Comparison of Battery Life Performance of VoLTE Capable Devices

Transcription

1 Comparison of Battery Life Performance of VoLTE Capable Devices Date: 02/11/2013 Document Version Number: 1.0 Author: Ardeshir Ghanbarzadeh Manager, Product Management

2

3 SPIRENT 7340 Executive Way, Suite A Frederick, MD sales@spirent.com Web: Americas SPIRENT sales@spirent.com Europe and the Middle East +44 (0) emeainfo@spirent.com Asia and the Pacific salesasia@spirent.com 2013 Spirent. All Rights Reserved. All of the company names and/or brand names and/or product names referred to in this document, in particular, the name Spirent and its logo device, are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Spirent plc and its subsidiaries, pending registration in accordance with relevant national laws. All other registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Spirent. The information in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, Spirent assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in the document.

4

5 Table of Contents Comparison of Battery Life Performance of VoLTE Capable Devices A Case Study... i 1. Abstract Case Study overview Test Procedure Test Locations Test Equipment & Methodology Key Performance Indicators Device Settings & Configuration Test Results CDMA Voice Calls Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Calls Voice over IP (VoIP) Calls Using Skype on LTE Simultaneous voice & data calls Conclusion I

6 1. ABSTRACT With the introduction of new mobile technologies to support the market demand for voice and data, operators are moving in the direction of introducing packetized voice services over the mobile data networks. A new rollout of voice technology over the mobile broadband LTE network referred to as Voice over LTE or VoLTE is currently being offered commercially by MetroPCS. MetroPCS currently offers two smartphones manufactured by LG Electronics capable of supporting VoLTE service. The objective of this study is to measure and quantify the impact on the devices battery life performance for voice calls placed over CDMA and VoLTE networks and compare the results from across the two generations of this device platform. 2. CASE STUDY OVERVIEW The study was conducted in the Dallas metro market of US operator MetroPCS using the first VoLTE supported device; the LG MS840 commercially known as the LG Connect 4G, and the second implementation of this platform, the LG MS870 commercially known as the LG Spirit 4G smartphones. Both devices are capable of supporting both CDMA and VoLTE voice calling. drain and power consumption samples were collected at multiple locations in this market for CDMA and VoLTE calls, as well as multi-service CDMA/LTE and VoLTE/LTE simultaneous voice and data calls. Also tested was Voice over IP (VoIP) calls using Microsoft s Skype over-the-top Android application over the LTE data network. The mean values of respective samples, as well as the capacity of the devices batteries were used to determine battery life estimations. Device Profiles Properties LG Connect 4G LG Spirit 4G Battery Capacity 1540 mah 2150 mah Model Number LG MS840 LG MS870 Operating System Android 2.3 Android 4.0 Processor 1.2 GHz processor 1.2 GHz Dual-core processor Display Size 4.0-inch screen 4.5-inch screen Published talk time Battery Life Up to 270 Minutes Up to 420 Minutes 3. TEST PROCEDURE 3.1. Test Locations All tests were performed in stationary locations. Tests were performed at two separate locations with RF signal strength of approximately -75 dbm. All tests were performed in Dallas, Texas Test Equipment & Methodology For the voice call only test in both CDMA and VoLTE, the native dialer of the device was used to establish a call to Spirent s voice server providing simulated speech. Each device was first configured according to the parameters identified in Table 1 of this document. The device display was turned off during testing and measurements were taken using a Monsoon Power Monitor acting as the source and test point. Five samples 2

