Wireless communication device and power saving method thereof
By designing wireless communication circuits, system chips, wake-up controllers and beacon communication circuits in wireless communication devices, they are allowed to cycle into sleep and working states in standby state, the problems of high power consumption and poor signal in traditional wireless communication devices are solved, and the balance between low power consumption and good communication effects is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311333328.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-18
AI Technical Summary
Traditional wireless communication devices use radio frequency integrated circuits with larger process sizes, resulting in high power loss, reduced power durability, and reducing RF signal transmission power may lead to poor wireless network signals.
A wireless communication device is designed, including a wireless communication circuit, a system chip, a wake-up controller and a beacon communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit and system chip are placed into a sleep state through configuration and wake them up when they are received. The beacon communication circuit periodically transmits the beacon packets according to the transmission cycle, and enters the working state and the dormant state alternately in the transmission cycle multiple times during the transmission cycle.
It effectively reduces the power consumption during standby time of the wireless communication device, while maintaining good communication effects. By adjusting the working cycle of the transmission cycle of the beacon communication circuit, the optimal use effect can be achieved under different requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN119853719A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to wireless communication technology, and more particularly to a wireless communication device and a power saving method thereof. Background Art
[0002] Traditional wireless communication devices use radio frequency integrated circuits (RF ICs) with larger process sizes (e.g., 55 nanometers) to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals. The larger process sizes of RF ICs cause traditional wireless communication devices to have higher power loss and lead to a decrease in the power durability of traditional wireless communication devices. Although the power consumption problem can be effectively improved by reducing the transmission power of the RF signal, it may also cause the problem of poor wireless network signals in traditional wireless communication devices. Summary of the invention
[0003] In order to solve the above problems, the inventor proposes a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes: a wireless communication circuit; a system chip, electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit, configured to respond to power saving requirements and make the wireless communication circuit and the system chip enter sleep mode in sequence, and to wake up the system chip and the wireless communication circuit in sequence when receiving a wake-up signal; a wake-up controller, electrically connected to the system chip, configured to send a wake-up signal to the system chip; and a beacon communication circuit, electrically connected to the wake-up controller, configured to periodically send a beacon packet according to a transmission cycle, and alternately enter a working state and a sleeping state multiple times in each transmission cycle, wherein the beacon communication circuit listens to at least one connection request signal when entering the working state.
[0004] In some embodiments, the SoC is further configured to disable an interrupt function of the SoC.
[0005] In some embodiments, at least one connection request signal includes an authentication request packet or a data packet sent by a station, and when the beacon communication circuit hears the authentication request packet or the data packet, the wake-up controller sends a wake-up signal to the system chip.
[0006] In some embodiments, the at least one link request signal further includes a probe request packet sent by the station, and when the beacon communication circuit hears the probe request packet, the beacon communication circuit sends a probe response packet to the station.
[0007] In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the transmission cycle is between 30% and 80%.
[0008] In some embodiments, the beacon communication circuit alternately enters the working state and the sleeping state 5 times in a transmission cycle.
[0009] The inventor also proposed a power saving method suitable for wireless communication devices, including: putting the wireless communication circuit into sleep mode in response to power saving needs; disabling the interrupt function of the system chip and putting the system chip into sleep mode; and when the system chip and the wireless communication circuit enter sleep mode, periodically sending beacon packets according to the transmission cycle, and alternating between entering the working state and the sleep state multiple times in each transmission cycle.
[0010] In some embodiments, a power saving method for a wireless communication device further includes: receiving a connection request packet or a data packet sent by a station; triggering a wake-up controller to send a wake-up signal to the system chip to wake up the system chip; waking up the wireless communication circuit; and controlling the wireless communication circuit to communicate with the station.
[0011] In some embodiments, a power saving method suitable for a wireless communication device further includes: receiving a probe request packet sent by a site; sending a probe response packet to the site; receiving a connection request packet or a data packet sent by the site; triggering a wake-up controller to send a wake-up signal to the system chip to wake up the system chip; waking up the wireless communication circuit; and controlling the wireless communication circuit to communicate with the site.
