Base Station Power Saving via MIMO to SIMO Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication base stations consume excessive power, particularly when the traffic load is low, due to the use of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which increases power consumption without a corresponding need.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method and apparatus that monitor traffic load, converting to Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) mode and limiting Resource Blocks (RBs) when the load is low, reducing power amplifier bias to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MIMO mode is used to communicate with mobile station, then channel transmitting capacity is increased, but power consumption of base station is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between MIMO and SIMO based on real-time traffic load monitoring. When traffic load exceeds a threshold, the system switches to MIMO mode for high capacity; when traffic load is below the threshold, it switches to SIMO mode for power saving. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the base station by switching between different transmission modes (MIMO with multiple antennas active vs. SIMO with single antenna active) based on traffic conditions. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between capacity and power consumption by adjusting the number of active transmission paths according to actual network demand.
2Productivity
If MIMO technology is implemented with multiple transmission/reception antennas, then channel capacity increases proportionally, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when traffic load is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of transmission antennas based on traffic requirements. Instead of always using all MIMO antennas (excessive action), the system uses only one antenna in SIMO mode when traffic is low, and scales up to multiple antennas in MIMO mode when traffic demands higher capacity. This partial activation eliminates unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate service quality.
3Productivity
If multiple transmission/reception paths are utilized for each antenna, then power consumption of base station is largely increased, but communication capacity is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the number of active transmission/reception paths dynamic rather than static. The system monitors traffic load and adjusts the number of active paths accordingly - using a single path in SIMO mode during low traffic and multiple paths in MIMO mode during high traffic. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between communication capacity and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus reduce power used when a traffic load is low in a base station of a wireless communication system. The base station monitors a traffic load. When the traffic load is lower than a predetermined threshold and a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) mode is used to communicate with a mobile station, the MIMO mode is converted to a Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) mode. The base station performs communication with the mobiles stations by using the SIMO mode. According to another embodiment, when the traffic load is lower than a predetermined threshold, the base station limits the number of Resource Blocks (RBs) that may be allocated to a coverage area of the base station. A Power Amplifier (PA) bias related to a transmission output of the base station is reduced based on the limited number of RBs, thereby saving power consumption of the base station.