Active Antenna TRX Module Segmentation for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional active antenna architectures face challenges in reducing power consumption without affecting the radiation pattern and coverage, leading to increased dropped and blocked calls during TRX module switching.

Innovation Solution

An energy-efficient active antenna architecture with master and slave TRX modules, where master modules are always active and radiate minimum output power, and slave modules are switched on/off based on traffic load, maintaining the radiation pattern and coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If TRX modules are switched off to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the radiation pattern and coverage are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcoverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array is segmented into multiple independently controllable TRX modules, each capable of being switched on or off individually. This segmentation allows selective deactivation of certain modules to reduce power consumption while maintaining others to preserve coverage and radiation pattern characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of TRX modules based on traffic load conditions. During low traffic periods, fewer modules are activated to save energy; during high traffic periods, more modules are activated to maintain service quality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power savings and coverage maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by stationary object

If TRX modules are switched off to save power, then operational expenses are reduced, but network performance indicators deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational expensesVSAvoidnetwork performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of TRX modules based on network conditions. By adjusting which modules are active and at what power levels, the system optimizes the balance between operational expenses and network performance indicators such as dropped calls and blocked calls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If maximum output power is used, then service capacity is maximized, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice capacityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of always operating at maximum capacity, the system applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of TRX modules based on actual traffic demand. This avoids the energy waste of operating at maximum power when full capacity is not required, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining adequate service capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Substantially reduces power consumption in 2G, 3G, and LTE networks, minimizing operational expenses and environmental impact while maintaining unchanged coverage for users.

Implementation Method 1

at least one antenna element for radiating RF signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2375499B1Energy-efficient active antenna arrangement
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 VODAFONE GRP PLC
  • EP2375499B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP2375499B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2375499B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Energy-efficient active antenna arrangement (7) comprising an active antenna controller (5) for controlling TRX module sets comprising a master TRX module (2) and one or more slave TRX modules (3) and antenna elements (1,1'). The slave TRX modules (3) can be switched on/off by the active antenna controller (5) according to traffic load requirements, such that the output power of the antenna can be adjusted to reduce power consumption and the radiation pattern of the antenna remains substantially unchanged.