[0012] In summary, according to some embodiments, the wireless communication device controls the wireless communication circuit and the system chip to enter sleep mode to reduce the power consumption during standby mode. Moreover, the wireless communication device further reduces the power consumption during standby mode by adjusting the duty cycle of the transmission cycle of the beacon communication circuit. In addition, since the beacon communication circuit alternately enters the working state and the sleep state multiple times in the transmission cycle, the wireless communication device can maintain the communication effect of the wireless communication device while reducing power consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication device according to some embodiments.
[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a wireless communication device and a station.
[0015] Figure 3 is a flowchart of operations of a wireless communication device according to some embodiments.
[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a transmission period of a beacon packet sent by a beacon communication circuit.
[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a transmission period of a beacon packet sent by a beacon communication circuit.
[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a transmission period of a beacon packet sent by a beacon communication circuit.
[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a wireless communication device and a station.
[0020] Figure 8 It is a continuation Figure 3 Flow chart of the operation of the first embodiment of step S120.
[0021] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a wireless communication device and a station.
[0022] Fig.10 It is a continuation Figure 3 Flow chart of the operation of the second embodiment of step S120.
[0023] Fig.11 yes Figure 4 A current diagram of an embodiment of a wireless communication device in FIG.
[0024] Fig.12 yes Figure 6 A current diagram of an embodiment of a wireless communication device in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Please refer to Figure 1 The wireless communication device 10 includes a wireless communication circuit 100, a system chip 110, a wake-up controller 120, and a beacon communication circuit 130. The system chip 110 is electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit 100, the wake-up controller 120 is electrically connected to the system chip 110, and the beacon communication circuit 130 is electrically connected to the wake-up controller 120. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 10 is, for example, a mobile wireless sharing device (Mi-Fi), a base station, a wireless router, or a wireless access point (AP), but is not limited thereto.
[0026] Please refer to Figure 2. Since the station (STA) 20 has not entered the signal range R10 of the wireless communication device 10, the station 20 cannot communicate with the wireless communication device 10. The signal range R10 is the maximum range that the radio frequency signal (such as the beacon packet Rf1) sent by the wireless communication device 10 can reach. In other words, the station 20 can only listen to the radio frequency signal sent by the wireless communication device 10 within the signal range R10. In some embodiments, the station 20 is a device with wireless communication function, such as but not limited to a smart phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a handheld game console, a home game console, a smart camera or a wireless monitor.
[0027] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 3 is an operation flow chart of a wireless communication device 10 according to some embodiments. The system chip 110 of the wireless communication device 10 puts the wireless communication circuit 100 into sleep mode in response to a power saving requirement (step S100). In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 10 communicates with the station 20 through the wireless communication circuit 100. When the wireless communication circuit 100 does not communicate with any station 20 under the premise of being powered on, the wireless communication device 10 generates the power saving requirement. Therefore, the system chip 110 puts the wireless communication circuit 100 into sleep mode to reduce the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10.
[0028] In some embodiments, the wireless communication circuit 100 is a radio frequency integrated circuit with wireless communication function, such as but not limited to a Wi-Fi chip. In some embodiments, the system chip 110 can be a logic circuit or a control circuit, such as but not limited to a central processing unit (CPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a microprocessor (MCU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD).
[0029] The process proceeds to step S100. When the wireless communication circuit 100 enters sleep mode, the system chip 110 first disables the interrupt function (Interrupt) of the system chip 110 and puts itself into sleep mode (step S110). When the system chip 110 receives a signal sent by other circuits in the wireless communication device 10, the interrupt function of the system chip 110 is triggered so that the system chip 110 maintains an operating state. Therefore, in some embodiments, the system chip 110 first disables the interrupt function before entering sleep mode to prevent the system chip 110 from being unable to enter sleep mode due to the interrupt function being triggered.
[0030] In some embodiments, when the wireless communication circuit 100 enters sleep mode, the power of the wireless communication circuit 100 is turned off to reduce the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10. The sleep mode can only be ended when the wireless communication circuit 100 is awakened. Similarly, in some embodiments, the power of the system chip 110 is turned off to reduce the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10. The sleep mode can only be ended when the system chip 110 is awakened.
