Femtocell Power Management via Wake-Up Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Femtocell base stations experience high power consumption due to constant monitoring of random access channels, especially when using fractional frequency re-use, which reduces the effectiveness of power-saving methods.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus with a filter module, trigger signal generator, and power management module that detects uplink signals by generating an input voltage and using comparators to determine when to turn on the power supply for transmission and reception, minimizing standby power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant monitoring of random access channel is performed to detect uplink signals, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by switching between active monitoring state and sleep state. The base station periodically activates the reception circuit to monitor random access channels and then enters sleep state to conserve power. This periodic activation pattern allows the system to maintain detection capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service principle through the wake-up signal mechanism. A terminal transmits a wake-up signal that automatically triggers the base station to activate its reception circuit. This eliminates the need for the base station to continuously monitor for activation commands, as the system responds autonomously to detected wake-up signals, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable detection capability.
2Reliability
If multiple bands are monitored for random access channel in fractional frequency re-use, then communication quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-based activation of multi-band monitoring. Instead of continuously monitoring all frequency bands, the base station periodically activates reception circuits for different bands only when wake-up signals are detected or during scheduled monitoring intervals. This selective periodic monitoring maintains communication quality across multiple bands while dramatically reducing the total power consumption compared to continuous multi-band monitoring.
3Speed
If power supply for reception is kept on to enable quick activation, then response speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the reception circuit's power state variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically transitions between sleep state (low power) and active state (high power) based on detected wake-up signals. This dynamic power management allows the base station to achieve fast response when activation is needed while minimizing standby power consumption during idle periods, resolving the contradiction between response speed and power consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus efficiently detects uplink signals and activates only when necessary, reducing power consumption by keeping both transmission and reception power supplies off during idle periods, thereby enhancing power management in femtocell base stations.
Implementation Method 1
a filter module configured to transmit an uplink channel component among a received signal by an antenna
Implementation Method 2
a generator configured to generate an input voltage by using the uplink channel component
Implementation Method 3
a first comparator configured to output a first high signal when an input voltage from the generator is higher than a first threshold voltage, and output a first low signal when the input voltage is not higher than the first threshold voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a wireless communication apparatus includes a filter module, a generator, a first comparator and a power management module. The filter module is configured to transmit an uplink channel component among a received signal by an antenna. The generator is configured to generate an input voltage by using the uplink channel component. The first comparator is configured to output a first high signal when the input voltage is higher than a first threshold voltage, and output a first low signal when the input voltage is not higher than the first threshold voltage. The power supply management module is configured to change a power supply for transmission and reception of a wireless signal from an off state to an on state when the first high signal is continuously output for a minimum transmission time of an uplink signal or more.