Dual MAC Wireless Receiver Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices equipped with multiple MAC protocols face challenges in managing power consumption during communication, as existing methods do not efficiently transition between different protocols to minimize idle power usage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device operates a receiver in power savings mode using one MAC protocol and transitions to active mode upon receiving an indication of data availability via another MAC protocol, allowing for reduced power consumption by using a lower power protocol for idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the WLAN receiver is kept in active mode to receive data availability indications, then data reception capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) as an intermediary protocol for sending data availability indications. The WLAN AP uses BLE to notify WLAN stations about available data, allowing the WLAN receiver to remain in power-saving mode while still maintaining data reception capability through the intermediary BLE communication channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the system multi-functional by enabling WLAN devices to operate with dual MAC protocol capabilities (WLAN and BLE). This allows the system to switch between protocols based on function: BLE for low-power notifications and WLAN for high-speed data transfer, optimizing both power consumption and data reception capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the WLAN receiver is switched to power savings mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to receive data promptly is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the WLAN AP send data availability indications through BLE before the WLAN station needs to activate its high-power WLAN receiver. This advance notification allows the station to prepare for data reception while remaining in low-power mode, reducing both power consumption and effective reception delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the BLE communication channel, where the WLAN AP continuously provides feedback about data availability to the WLAN station. This feedback mechanism allows the station to know when to activate its WLAN receiver, eliminating unnecessary delays while maintaining power savings during idle periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MAC protocols are supported, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions by separating the notification function (handled by BLE) from the data transfer function (handled by WLAN). This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific purpose while reducing the overall system complexity compared to implementing all high-speed features in all protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A first wireless device and a second wireless device are each capable of communicating using multiple MAC protocols. The first wireless device sets a first receiver to a power savings mode, the first receiver designed to operate according to a first MAC protocol. The first wireless device then receives, from the second wireless device, an indication on a second receiver corresponding to a second MAC protocol that data is available to be transmitted to the first wireless device from the second wireless device. In response to receipt of the indication, the first wireless sets the first receiver to an active mode, and receives the data from the second wireless device using the first receiver operating in accordance with the first MAC protocol. The second receiver consumes less power than the first receiver. Reduction of power consumption in the first wireless device may be achieved.