MIMO Transmitter Power Control for Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems, existing technologies face challenges in maximizing energy efficiency due to inefficient power management across baseband, RF chain, and power amplifier components, particularly when the number of transmitting antennas exceeds the number of terminals, leading to unnecessary energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A transmitter system is designed to calculate and optimize energy efficiency by monitoring and controlling the power consumption of baseband, RF chain, and power amplifier components using a controller, which estimates data rate and power consumption based on channel information and adjusts parameters like the number of antennas, precoding schemes, and power reduction factors to maximize energy efficiency while maintaining data rate and reducing radiation power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of transmitting antennas is increased to maximize transmission capacity, then the transmission capacity is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capacityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including the number of active transmitting antennas, power amplifier output power, and baseband processing complexity based on real-time channel conditions and traffic demand. This allows the system to optimize the balance between transmission capacity and power consumption by selecting appropriate parameter combinations for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power control mechanisms that continuously monitor system state and adjust power allocation across different components (baseband, RF chain, power amplifier) in real-time. The system can dynamically switch between different transmission modes, activate or deactivate antennas based on load conditions, and adjust power levels to maintain optimal energy efficiency while meeting service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If maximum power is used to maximize transmission capacity, then the data rate is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs parameter optimization techniques to identify and maintain operation points that maximize energy efficiency. By adjusting parameters such as power amplifier efficiency points, modulation schemes, and coding rates, the system achieves high data rates while minimizing power consumption. The controller calculates optimal parameter sets based on channel quality indicators and traffic requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors actual power consumption and data rate performance, compares them against target values, and adjusts transmission parameters accordingly. The controller receives feedback on channel conditions, power consumption levels, and throughput performance to continuously optimize the balance between data rate and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of transmitting antennas exceeds the number of terminals, then the system complexity increases, but the energy efficiency decreases due to unnecessary energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration flexibilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial activation of available antennas based on actual service requirements. When the number of terminals is small, only a subset of transmitting antennas is activated, leaving others in sleep or low-power mode. This partial action approach maintains system versatility and readiness while avoiding the energy waste of activating all antennas when full capacity is not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the antenna array into multiple groups or clusters that can be independently controlled and activated. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of antenna groups required for current service demands, reducing overall system complexity and power consumption while maintaining the capability to scale up when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9264911B2Apparatus and method for controlling power based on energy efficiency in multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) communication system
Publication Date: 2016.02.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9264911B2 patent drawing
  • US9264911B2 patent drawing
  • US9264911B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus and method for managing a power consumption of a transmitter based on energy efficiency in a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) communication system. The transmitter is configured to control a power of at least one of a baseband (BB) component, a radio frequency (RF) chain component, and a power amplifier (PA) component based on calculation of the energy efficiency.