Opportunistic RX chain depowering based on allocated rank and MCS

A user equipment device (UE), comprising:

• a plurality of receiver chains;
• and
• a processor coupled to the plurality of receiver chains and configured to cause the UE to:
• receive control information using a first set of receiver chains of the plurality of receiver chains, wherein respective receiver chains of the first set of receiver chains comprise respective sets of individual elements;
• determine, based on the control information, a number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers associated with a first time interval;
• select, based on the number of MIMO layers, a second set of receiver chains distinct from the first set of receiver chains for the first time interval;
• temporarily depower one or more individual elements of a first receiver chain of the first set of receiver chains that is not included in the second set of receiver chains;
• and
• receive, during the first time interval, downlink data using the second set of receiver chains.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a processor configured to cause a user equipment device (UE) to:
• receive control information using a first set of receiver chains of a plurality of receiver chains, wherein respective receiver chains of the first set of receiver chains comprise respective sets of individual elements;
• determine, based on the control information, a number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers associated with a first time interval;
• select, based on the number of MIMO layers, a second set of receiver chains distinct from the first set of receiver chains for the first time interval;
• temporarily depower a first element of a first receiver chain of the first set of receiver chains that is not included in the second set of receiver chains;
• and
• receive, during the first time interval, downlink data using the second set of receiver chains.