Antenna Array Configuration for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of antenna elements in antenna arrays for radio communication devices leads to higher power consumption, which is undesirable, especially in mobile radio communication networks like LTE and 5G, where power efficiency is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to dynamically configure antenna arrays based on cell conditions and workload using artificial intelligence/machine learning models to select a subset of antenna elements for transmission and reception, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of antenna elements in antenna arrays is increased to improve gain and directivity, then radiation performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna configuration where the set of active antenna elements is adjusted in real-time based on current cell conditions and workload. The system transitions from static full-array operation to dynamic selective activation, matching antenna resource allocation to actual communication demands, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining radiation performance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the antenna array by selectively activating or deactivating specific antenna elements based on workload conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the array to operate with fewer elements during low-demand periods, reducing power consumption, while maintaining full capability when high performance is required.
2Reliability
If more antenna elements are activated to maintain radio communication performance, then communication quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of antenna elements required to meet current communication performance requirements, rather than operating all antenna elements continuously. The system determines the minimum adequate configuration based on cell conditions, activating just enough antenna elements to maintain acceptable communication quality while avoiding unnecessary power consumption from excessive activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and configuration of active antenna elements according to real-time cell conditions and workload metrics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain communication performance at the minimum necessary level, preventing over-provisioning of antenna resources that would lead to wasted power consumption.
3Productivity
If antenna array size is increased to improve spectral efficiency, then spectral efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple independent, controllable elements that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to utilize only the necessary portion of the antenna array for MIMO operations based on current spectral efficiency requirements, reducing the effective complexity of RF operations while maintaining the capability for high spectral efficiency when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the complexity of antenna array operations by adapting the number of active antenna elements to current spectral efficiency demands. This dynamic configuration reduces device complexity during low-demand periods while maintaining high spectral efficiency capability when conditions warrant full array utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a memory and a processor configured to determine, based on first cell data representative of conditions of a cell of a mobile communication network at a first stage associated with a first instance of time, a set of configurations for an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements, wherein each configuration of the set of configurations comprises a configuration in which a subset of the plurality of antenna elements are to be used to perform communications within the cell, and select one or more antenna configurations for the antenna array from the determined set of configurations, wherein each antenna configuration of the one or more antenna configurations are selected based on further cell data representative of the conditions of the cell at a further stage associated with a further instance of time after the first instance of time.