7 of approximately 10 minutes in duration were collected at each of two locations and current drain and power consumption was measured for each sample. The average value of all ten (10) samples was used to represent current and power measurements, and in calculating the estimated battery life. For Skype VoIP calls, a voice call was placed to Spirent s voice server over the LTE data network using the Skype application. The device display was turned off and five samples of approximately 10 minutes in duration were collected at each of the two test locations. The average value of all ten (10) samples was used to represent current and power measurements, and in calculating the estimated battery life. For the simultaneous voice and data tests, Spirent s Datum Mobile application was used to establish a simultaneous voice and data call. Using Spirent s Datum Mobile, a multi-service session is established by initiating a file download from a data server, and a voice call was established with the data download in progress for a two-minute period. drain and power consumption measurements were taken for the multi-service session. Five samples were taken at each location and the average value of all ten samples was used to represent current and power measurements used to calculate estimated battery life Key Performance Indicators The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all tests include: - current drain in milliamps and standard deviation. - power consumption in milliwatts and standard deviation. - Estimated battery life in minutes Device Settings & Configuration Each Device Under Test (DUT) was configured with the following parameters prior to testing in all test sets and at all test locations: Parameter Applicable Test Case Value Screen Brightness Multi-Service 100% or MAX Screen Timeout Multi-Service Never/Max Allowed Screen Auto-Brightness Multi-Service Disabled Wi-Fi Radio Multi-Service / Voice Call Only Enabled Wi-Fi Connection Multi-Service / Voice Call Only Not Connected Mobile Data Multi-Service / Voice Call Only Enabled Bluetooth Radio Multi-Service / Voice Call Only Disabled Bluetooth Connection Multi-Service / Voice Call Only Disabled Background Data Multi-Service / Voice Call Only Enabled Volume Level Multi-Service / Voice Call Only Maximum GPS Radio Multi-Service / Voice Call Only Disabled Browser Cache Multi-Service Clear prior to each sample Browser History Multi-Service Clear prior to each sample Browser Cookies Multi-Service Clear prior to each sample Table 1 - Device Configuration Parameters 3

8 4. TEST RESULTS 4.1. CDMA VOICE CALLS When placing voice calls over the CDMA network, the average current drain of the first generation device, the LG Connect 4G, across all samples was measured at 185 ma. The average current drain across all samples for the second implementation device, the LG Spirit 4G, was measured at 151 ma. This represents an 18% improvement in current drain on the LG Spirit 4G over the LG Connect 4G for CDMA voice calls. As noted in the device profile section of this report, the more recently released LG Spirit 4G also includes a 2150 mah battery which is a 38% improvement in total battery capacity over the LG Connect 4G. As a result of the combination of the improvements in current drain and the additional battery capacity, there is approximately a 75% improvement in overall battery life for CDMA voice calls on the LG Spirit 4G compared to the LG Connect 4G. Sampling Information LG Connect 4G LG Spirit 4G Average Time Per Call Cycle 601 Seconds 605 Seconds Number of Call Cycles 10 Cycles 10 Cycles Total Number of Seconds Sampled 6013 Seconds 6048 Seconds Instantaneous Power Sampling Rate 5000 Samples/Second 5000 Samples/Second Total Number of Instantaneous Measurements 30,240,000 Samples 30,065,000 Samples TABLE 2- VOICE CALL DURATIONS AND SAMPLING INFORMATION FIGURE 1 CDMA VOICE CALL SUMMARY RESULTS 4

9 Device Under Test (Voice Service Type) Power Consumption Power Drain (ma) Estimated Battery Life (Minutes) LG Connect 4G (CDMA) LG Spirit 4G (CDMA) TABLE 3- CDMA VOICE CALL SUMMARY RESULTS FIGURE 2 - CURRENT DRAIN MEASUREMENTS FOR CDMA CALLS 5

10 Device Under Test LG Connect 4G (CDMA) Stationary Locations Location 1 Test Cycle Power Consumption Drain (ma) Session Duration (Seconds) Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle (ma) Power Estimated Battery Life (Minutes) LG Spirit 4G (CDMA) Location 2 Location 1 Location 2 Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle TABLE 4- MEASUREMENTS FOR CDMA VOICE CALLS 4.2. VOICE OVER LTE (VOLTE) CALLS When placing voice calls over the VoLTE network, the average current drain of the first generation device, LG Connect 4G, across all samples was measured at 356 ma. The average current drain across all samples for the second implementation device, the LG Spirit 4G, was measured at 232 ma. This represents a 35% improvement in current drain on the LG Spirit 4G over the LG Connect 4G for VoLTE calls. As noted in the device profile section of this report, the most recently released LG Spirit 4G also includes a 2150 mah battery which is a 38% improvement in battery capacity over the LG Connect 4G. As a result of the combination of the improvements in current drain and the additional battery capacity, there is an approximate 122% improvement in overall battery life for VoLTE calls on the LG Spirit 4G compared to the LG Connect 4G. 6

