Access Point FEM Voltage Control for Temperature-Based Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
The power consumption of access points (APs) is high due to increased front end modules (FEMs) and temperature-dependent output power requirements, leading to inefficient power usage across varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
Access points adjust the working voltage for FEMs based on environmental temperature using a voltage regulator and temperature sensors to determine a target voltage, comparing it with the actual voltage and adjusting accordingly to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-power FEMs with maximum voltage are used to meet transmit power requirements across all temperature conditions, then the AP can maintain reliable transmit power at any temperature, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment for FEMs based on real-time temperature sensing. The control unit dynamically changes the working voltage of FEMs according to temperature conditions, transitioning from static maximum voltage operation to adaptive dynamic operation that matches actual thermal environments, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining transmit power reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (voltage and power level) of FEMs based on temperature conditions. By adjusting voltage levels dynamically according to temperature feedback, the system optimizes the balance between transmit power requirements and power consumption, avoiding constant operation at maximum voltage regardless of thermal conditions
2Power
If maximum voltage is provided to FEMs to ensure adequate output power at all temperatures, then transmit power requirements are met across the full temperature range, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes voltage and power parameters based on temperature feedback. The control unit adjusts FEM operating parameters in real-time, reducing voltage and power consumption when temperature conditions allow, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining adequate output power through adaptive parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses internal temperature sensors to self-monitor thermal conditions and automatically adjusts FEM voltage and power levels without external intervention. This self-service mechanism enables the AP to autonomously optimize energy efficiency based on its own thermal state while maintaining transmit power requirements
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
This approach reduces power consumption by dynamically adjusting FEM voltages according to temperature, enhancing power efficiency and extending AP lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Access points adjust the working voltage for FEMs based on environmental temperature using a voltage regulator and temperature sensors to determine a target voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In implementations of the present disclosure, there is provided an approach for saving power for an AP. A method comprises obtaining, by an access point (AP), an environment temperature for the AP. Then, a target working voltage for a front end module (FEM) in the AP is determined based on the environment temperature. Next, the AP determines whether the target working voltage for the FEM is different from an actual working voltage for the FEM output by a voltage regulator in the AP. If the target working voltage is different from the actual working voltage, the voltage regulator is controlled to output the target working voltage. Thus, the AP may control the target working voltage from the voltage regulator to the FEM. Implementations of the present disclosure can reduce the power consumption of the AP when the working voltage for the FEM is adjusted according to the environment temperature.