Adaptive RF Power Mode Control in Wireless Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices face challenges in power conservation, as they are limited by battery power and require efficient techniques to reduce power consumption without compromising communication quality.

Innovation Solution

Implementing adaptive power control methods by transitioning between low and high power modes based on information elements in beacons, such as traffic indication bits, and modulation and coding schemes, to optimize power usage during different operational modes like beacon monitoring, transmission, and background scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the device operates in low power mode to conserve energy, then power consumption is reduced, but communication quality and responsiveness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically transitions between first and second power modes based on operational requirements. The system adjusts power mode in real-time by monitoring beacon information elements and traffic conditions, switching from low power mode during idle periods to high power mode when data transmission is needed, thus optimizing both energy efficiency and communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the power mode parameter of the device based on external conditions indicated in beacon frames. By interpreting information elements such as traffic indication bits and delivery traffic indication message counters, the system adjusts the power consumption parameter adaptively, selecting appropriate power levels to maintain communication quality while conserving energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the device frequently transitions between power modes to optimize energy usage, then power efficiency improves, but device complexity and control mechanisms increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses feedback from beacon frame information elements to control power mode transitions. The system monitors specific fields in beacon frames (such as TIM and DTIM counters) and uses this feedback to automatically determine when to switch between power modes, creating a closed-loop control system that manages power efficiency without requiring complex external control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-service by autonomously managing its own power mode transitions based on information received from the access point. The station independently interprets beacon information elements and makes power mode decisions without requiring complex external control, thereby improving power efficiency while minimizing the need for additional control infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If the device remains in high power mode to ensure continuous communication readiness, then communication responsiveness is maintained, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs periodic action by transitioning to low power mode during intervals when no data transmission is anticipated, while maintaining the ability to quickly respond when needed. The system uses periodic beacon frames to trigger power mode transitions, remaining in high power mode only during necessary communication windows, thus extending battery life while preserving communication responsiveness through timed activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9781673B2Adaptive control of RF low power modes in a multi-rate wireless system using device mode

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices are described for power conservation in a wireless communications system. In embodiments, power conservation may be achieved by adaptively controlling power modes of a wireless communication device, and implementing lower power modes with various modes of the device. According to one aspect, the mode of the device may be a beacon monitoring mode or a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) mode. In such a mode, the device may receive a portion of a beacon in a first power mode. The device may transition to a second, different (e.g., higher) power mode using information contained in the received portion of the beacon as guidance.