Adaptive Receive Diversity for Wireless Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, the increased power consumption due to additional receive chains and baseband processing for interference suppression becomes wasteful when data activity is infrequent, draining limited power resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an adaptive receive-diversity method that selectively switches between using two and multiple receive chains based on link quality metrics, such as data rate and interference levels, to optimize energy efficiency without unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional receive chains are enabled for interference suppression, then interference suppression capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic receive chain configuration that adapts the number of active receive chains based on real-time interference conditions and data activity levels. The system transitions between different receive diversity states (1-chain, 2-chain, or 3-chain modes) to match current channel conditions, avoiding static over-provisioning of receive chains that would consume power unnecessarily during low-interference or low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the number of active receive chains based on measured interference levels and data activity. When interference exceeds thresholds or data activity is high, additional receive chains are activated to enhance interference suppression. When conditions improve, chains are deactivated to reduce power consumption, creating a dynamic parameter adjustment mechanism.
2Reliability
If receive chains are enabled during low data activity periods, then interference suppression is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating receive chains only to the extent necessary for current conditions. Rather than maintaining all receive chains continuously, the system activates exactly the number of chains needed based on interference levels and data activity, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still providing sufficient interference suppression when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of data activity and interference conditions, with receive chain activation occurring in response to these periodic assessments. The baseband processor continuously evaluates channel conditions and adjusts receive chain configuration accordingly, creating a rhythm of activation and deactivation that matches actual operational needs rather than continuous operation.
3Reliability
If full equalization processing is performed, then communication quality is improved, but baseband processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the baseband processing function by implementing different processing modes corresponding to different receive chain configurations. When fewer receive chains are active, simplified equalization processing is applied. When more receive chains are active and interference suppression is needed, full equalization processing is enabled. This segmentation allows the system to match processing complexity to actual operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses and methods for performing adaptive receive-diversity (RxD) to improve power consumption using multiple antennas/receivers. In one aspect, a first receive-diversity (RxD) state is enabled at an access terminal utilizing two receive chains for a communication link. Link quality metrics corresponding to the communication link are determined. The access terminal selectively switches from the first RxD state to a second RxD state utilizing three or more receive chains dependent upon the link quality metrics, such that the energy per bit of the second RxD state is more energy efficient than the energy per bit of the first RxD state.