MIMO PA Supply Switching for Lower Transmit Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power consumption of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless transceivers, driven by advancements in IEEE 802.11 standards, necessitates methods to reduce energy consumption while maintaining communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wireless MIMO transceiver apparatus with power amplifier supply voltage detectors and regulated switches that dynamically adjust the supply voltage levels for each transmit chain, minimizing power consumption by optimizing voltage usage based on signal amplitude variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of transmit chains, antennas, and bandwidth are increased to improve throughput capacity, then communication performance is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage scaling for power amplifiers by detecting signal amplitude levels and adjusting supply voltage accordingly. The system transitions from static voltage supply to dynamic voltage adjustment, where the voltage level changes based on real-time signal conditions. This allows the transceiver to maintain high throughput capacity with multiple transmit chains and antennas while reducing power consumption by supplying appropriate voltage levels only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of power amplifiers based on signal amplitude detection. By monitoring the amplitude of signals on each transmit chain and adjusting the supply voltage to match the required power levels, the system optimizes power consumption. This parameter adjustment approach allows the system to handle multiple transmit chains and high bandwidth requirements without proportionally increasing power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage levels are reduced to minimize power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but signal transmission quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where voltage detectors monitor signal amplitude levels on each transmit chain and provide this information to the voltage control logic. This feedback loop ensures that voltage levels are adjusted based on actual signal conditions, maintaining communication quality while optimizing power consumption. The system continuously adapts voltage supply to match the required signal power levels, preventing quality deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of signal amplitude levels before adjusting voltage supply. By detecting the required power level in advance and preparing the appropriate voltage level, the system ensures that sufficient voltage is supplied before transmission begins, maintaining signal quality while avoiding excessive power consumption during actual transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless transceiver including: antennas, components forming transmit and receive chains coupled to the antennas for MIMO communications, voltage sources, power amplifier supply voltage detectors and regulated switches. The components forming the transmit chains include power amplifiers (PA)s each coupled to a corresponding one of the transmit chains for amplifying RF signals of a MIMO communication link and each PA having a supply voltage input. The PA supply voltage detectors each couple to an associated one of the transmit chains to detect changes in an amplitude of the signal thereon and to identify required changes in the supply voltage level of the corresponding PA for transmission of the signal. The regulated switches couple the voltage sources and PAs, and are responsive to each PA's supply voltage detector to switchably couple the supply voltage input of each PA to the voltage sources providing the identified voltage levels during transmission.