Base Station Radio Module Dynamic Switching for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in achieving power efficiency, particularly with the adoption of new technologies like 5G, which require increased energy consumption and antenna resources.
Innovation Solution
A base station configuration that includes a baseband processing unit connected to both an Advanced Antenna Systems (AAS) module and a macro module, allowing for the activation and deactivation of these modules based on data capacity requirements, thereby optimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Advanced Antenna Systems (AAS) modules with beamforming are deployed to increase data traffic capacity, then the data capacity and number of served users increase, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between AAS mode and macro module mode based on real-time data traffic capacity requirements. The baseband processing unit monitors network conditions and activates or deactivates the AAS module accordingly, allowing the system to adapt its resource allocation and power consumption to actual demand rather than operating at fixed capacity levels
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both AAS module capabilities (for high-capacity scenarios) and macro module capabilities (for lower-capacity scenarios) within a single system. The baseband processing unit can control either or both modules depending on requirements, making the system versatile enough to handle varying traffic demands without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure for each mode
2Productivity
If multiple macro modules are deployed to address data traffic capacity limitations, then the total data traffic capacity increases, but the cost per bit and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple macro modules with AAS module capabilities into a single integrated base station system. By combining these different module types under one baseband processing unit, the system achieves the data traffic capacity of multiple modules without the proportional increase in device complexity and cost that would result from deploying physically separate macro modules
3Productivity
If AAS modules with many antenna elements and radio chains are used to serve more users, then the number of served users and capacity per user increase, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processing unit dynamically controls the activation and deactivation of AAS module components based on the number of users requiring service. When fewer users are served, certain radio chains or antenna elements can be deactivated to reduce power consumption. When more users require service, the AAS module activates additional resources accordingly, creating a dynamic relationship between user count and power consumption rather than a fixed high-power state
Data Source
AI summary
Base stations and methods for wireless communication networks, the base station having: a baseband processing unit; a first radio module including a digital signal processing block connected to the baseband processing unit, wherein the digital signal processing block is further connected to a first antenna; a second radio module connected to the baseband processing unit and having a second antenna; wherein the base station is configured to activate and deactivate the first radio module and second radio module based on the data capacity requirements of the wireless communication network.