[0031] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 . Continue to step S110. When the wireless communication circuit 100 and the system chip 110 both enter the sleep state, the beacon communication circuit 130 periodically sends the beacon packet Rf1 according to the transmission period Ttb, and the beacon communication circuit 130 alternately enters the working state and the sleep state multiple times in each transmission period Ttb (step S120). In some embodiments, the beacon communication circuit 130 maintains a first time period T1 when entering the working state, and the beacon communication circuit 130 maintains a second time period T2 when entering the sleep state.
[0032] That is, the beacon communication circuit 130 sends a beacon packet Rf1 once per transmission period Ttb (e.g., every 100 milliseconds, not limited thereto). After the beacon communication circuit 130 has sent the beacon packet Rf1, the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the working state and maintains the first time period T1. After the first time period T1, the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the sleep state and maintains the second time period T2. After the second time period T2, the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the working state again and maintains the first time period T1. The beacon communication circuit 130 cyclically alternates between entering the working state and the sleep state until the transmission period Ttb ends.
[0033] by Figure 4 For example, in this embodiment, the length of the transmission period Ttb is 100 milliseconds (ms), the length of the first period T1 is 16 milliseconds, and the length of the second period T2 is 4 milliseconds. That is, the beacon communication circuit 130 cyclically alternately enters the working state and the sleep state 5 times in each transmission period Ttb.
[0034] And Figure 5 For example, in this embodiment, the length of the transmission period Ttb is 100 milliseconds (ms), the length of the first period T1 is 12 milliseconds, and the length of the second period T2 is 8 milliseconds. That is, the beacon communication circuit 130 cyclically alternately enters the working state and the sleep state 5 times in each transmission period Ttb.
[0035] And Figure 6For example, in this embodiment, the length of the transmission period Ttb is 100 milliseconds (ms), the length of the first period T1 is 6 milliseconds, and the length of the second period T2 is 14 milliseconds. That is, the beacon communication circuit 130 cyclically alternately enters the working state and the sleep state 5 times in each transmission period Ttb.
[0036] In some embodiments, when the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the working state, it means that the beacon communication circuit 130 can listen to the RF signal sent by the station 20, and the power supply of the beacon communication circuit 130 (i.e., the current I1 of the beacon communication circuit 130) is at a high level (for example but not limited to 3 mA). The longer the time when the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the working state (i.e., the first time period T1), the easier it is for the beacon communication circuit 130 to listen to the RF signal sent by the station 20 within the transmission period Ttb. In other words, the signal strength of the wireless communication device 10 will be better at this time, and the wireless communication device 10 will consume more power.
[0037] In some embodiments, when the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the sleep state, it means that the beacon communication circuit 130 cannot listen to the RF signal sent by the station 20, and the power supply of the beacon communication circuit 130 (i.e., the current I1 of the beacon communication circuit 130) is at a low level (for example but not limited to 0 mA). The longer the time when the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the sleep state (i.e., the second period T2), it means that it is less likely for the beacon communication circuit 130 to listen to the RF signal sent by the station 20 during the transmission period Ttb. In other words, the signal strength of the wireless communication device 10 will be poor at this time, and the wireless communication device 10 will be more power-saving.
[0038] In some embodiments, the duty cycle Dtb of the transmission period Ttb is between 30% and 80%. The duty cycle Dtb of the transmission period Ttb is related to the length of the first time period T1 and the length of the second time period T2. When the duty cycle Dtb of the transmission cycle Ttb is larger, it means that the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the working state for a longer time, at which time the signal strength of the wireless communication device 10 is better and it is easy to connect to the station 20 for communication, and the wireless communication device 10 consumes more power. When the duty cycle Dtb of the transmission cycle Ttb is smaller, it means that the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the sleep state for a longer time, at which time the signal strength of the wireless communication device 10 is poor and it is not easy to connect to the station 20 for communication, and the wireless communication device 10 saves more power. Therefore, the user can adjust the duty cycle Dtb of the transmission cycle Ttb according to different needs, so as to achieve the best use effect of the wireless communication device 10.
