Base Station Power Amplifier Dynamic Output Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication systems, the power consumption of Radio Access Network (RAN) components, particularly the Power Amplifier (PA) in base stations, is high due to overdimensioning for peak data rates, leading to inefficient energy use and increased Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) requirements.
Innovation Solution
A base station with a scheduler that dynamically sets the output power level of the PA based on the upcoming transmission period, minimizing power consumption and EVM by optimizing PA usage according to actual traffic conditions, including the use of low-order modulation and 'micro-sleep' during idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the Power Amplifier is overdimensioned to support high peak data rates at cell borders, then the peak output power capability is improved, but the power consumption increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the Power Amplifier's output power level adjustable and time-varying. The scheduler dynamically configures the PA output power level based on predicted traffic load for upcoming transmission periods, allowing the system to adapt between high power for peak data rates and low power for normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between peak power capability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the Power Amplifier output power is reduced to decrease power consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the Error Vector Magnitude increases and transmission quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the traffic load for upcoming transmission periods in advance. This allows the scheduler to proactively configure the appropriate PA output power level before the actual transmission occurs, ensuring that sufficient power is available when needed to maintain transmission quality while avoiding excessive power consumption during low-traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback through the scheduler's continuous monitoring of traffic conditions and dynamic adjustment of PA power levels. The system uses traffic predictions and actual load conditions to continuously optimize the power setting, creating a closed-loop control that maintains transmission quality while minimizing power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If the PA output power is reduced through backing off, then the EVM is improved, but the power efficiency deteriorates and unnecessary energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for excessive backing off by dynamically adjusting the PA output power level to match actual traffic requirements. Instead of operating at a fixed reduced power level, the system uses high power only when peak data rates are needed and operates at lower power during normal conditions, thereby improving power efficiency without compromising EVM when high quality is required.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a base station (110, 300) for a cell (105) in a cellular communications system (100). The base station comprises a scheduler (310) for scheduling transmissions to users (115, 120) in the cell (105) and a transmitter with a power amplifier (325). The scheduler (310) is also arranged to set the output power level of the power amplifier (325) for an upcoming transmission period.