5G mmWave Antenna Feed Path Control for Thermal and MPE Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave communication systems, particularly in 5G-NR, face challenges with thermal, power consumption, and maximum permissible exposure issues due to high power requirements and interference, which degrade performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for monitoring millimeter wave communication operations and adjusting the number or configuration of active antenna elements to mitigate thermal, power, and maximum permissible exposure issues by determining if monitored aspects meet specific criteria, allowing for dynamic control of antenna element feed paths to optimize performance and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of active antenna elements is increased to improve communication performance and data rate, then the thermal issues and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the number of active antenna elements based on monitored communication conditions. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where antenna elements are activated or deactivated in real-time according to channel conditions, data rate requirements, and thermal constraints, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high data rates and controlling thermal issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by adjusting the number of active antenna elements. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying conditions - increasing antenna elements when high data rates are needed and thermal conditions permit, and reducing active elements when thermal management becomes critical, thus resolving the contradiction.
2Productivity
If the number of active antenna elements is increased to improve communication performance, then power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of antenna element activation based on monitored communication operations and power consumption criteria. The system adjusts the number of active antenna elements in real-time, activating more elements when communication performance requirements are high and power conditions permit, and deactivating elements when power conservation is needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between communication performance and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of antenna elements required to meet current communication performance requirements, rather than keeping all elements continuously active. This selective activation based on monitored criteria ensures adequate communication performance while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
3Productivity
If the number of active antenna elements is increased to improve communication performance, then maximum permissible exposure issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of active antenna elements based on monitored maximum permissible exposure criteria. The system transitions from a static high-performance configuration to a dynamic one where antenna elements are activated or deactivated according to real-time MPE conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high communication performance and controlling user exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by adjusting the number of active antenna elements based on MPE monitoring. When MPE thresholds are approached or exceeded, the system reduces the number of active elements, thereby maintaining communication performance within safe exposure limits and resolving the contradiction between performance and safety.
4Temperature
If thermal mitigation control is initiated to reduce thermal issues, then the number of active antenna elements or sub-arrays is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing the number of active antenna elements when thermal criteria are met, preventing thermal issues from escalating to dangerous levels. This preemptive reduction in active elements counteracts the thermal buildup before it causes harm, while maintaining adequate communication capability through selective antenna deactivation rather than complete system shutdown.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods providing antenna element feed path component management for facilitating millimeter wave communication are described. Embodiments can enable and provide mitigation of thermal, power consumption, and/or maximum permissible exposure issues with respect to millimeter wave communication, such as by 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) compliant user equipment. Accordingly, embodiments are configured to manage transceiver antenna element feed path components to mitigate thermal, power consumption, and/or MPE concerns. For example, a communication device configured in accordance with concepts herein may reduce or otherwise control temperatures of various components, device power consumption, and/or user exposure to millimeter wave energy, such as to improve user experience, avoid component failure, extend battery life, etc.