11 Sampling Information LG Connect 4G LG Spirit 4G Average Time Per Call Cycle 564 Seconds 606 Seconds Number of Call Cycles 10 Cycles 10 Cycles Total Number of Seconds Sampled 5640 Seconds 6064 Seconds Instantaneous Power Sampling Rate 5000 Samples/Second 5000 Samples/Second Total Number of Instantaneous Measurements 28,200,000 Samples 30,320,000 Samples TABLE 4- VOICE CALL DURATIONS AND SAMPLING INFORMATION FIGURE 3 VOLTE VOICE CALL SUMMARY RESULTS Device Under Test (Voice Service Type) Power Consumption Power Drain (ma) Estimated Battery Life (Minutes) LG Connect 4G (VoLTE) LG Spirit 4G (VoLTE) TABLE 5- VOLTE VOICE CALL SUMMARY RESULTS 7

12 FIGURE 4 - CURRENT DRAIN MEASUREMENTS FOR VOLTE CALLS Device Under Test Stationary Locations Test Cycle Power Consumption Drain (ma) Session Duration (Seconds) (ma) Power Estimated Battery Life (Minutes) Cycle Cycle Location 1 Cycle LG Connect 4G (VoLTE) Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Location 2 Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Location 1 Cycle Cycle LG Spirit 4G (VoLTE) Cycle Cycle Cycle Location 2 Cycle Cycle Cycle TABLE 6 - MEASUREMENTS FOR VOLTE CALLS 8

13 4.3. VOICE OVER IP (VOIP) CALLS USING SKYPE ON LTE When placing voice calls using Microsoft Skype s over-the-top application over the LTE network, the average current drain of the first generation device, LG Connect 4G, across all samples was measured at 385 ma. The average current drain across all samples for the second implementation of the device, the LG Spirit 4G, was measured at 258 ma. This represents a 33% improvement in current drain on the LG Spirit 4G over the LG Connect 4G for VoIP calls using Skype on the LTE network. As noted in the device profile section of this report, the most recently released LG Spirit 4G also includes 2150 mah battery which is a 38% improvement in battery capacity over the LG Connect 4G. As a result of the combination of the improvements in current drain and the additional battery capacity, there is approximately a 125% improvement in overall battery life for calls made using the Skype application on the LG Spirit 4G compared to the LG Connect 4G. Sampling Information LG Connect 4G LG Spirit 4G Average Time Per Call Cycle 578 Seconds 561 Seconds Number of Call Cycles 10 Cycles 10 Cycles Total Number of Seconds Sampled 5784 Seconds 5609 Seconds Instantaneous Power Sampling Rate 5000 Samples/Second 5000 Samples/Second Total Number of Instantaneous Measurements 28,920,000 Samples 30,045,000 Samples FIGURE 5 SUMMARY RESULTS FOR SKYPE CALLS OVER LTE 9

14 Device Under Test (Voice Service Type) LG Connect 4G (Skype) LG Spirit 4G (Skype) Power Consumption Power Drain (ma) Estimated Battery Life (Minutes) TABLE 7 - MEASUREMENTS FOR SKYPE VOICE CALLS OVER LTE FIGURE 6 - CURRENT DRAIN MEASUREMENTS FOR SKYPE CALLS OVER LTE Device Under Test LG Connect 4G (VoLTE) Stationary Locations Location 1 Location 2 Location 1 Test Cycle Power Consumption Drain (ma) Session Duration (Seconds) Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle (ma) Power Estimated Battery Life (Minutes)

