a subset of the first set of baseband capabilities.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first capability report may indicate a first number of CCs supported by the first baseband chip. In some embodiments, the second capability report may indicate a second number of CCs supported by the second baseband chip. In some embodiments, the first number of CCs may be greater than the second number of CCs.

[0109] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving, by the first baseband chip, a first allocation of resources based on the first number of CCs indicated in the first capability report. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving, by the second baseband chip, a second allocation of resources from the base station based on the second number of CCs indicated in the second capability report.

[0110] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication is provided. The method may include, in response to determining that a first reception condition is met (e.g., a first CC threshold condition is met), activating a first baseband chip and a second baseband chip. The method may include, in response to determining that a second reception condition is met (e.g., a second CC threshold condition is met, activating the first baseband chip and deactivating (e.g., placing in reduced-power mode) the second baseband chip. The method may also include, in response to determining that a third threshold condition is met (e.g., a third CC threshold condition is met), activating the second baseband chip and deactivating (e.g., placing in reduced-power mode) the first baseband chip.

[OHl] In some embodiments, the first reception condition includes a first number of CCs that exceeds the number of CCs individually supported by either the first baseband chip or the second baseband chip. In some embodiments, the second reception condition includes a second number of CCs that exceeds the number of CCs supported by the second baseband chip but not the first baseband chip. In some embodiments, the third reception condition includes a third number of CCs that does not exceed the number of CCs supported by the second baseband chip.

[0112] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so reveal the general nature of the present disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

[0113] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0114] The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

[0115] Various functional blocks, modules, and steps are disclosed above. The particular arrangements provided are illustrative and without limitation. Accordingly, the functional blocks, modules, and steps may be re-ordered or combined in different ways than in the examples provided above. Likewise, certain embodiments include only a subset of the functional blocks, modules, and steps, and any such subset is permitted.

[0116] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.