[0039] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 8 . Continue to step S120. When the station 20 enters the signal range R10 of the wireless communication device 10, the station 20 can receive the beacon packet Rf1 sent by the wireless communication device 10. When the station 20 hears the beacon packet Rf1, the station 20 sends a connection request packet Rf2 or a data packet (not shown) to the wireless communication device 10 to notify the wireless communication device 10 to communicate with the station 20. At this time, the beacon communication circuit 130 receives the connection request packet Rf2 or the data packet sent by the station 20 (step S130). When the beacon communication circuit 130 hears the connection request packet Rf2 sent by the station 20, the beacon communication circuit 130 triggers the wake-up controller 120 to send a wake-up signal to the system chip 110 to wake up the system chip 110 (step S140). Subsequently, when the system chip 110 is awakened, the system chip 110 wakes up the wireless communication circuit 100 (step S150). Finally, the system chip 110 controls the wireless communication circuit 100 to communicate with the station 20 (step S160 ), so that the wireless communication device 10 and the station 20 can communicate with each other.
[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 6 and Figures 9 and 10. Continue to step S120. When the station 20 enters the signal range R10 of the wireless communication device 10, the station 20 may not receive the beacon packet Rf1 sent by the wireless communication device 10. At this time, the station 20 can send a probe request packet Rf3 to find out whether there is a wireless communication device 10 that can be connected within the signal range R20 of the station 20. When the beacon communication circuit 130 listens to the probe request packet Rf3 sent by the station 20 (step S170), the beacon communication circuit 130 sends a probe response packet Rf4 to the station 20 (step S180) to notify the station 20 that it exists within the signal range R20 of the station 20. When the station 20 listens to the probe response packet Rf4, the station 20 sends a connection request packet Rf2 or a data packet (not shown) to the wireless communication device 10 to notify the wireless communication device 10 to communicate with the station 20. At this time, the beacon communication circuit 130 receives the connection request packet Rf2 or the data packet sent by the station 20 (step S190). When the beacon communication circuit 130 hears the connection request packet Rf2 or the data packet sent by the station 20, the beacon communication circuit 130 triggers the wake-up controller 120 to send a wake-up signal to the system chip 110 to wake up the system chip 110 (step S200). Subsequently, when the system chip 110 is awakened, the system chip 110 wakes up the wireless communication circuit 100 (step S210). Finally, the system chip 110 controls the wireless communication circuit 100 to communicate with the station 20 (step S220), so that the wireless communication device 10 and the station 20 can communicate.
[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 . Fig.11 and Fig.12 The current I2 shown is the current I2 of the wireless communication device 10. The larger the current I2 of the wireless communication device 10 is, the higher the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10 is. The smaller the current I2 of the wireless communication device 10 is, the lower the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10 is.
[0042] by Fig.11 For example, in this embodiment, the working period Dtb of the transmission period Ttb is 80% (eg Figure 4 Between time point t1 and time point t2, the wireless communication device 10 is communicating with the station 20 (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 or Fig. 9As shown in the figure), the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10 is the maximum (for example, but not limited to, the current I2 of the wireless communication device 10 is 120 mA). Between time point t2 and time point t3, the wireless communication device 10 does not communicate with any station 20. At this time, the wireless communication device 10 controls the wireless communication circuit 100 and the system chip 110 to enter sleep mode to reduce the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10. Since the time for the beacon communication circuit 130 to enter the working state within the transmission period Ttb is longer (i.e., the first period T1), the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10 decreases less. Among them, the current I2 of the wireless communication device 10 decreases from 120 mA to 59.1 mA. After time point t3, the wireless communication device 10 listens to the connection request packet Rf2 or data packet (not shown) sent by the station 20. At this time, the wireless communication device 10 wakes up the wireless communication circuit 100 and the system chip 110 to communicate with the station 20. Therefore, the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10 returns to the maximum value again.
[0043] And Fig.12 For example, in this embodiment, the working period Dtb of the transmission period Ttb is 30% (eg Figure 6 Between time point t1 and time point t2, the wireless communication device 10 is communicating with the station 20 (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 or Fig. 9 As shown in the figure), the wireless communication device 10 has the largest power consumption (for example, but not limited to, the current I2 of the wireless communication device 10 is 120 mA). Between time point t2 and time point t3, the wireless communication device 10 does not communicate with any station 20. At this time, the wireless communication device 10 controls the wireless communication circuit 100 and the system chip 110 to enter sleep mode to reduce the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10. Since the beacon communication circuit 130 enters the sleep mode for a longer time (i.e., the second period T2) during the transmission period Ttb, the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10 decreases significantly. Among them, the current I2 of the wireless communication device 10 decreases from 120 mA to 28.1 mA. After time point t3, the wireless communication device 10 listens to the connection request packet Rf2 or data packet (not shown) sent by the station 20. At this time, the wireless communication device 10 wakes up the wireless communication circuit 100 and the system chip 110 to communicate with the station 20. Therefore, the power consumption of the wireless communication device 10 returns to the maximum value again.
