Adaptive Channel Estimation Segmentation for Low-Power Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional equalizer-based receivers in mobile communication systems have a high hardware complexity and power consumption due to the use of long multi-tap channel estimators, which are often not necessary in actual channel environments with shorter delay profiles.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive multi-tap segment channel estimator divides the one-tap channel estimator into segments, determining a channel estimation frequency and segment size for each tap, and allocates these segments to reduce hardware complexity and power consumption by selectively locking only necessary taps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a long multi-tap channel estimator is used to guarantee receiver performance, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but hardware complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The channel estimator is divided into multiple segments, where each segment processes a portion of the channel taps. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the necessary estimation accuracy by processing only relevant channel portions, while reducing the overall hardware complexity by distributing the processing load across multiple smaller, manageable units rather than requiring one large complex estimator.
2Measurement precision
If a long multi-tap channel estimator is used to guarantee receiver performance, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel estimator operates dynamically by adapting its operation to current channel conditions. The system determines whether to perform channel estimation based on whether the channel has changed, and adjusts the estimation frequency and segment size accordingly. This dynamic operation ensures accurate channel estimation when needed while minimizing power consumption during periods when estimation is not required or when shorter estimation windows suffice.
3Device complexity
If the multi-tap size is decreased to reduce hardware complexity, then hardware size is reduced, but channel estimation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing qualities to different channel segments based on their specific characteristics. By analyzing channel conditions and identifying which segments contain significant channel energy, the system concentrates its estimation resources on those critical segments while using reduced processing for segments with minimal impact. This local quality approach ensures that hardware size is reduced without sacrificing the estimation performance in the most important channel regions.
4Measurement precision
If channel estimation is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel estimation is performed periodically rather than continuously, with the estimation frequency adapted to channel conditions. The system monitors channel changes and triggers estimation only when necessary, using a periodic action pattern that balances accuracy requirements with power consumption. This approach maintains channel estimation accuracy by performing estimations at appropriate intervals while avoiding unnecessary continuous processing that would waste power.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption of a receiver of a mobile communication system are provided. The apparatus includes an adaptive multi-tap segment channel estimator for determining a segment size according to a delay spread value for each channel tap, for determining a channel estimation frequency by determining a sum of segment block energy, and for allocating each segment to the channel estimator.