Dynamic Transmit Power Control via Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Regulatory limits on radio-frequency power emissions pose challenges for electronic devices in providing effective wireless communications while ensuring compliance and optimal performance, especially when operating at elevated power levels or in proximity to external objects.
Innovation Solution
The use of proximity sensors and control circuitry to dynamically adjust the maximum transmit power of antennas based on the operating environment, combining data from various sensors to determine appropriate power levels and ensure regulatory compliance and optimal wireless performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If maximum transmit power is increased to improve wireless communication effectiveness, then communication performance is improved, but regulatory compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of maximum transmit power levels based on real-time proximity sensor data. The system transitions from static power limits to dynamic power control, where the maximum transmit power is adjusted according to the detected proximity of external objects. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high power when safe (no objects nearby) and low power when compliance is concerned (objects detected), optimizing both communication effectiveness and regulatory compliance across different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If transmit power is reduced to ensure regulatory compliance, then compliance is improved, but wireless communication performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power levels rather than operating at fixed reduced power. When proximity sensors detect no external objects, the system permits maximum transmit power for optimal communication performance. When objects are detected, power is reduced to compliant levels. This dynamic approach ensures compliance is maintained only when necessary, rather than permanently limiting power and thus communication effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If fixed maximum transmit power is used to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses proximity sensors to automatically detect the operating environment and self-adjust maximum transmit power levels without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration. The device monitors its own environment and makes appropriate power adjustments autonomously. This resolves the contradiction by implementing simple sensor-based automatic control that provides high adaptability to different environments while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with antenna structures. Proximity sensors and other sensors may be used in determining how the electronic device is being operated. Wireless circuitry such as a radio-frequency transmitter associated with a cellular telephone communications band, a wireless local area network band, or other communications band may be used in transmitting radio-frequency signals through the antenna structures at a transmit power. Control circuitry may adjust the wireless circuitry to ensure that the transmit power is capped at a maximum transmit power. The maximum transmit power may be adjusted dynamically by the control circuitry based on data from the proximity sensors, data from a magnetic sensor that detects whether a cover is present on the device, a connector sensor that detects whether the device is coupled to a dock or other accessory, and other sensors.