MIMO Transmitter Power Management via Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
MIMO access points with multiple transmitters face challenges in effective operation due to limited DC power supply, leading to reduced throughput and signal linearity when multiple transmitters attempt to transmit simultaneously, especially in power-over-Ethernet configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing logic to limit the time period during which multiple transmitters can transmit simultaneously, prioritizing transmitters, and using a common power supply with reactive components to manage power consumption, allowing transmitters to operate within power supply limits by restricting transmission times based on packet size and data rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transmitters are used to increase link reliability and data rate, then transmission performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where transmitters alternate their operation in time slots. Each transmitter is enabled during specific time periods and disabled during others, allowing multiple transmitters to share the limited power supply周期性地, thereby maintaining high data rates while controlling average power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each transmitter based on real-time conditions. The access point controller enables or disables specific transmitters depending on power availability, channel conditions, and traffic requirements, optimizing the balance between transmission performance and power consumption.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If power is reduced to match limited power supply, then power consumption is controlled, but throughput and signal linearity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic time-division operation, each transmitter receives full power during its active time slots rather than operating at reduced power continuously. This ensures that when a transmitter is enabled, it operates at optimal power levels to maintain high throughput and signal linearity, while the average power consumption remains within supply limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary power management by pre-scheduling transmitter activation in time slots before data transmission begins. This allows the power supply to prepare and deliver adequate power to the enabled transmitter in advance, ensuring sufficient power is available when needed to maintain high throughput without requiring continuous power reduction.
3Productivity
If multiple transmitters transmit simultaneously, then data rate is improved, but power supply stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enforces strict time-division multiplexing where only one transmitter is enabled at any given time. This periodic alternation eliminates simultaneous transmission, ensuring that power demand from transmitters does not exceed the stable output capacity of the power supply, thereby maintaining power supply stability while still achieving high aggregate data rates through coordinated time slots.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a first transmitter, a second transmitter, and logic coupled to the first transmitter and the second transmitter. The logic is operable to limit a time period the second transmitter is able to transmit while the first transmitter is transmitting.