mmWave 5G Thermal Control via Bandwidth and MIMO Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

5G communication electronic devices using mmWave bands are prone to overheating, which poses a challenge for seamless communication, as existing technologies lack effective solutions for managing and mitigating this issue.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and method that include a processor and thermistors to detect and manage overheating by reducing bandwidth and MIMO rank count, and transmitting assistance messages to a base station to reallocate resources, thereby controlling performance and mitigating heat-related issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mmWave bands are used for 5G communication, then data rate is improved, but overheating occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidoverheating
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts communication parameters (bandwidth, MIMO rank) based on real-time temperature monitoring. When overheating is detected, the system reduces these parameters to lower power consumption and heat generation, while maintaining communication functionality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between achieving high data rates and preventing overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (bandwidth, MIMO rank, power levels) in response to temperature conditions. By modifying these parameters, the system can operate at high performance levels when cool and reduce performance to manage heat when necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between data rate and temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If bandwidth and MIMO rank count are reduced to control overheating, then temperature is improved, but communication performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverheating controlVSAvoidcommunication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters based on real-time temperature monitoring. When overheating is detected, the system reduces these parameters to lower power consumption and heat generation, while maintaining communication functionality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between achieving high data rates and preventing overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor device temperature and provide information to the communication controller. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts bandwidth and MIMO rank settings to prevent overheating while maintaining acceptable communication performance. The feedback loop ensures temperature control without completely sacrificing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively manages overheating by reducing bandwidth and MIMO rank count, ensuring continuous communication and extending device lifespan by preventing overheating-related failures.

Implementation Method 1

a processor and a plurality of thermistors to detect an internal temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermistor: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP3871344B1Method and apparatus for handling overheat of electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3871344B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3871344B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3871344B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D

AI summary

An electronic device and method for efficiently processing overheat in an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a transceiver and at least one processor configured to identify overheat inside the electronic device and transmit, to a base station, a first message containing overheat assistance information generated in response to identifying the overheat inside the electronic device.