Base Station Path Control for Energy Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current base station energy management systems are inefficient in dynamically adjusting to changing traffic loads, leading to increased power consumption during high load times due to infrequent and conservative path on/off control schemes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a real-time signal transmission method with single input multi-output (SIMO) and multi-input multi-output (MIMO) switching, where the transmitter uses two or more paths, and dynamically controls the power amplifier and transmission paths based on real-time traffic patterns, specifically determining user traffic presence in subframe units to optimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If real-time traffic-based path control is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase station energy consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic path control where the base station continuously monitors traffic patterns and dynamically switches between transmission paths (Path A and Path B) based on real-time conditions. The controller adjusts which path is active according to traffic load, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, thereby reducing energy consumption during low traffic periods while maintaining service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors traffic patterns and channel conditions, then uses this information to control path selection. The controller receives feedback about traffic load and channel state, processes this information, and adjusts the transmission path accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If frequent path switching is performed to adapt to changing traffic loads, then energy efficiency improves, but system stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransmission path stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a hysteresis mechanism that prevents frequent path switching by requiring traffic load to cross threshold values by a certain margin before triggering a path change. This preliminary action filters out minor fluctuations and ensures that path switching only occurs when there is a significant and sustained change in traffic conditions, thereby maintaining system stability while still achieving energy savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs path control at periodic intervals (e.g., every subframe or frame) rather than continuously, which naturally limits the frequency of path switching. This periodic evaluation approach allows the system to adapt to traffic changes while preventing excessive switching that would occur with continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3439372B1Method and apparatus for controlling path of base station in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3439372B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3439372B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3439372B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a signal transmission method for a transmission apparatus having at least two transmission paths and an apparatus for performing the same. The method comprises the steps of: identifyining a starting point of a frame; identifyining, on the basis of the starting point of the frame, whether a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) has been allocated; determining an on/off-state of each transmission path on the basis of whether the PDSCH has been allocated; and transmitting a signal by using a transmission path in an on-state.