Base Station Power Amplifier Control for Low Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing power consumption in wireless signal processing units, particularly in mobile communication systems, are inefficient, especially when traffic is low, and struggle to adapt to real-time traffic changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that dynamically control the power amplifier (PA) by turning it off during unused symbol durations, utilizing signal properties and real-time traffic situations, applicable to both TDD and FDD systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If PA bias is adjusted according to traffic situation, then power consumption is reduced, but throughput cannot be satisfied when user traffic suddenly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The PA bias voltage is dynamically adjusted based on real-time traffic load conditions. The base station controller monitors traffic load and adjusts the PA bias voltage accordingly - reducing it during low traffic periods to save power, and increasing it during high traffic periods to maintain throughput performance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power savings and throughput satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the PA bias voltage parameter based on traffic conditions. By varying the bias voltage level according to actual traffic load, the system optimizes the trade-off between power consumption and throughput. The bias voltage serves as a controllable parameter that can be adjusted to achieve different operating points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If PA efficiency is increased for maximum power, then power consumption is reduced, but efficiency is reduced when traffic is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidPA efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The PA operating point is dynamically adjusted by changing the bias voltage according to traffic load. During low traffic periods, the PA operates at a lower bias voltage with reduced power consumption. During high traffic periods, the bias voltage is increased to maintain high PA efficiency and meet throughput demands. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction between power savings and efficiency maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If PA bias is turned off during unused symbol duration, then power consumption is reduced, but real-time adaptation to traffic changes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidreal-time traffic adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the base station controller continuously monitors traffic load conditions and adjusts the PA bias voltage in real-time based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt quickly to changing traffic conditions, resolving the limitation of static or pre-configured bias settings and achieving both power savings and real-time adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4084363B1Method and apparatus for controlling power consumption in mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4084363B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4084363B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4084363B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a power consumption controlling method and apparatus. An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method and apparatus for controlling power consumption by a base station, the method comprising: determining empty symbol duration in at least one subframe; and performing a power amplifier (PA) on/off operation based on the determination result. Further, an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method and apparatus for controlling power consumption by a base station, the method comprising: generating baseband in-phase/quadrature-phase (IQ) data; determining whether the baseband IQ data includes data which must be transmitted for a predetermined time; and controlling a PA on/off based on the determination result and a transient of a power amplifier (PA).