15 LG Spirit 4G (VoLTE) Location 2 Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle TABLE 8 - MEASUREMENTS FOR SKYPE CALLS OVER LTE 4.4. SIMULTANEOUS VOICE & DATA CALLS When initiating a simultaneous voice and data session using the CDMA for voice and LTE for data on the LG Spirit 4G, the average current drain across all samples was measured at 548 ma. When initiating a simultaneous voice and data session using the VoLTE for voice and LTE for data on the LG Spirit 4G, the average current drain across all samples was measured at 488 ma. This represents a 11% improvement in current drain on the LG Spirit 4G when simultaneous voice and data calls are made using the VoLTE/LTE combination compared to using CDMA/LTE combination for voice and data on the same device. Overall this translates to approximately a 30-minute advantage for VoLTE/LTE multi-service sessions over CDMA/LTE. Device Under Test (Voice Service Type) Power Consumption Power Drain (ma) Estimated Battery Life (Minutes) LG Spirit 4G (CDMA/LTE) LG Spirit 4G (VoLTE/LTE) TABLE 9 - MEASUREMENTS FOR SIMULTANEOUS VOICE AND DATA CALLS FIGURE 7 - MEASUREMENTS FOR SIMULTANEOUS VOICE AND DATA CALLS CDMA/LTE VS. VOLTE/LTE 11

16 Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Cycle 5 Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Cycle 5 Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Cycle 5 Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Cycle 5 Average Drain (ma) Comparison of Battery Life Performance of VoLTE Capable Devices 700 Drain Measurements Simultaneous Voice & Data Call LG Spirit 4G - CDMA/LTE vs. VoLTE/LTE Location 1 Location 2 Location 1 Location 2 LG Spirit 4G Simultaneous Voice & Data (CDMA/LTE) LG Spirit 4G Simultaneous Voice & Data (VoLTE/LTE) FIGURE 8 - MEASUREMENTS FOR SIMULTANEOUS VOICE AND DATA CALLS CDMA/LTE VS. VOLTE/LTE Device Under Test Stationary Locations Test Cycle Power Consumption Drain (ma) Session Duration (Seconds) (ma) Power Estimated Battery Life (Minutes) Cycle LG Spirit 4G Simultaneous Voice & Data (CDMA/LTE) Location 1 Location 2 Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle

17 LG Spirit 4G Simultaneous Voice & Data (VoLTE/LTE) Location 1 Location 2 Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle TABLE 10 - MEASUREMENTS FOR SIMULTANEOUS VOICE AND DATA CALLS CDMA/LTE VS. VOLTE/LTE 5. CONCLUSION The results of the study demonstrate that the new LG Spirit 4G equipped with a single chipset architecture drains as much as 35% less current for VoLTE calls compared to VoLTE calls on the LG Connect 4G which employs previous generation dual chipset architecture, separating out the baseband processors for LTE and CDMA. The LG Spirit 4G also improves current drain for CDMA calls by 18% compared to the LG Connect 4G. Since the LG Spirit 4G also offers a larger battery (2150 mah) with 38% more capacity compared to the LG Connect 4G (1540 mah), the combination of improved current drain and increased battery capacity translates to an overall battery life improvement of 122% for VoLTE calls and 75% for CDMA calls on the LG Spirit 4G when compared to the LG Connect 4G. Calls made over the LTE network using Skype s over-the-top VoIP (Voice over IP) mobile application also experienced an improvement of approximately one-third less current drain on the LG Spirit 4G compared to the LG Connect 4G. Average current drain for simultaneous voice and data calls using the LG Spirit 4G where voice calls were made on the VoLTE network and data concurrently on the LTE network were approximately 11% below the same test performed using CDMA for voice and LTE for data. Although with an average current drain of 232 ma for VoLTE calls, the LG Spirit 4G drains 54% more current than CDMA calls on the same device, and 25% more current than CDMA calls on the first generation LG Connect 4G. The 35% and 18% reduction in current drain for VoLTE and CDMA calls respectively from the first generation to the second is an indication that improvements in power efficiency can be expected in subsequent generations of device platforms. 13