[0044] In summary, according to some embodiments, the wireless communication device controls the wireless communication circuit and the system chip to enter sleep mode to reduce the power consumption during standby mode. Moreover, the wireless communication device further reduces the power consumption during standby mode by adjusting the duty cycle of the transmission cycle of the beacon communication circuit. In addition, since the beacon communication circuit alternately enters the working state and the sleep state multiple times in the transmission cycle, the wireless communication device can maintain the communication effect of the wireless communication device while reducing power consumption.
[0045] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention of the present invention. Any person with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field may make some modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, such modifications and changes are still within the scope of the patent application of the present invention.
[0046] Explanation of symbols
[0047] 10: Wireless communication device
[0048] 100: Wireless communication circuit
[0049] 110: System on Chip
[0050] 120: wake up the controller
[0051] 130: Beacon communication circuit
[0052] 20: Site
[0053] Dtb:Duty Cycle
[0054] I1: Current
[0055] I2: Current
[0056] t1~t3: time point
[0057] T1: The first period
[0058] T2: The second period
[0059] Ttb: Transmission cycle
[0060] R10: Signal range
[0061] R20: Signal range
[0062] Rf1: Beacon Packet
[0063] Rf2: Connection request packet
[0064] Rf3: Probe request packet
[0065] Rf4: Probe response packet
[0066] S100~S220: Steps
Claims
1. A wireless communication device, comprising: Wireless communication circuits; A system chip electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit, configured to respond to power saving requirements to put the wireless communication circuit and the system chip into sleep mode in turn, and to wake up the system chip and the wireless communication circuit in turn upon receiving a wake-up signal; A wake-up controller, electrically connected to the system chip, and configured to send the wake-up signal to the system chip; and The beacon communication circuit is electrically connected to the wake-up controller and is configured to periodically send beacon packets according to a transmission cycle and alternately enter a working state and a sleeping state multiple times in each transmission cycle, wherein the beacon communication circuit listens to at least one connection request signal when entering the working state.
2. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system chip is further configured to disable an interrupt function of the system chip.
3. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one connection request signal comprises a connection request packet or a data packet sent by a station, and when the beacon communication circuit listens to the connection request packet or the data packet, the wake-up controller sends the wake-up signal to the system chip.
4. The wireless communication device of claim 3, wherein the at least one link request signal further comprises a probe request packet sent by the station, and when the beacon communication circuit hears the probe request packet, the beacon communication circuit sends a probe response packet to the station. The wireless communication device of claim 1 , wherein a duty cycle of the transmission cycle is between 30% and 80%. 6 . The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the beacon communication circuit cyclically and alternately enters the working state and the sleeping state 5 times in each transmission cycle.
7. A power saving method for a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device comprising a wireless communication circuit, a system chip, a beacon communication circuit and a wake-up controller, the power saving method for the wireless communication device comprising: In response to a power saving requirement, the wireless communication circuit enters sleep mode; disabling the interrupt function of the system chip and putting the system chip into sleep mode; and When the system chip and the wireless communication circuit enter sleep mode, beacon packets are periodically sent according to a transmission cycle, and the system chip and the wireless communication circuit enter a working state and a sleep state alternately for multiple cycles in each transmission cycle.
8. The power saving method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: receiving a connection request packet or a data packet sent by a station; Triggering the wake-up controller to send a wake-up signal to the system chip to wake up the system chip; waking up the wireless communication circuit; and The wireless communication circuit is controlled to communicate with the station.
9. The power saving method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: Receive the probe request packet sent by the station; Send a probe response packet to the site; Receive a connection request packet or a data packet sent by the site; Triggering the wake-up controller to send a wake-up signal to the system chip to wake up the system chip; waking up the wireless communication circuit; and The wireless communication circuit is controlled to communicate with the station.
10. The power saving method of claim 7, wherein a duty cycle of the transmission cycle is between 30% and 80%.