Communication unit energy conservation apparatus and method

摘要

A communication unit ( 10 ) can have at least a first receiver ( 11 ) and a second receiver ( 12 ). The latter typically consumes more power than the former during ordinary operation. Pursuant to one embodiment a communication unit can use the lower-power receiver to detect energy on a monitored channel while the second receiver is retained in a reduced power mode of operation. Upon detecting an absence of channel activity the second receiver can be restored to normal operability to effect such activities as are then presently required.