MIMO Configuration Switching for Power Efficiency in Mobile Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
MIMO configurations in wireless communication systems, particularly in UEs, lead to increased current consumption and inefficiency due to multiple power amplifiers, which complicates battery life and form factor, especially when beam-forming is used, and existing solutions fail to autonomously optimize configurations based on current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling MIMO configurations in transmitters with multiple antennas and amplifiers, where a configuration processor monitors current consumption and autonomously selects between antenna-switching and beam-forming configurations, optimizing power usage by switching off or powering down amplifiers as needed, thereby reducing current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MIMO configuration with multiple power amplifiers is used, then spectral efficiency and system capacity are improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic MIMO configuration switching between different modes (2x2, 2x1, 1x1) based on real-time channel conditions and current consumption thresholds. The system transitions from static to dynamic configuration, adapting the number of active transmit antennas and power amplifiers according to operational requirements, thereby optimizing the trade-off between spectral efficiency and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including the number of active power amplifiers, MIMO configuration mode, and transmit antenna selection based on monitored current consumption levels and channel quality indicators. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves optimal performance across varying operational conditions while managing power consumption effectively.
2Reliability
If beam-forming configuration is used, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity and form factor are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between beam-forming and antenna-switching configurations based on operational conditions. The system does not permanently commit to beam-forming but adapts the configuration dynamically, reducing the need for permanent complex hardware infrastructure while maintaining performance benefits when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system designs the transmitter to support multiple MIMO configurations (2x2, 2x1, 1x1) and both beam-forming and antenna-switching modes using the same physical hardware. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform different operational modes, reducing the need for dedicated hardware for each function and thereby simplifying the overall form factor.
3Use of energy by moving object
If autonomous MIMO configuration selection is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter autonomously monitors its own current consumption and independently decides when to switch between different MIMO configurations without requiring external control signals. This self-service capability enables the system to optimize its own power efficiency by making configuration decisions based on real-time operational state, reducing dependency on network control while improving power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the transmitter continuously monitors current consumption and uses this information to trigger configuration changes. The feedback loop compares actual current consumption against predefined thresholds and automatically adjusts the MIMO configuration accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power efficiency through autonomous decision-making.
Data Source
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AI summary
Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) with multiple power amplifiers (404, 406) and antennas (408, 410) in a mobile transmitter, such as a user equipment for a cellular telephone communication system, has such great impacts on the transmitter's battery life, form factor, and complexity that it should not be used unless its benefits clearly outweigh its costs. Methods and apparatus of the invention enable to obtain the benefits of MIMO by beam-forming and antenna-switching without incurring the drawbacks of increased current consumption due to multiple power amplifiers.