MIMO Front-End Module Power Management via Signal Thresholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication devices using MIMO technology, electrical energy consumption is high due to degraded signals received by some antennas, which do not significantly contribute to data signal reconstruction, leading to inefficient energy use without compromising reception quality.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed to manage the radio interface by measuring the power level of signals received by each antenna, comparing it to a decision threshold, and deactivating the associated front-end module for transmitting data frames if the power level is below the threshold, optimizing energy consumption without affecting reception quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all front-end modules are activated for MIMO transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the front-end module activation state changeable based on real-time channel conditions. The system dynamically adjusts which front-end modules are activated depending on the quality of propagation channels, transitioning between different operational states (full activation, partial activation, or deactivation) to optimize the balance between transmission capability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating each front-end module independently with its own activation decision based on its specific channel conditions. Instead of uniformly activating or deactivating all modules, the system evaluates each module's contribution individually and applies different activation states to different modules according to their local channel quality, thereby optimizing overall system performance.
2Reliability
If front-end modules with degraded signals are kept active, then signal diversity is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using measured channel quality indicators (such as signal strength or channel state information) to control the activation state of front-end modules. The system continuously monitors the quality of signals received by each antenna and uses this feedback information to make informed decisions about which front-end modules should remain active, ensuring that only modules contributing meaningfully to signal diversity are kept operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the operational parameters (activation state) of front-end modules based on channel conditions. When channel quality deteriorates below a certain threshold, the system changes the operational parameter of the corresponding front-end module from active to deactivated state, thereby adapting the system's energy consumption profile to match the actual communication needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If front-end modules are deactivated to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the communication device to automatically manage its own front-end module activation without requiring external control or complex coordination. The device independently measures channel conditions, evaluates the contribution of each front-end module, and makes activation decisions autonomously, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving energy optimization.
4Use of energy by moving object
If selective deactivation of front-end modules is implemented, then energy consumption is optimized, but reception quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing channel quality measurements and evaluating front-end module contributions before making activation decisions. The system proactively identifies which modules can be safely deactivated without compromising reception quality, rather than reacting to quality degradation after the fact. This preventive approach ensures that energy optimization does not come at the cost of reception quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for managing a radio interface of a communication device, the radio interface includes a plurality of antennas suitable for transmitting and receiving data frames, a front-end module being associated with each antenna, each front-end module comprising a chain for transmitting and a chain for receiving data frames. According to the invention for each antenna and the associated front-end module, a measurement of the received power level is obtained, each power level obtained is compared with a decision threshold determined from at least some of the measurements of power levels of received signals. If the power level of the signal received for an antenna and the associated front-end module is below the decision threshold, the front-end module is deactivated for transmitting a data frame.