Communication Apparatus Power Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication systems for long transmission distances often face challenges in reducing electric power consumption while maintaining effective signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and system that switch between high-speed and low-speed operation modes, using a transmitter and receiver with controllers to set operation modes, allowing for reduced power consumption by sending or receiving signals with a predetermined low-speed pattern in specific modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high-speed signal transmission is used for data communication, then communication speed is improved, but electric power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidelectric power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication terminal dynamically switches between first and second operation modes based on communication requirements. The controller adjusts the operation mode in real-time, transitioning from high-speed mode (first operation mode) to low-speed mode (second operation mode) when appropriate, thereby optimizing the balance between communication speed and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the signal transmission parameters by switching between different operation modes. In the second operation mode, the signal transmission speed and transition rate are reduced compared to the first operation mode, which directly lowers power consumption while maintaining functional communication capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If low-speed operation mode is used to reduce power consumption, then electric power consumption is reduced, but communication efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system employs periodic switching between operation modes rather than continuous operation in one mode. The controller periodically evaluates communication needs and transitions between first and second operation modes, ensuring that low-speed power-saving mode is activated only when appropriate, thus maintaining overall communication efficiency while reducing average power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Length of stationary object

If signal transmission through capacitive elements is used for long distance communication, then transmission distance is extended, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

For long-distance communication through capacitive elements, the system dynamically adjusts operation modes based on distance and signal attenuation requirements. The controller switches to second operation mode when the communication distance is sufficient with lower speed, reducing power consumption while maintaining signal integrity over the extended distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3602981B1Communication apparatus and communication system
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP3602981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3602981B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3602981B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

To obtain a communication apparatus capable of reducing the consumption of electric power. A communication system according to the present disclosure includes a transmitter that generates a first signal including communication data and sends the first signal through a communication terminal in a first operation mode, and that generates a second signal including a predetermined first signal pattern and having a transition rate lower than the first signal and sends the second signal through the communication terminal in a second operation mode, and a controller that sets an operation mode for the transmitter to either of a plurality of operation modes including the first operation mode and the second operation mode.