MIMO RF Routing Module for Energy-Efficient Antenna Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
MIMO systems face inefficiencies in energy consumption and EIRP reduction when transceiver chains are muted, leading to reduced cell coverage and SINR for users at the cell edge.
Innovation Solution
A routing module is introduced to dynamically route radio frequency signals between transceiver chains and antenna elements, allowing one chain to be deactivated while maintaining antenna element gain, thereby decoupling the number of active transceiver chains from the number of antenna arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transceiver chains are muted to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but EIRP is reduced leading to degraded cell coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the relationship between transceiver chains and antenna elements by introducing a routing module. This allows independent control of transmission paths, enabling some chains to be muted while others continue operating and routing signals to all antenna elements, thereby maintaining EIRP and cell coverage while reducing energy consumption of muted chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing module provides multi-functionality by enabling a single active transceiver chain to serve multiple antenna elements. This universal routing capability allows the system to maintain full antenna array functionality with fewer active chains, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and coverage maintenance.
2Loss of energy
If transceiver chains are deactivated to improve energy efficiency, then operating costs are reduced, but EIRP and SINR for users at cell edge are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The routing module segments the signal path control, allowing selective deactivation of transceiver chains while maintaining signal distribution to all antenna elements. This enables energy cost reduction through chain deactivation without compromising SINR, as the routing module ensures optimal signal distribution from active chains to all antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing module acts as an intermediary between transceiver chains and antenna elements, mediating signal distribution. This intermediary function allows the system to decouple the number of active chains from the number of antenna elements, maintaining SINR performance while reducing energy costs through selective chain deactivation.
3Productivity
If the number of active transceiver chains is reduced to improve energy efficiency, then productivity is improved, but antenna array gain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The routing module segments the functional relationship between chains and antennas, allowing independent optimization. This segmentation enables reduced chain count for energy efficiency while maintaining full antenna array gain through intelligent signal routing from the fewer active chains to all antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing module provides universal signal distribution capability, enabling a reduced number of active transceiver chains to maintain full antenna array gain. This multi-functional routing allows any active chain to contribute to all antenna elements, preserving array gain while improving energy efficiency through chain reduction.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising: receiving radio frequency signals from first and second transmit chains of a MIMO system at first and second inputs of an radio frequency module respectively; providing first and second outputs of the radio frequency module to first and second antenna elements of the MIMO system respectively; routing radio frequency signals from the first and second inputs to the first and second outputs respectively in a first mode of operation; and routing radio frequency signals from the second input to both the first and second outputs in a second mode of operation in which the first transmit chain is deactivated.