Wireless Modem Power Estimation via Static and Dynamic Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for estimating wireless wide area network (WWAN) modem power consumption are either inaccurate due to dynamic RF power changes or overly complex, leading to inefficient power delivery and potential performance issues in modern laptops.

Innovation Solution

A power estimation system that combines static and dynamic components, using a parametric model for configuration parameters and a segmented look-up table indexed by RF signal power, to provide a balanced and accurate estimation of WWAN power consumption, reducing the need for excessive look-up tables and interface traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods use dynamic RF power changes for power estimation, then the estimation can reflect real-time conditions, but the accuracy deteriorates due to the complexity and dynamic nature of RF power variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption estimation accuracyVSAvoidestimation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power consumption estimation into two distinct components: a static power consumption estimate based on configuration parameters (number of component carriers, bandwidth, modulation order, MIMO layers) and a dynamic power consumption estimate based on RF power levels. This segmentation allows each component to be handled with appropriate complexity, improving overall accuracy while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by indexing the dynamic power estimation with RF power levels divided into predefined ranges. As RF power changes, the system switches to different power offset values from lookup tables, enabling accurate dynamic estimation without complex real-time calculations. This parameter-based approach balances accuracy with computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the system uses excessive look-up tables for accurate power estimation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and interface traffic increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption measurement precisionVSAvoidlook-up table complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lookup table approach into two parts: a static lookup table for configuration parameter-based power estimation and a dynamic lookup table for RF power level-based estimation. Each table is indexed by specific parameters (configuration parameters for static, RF power ranges for dynamic), allowing precise power estimation while organizing complexity in a manageable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by selecting power offsets from lookup tables based on predefined RF power ranges rather than requiring complete real-time calculations. This partial approach provides sufficient accuracy for power delivery coordination without the excessive complexity of full real-time modeling, balancing precision with system resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If the platform power delivery system uses inaccurate power estimation, then device complexity is reduced, but power delivery coordination efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery coordination efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring RF power levels and configuration parameters, then using this feedback to update the power consumption estimation. The system combines static configuration data with dynamic RF measurements to provide ongoing accurate estimation, enabling the power delivery system to coordinate power allocation efficiently and adapt to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing power consumption data in lookup tables during system initialization or configuration. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly estimate power consumption in real-time without performing complex calculations during critical power delivery decisions, improving both accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240023014A1System, devices and methods for efficiently estimating wireless modem power consumption

Publication Date: 2024.01.18 INTEL CORP

AI summary

The disclosure herein relates to systems, methods, and devices for estimating a total estimated power consumption of a wireless modem. The power estimation may include determining a static power consumption estimate based on configuration parameters of modem subcomponents of a wireless modem. The power estimation may also include determining a dynamic power consumption estimate based on a sum of, for each corresponding active power amplifier of the wireless modem, a predefined power offset associated with a current reported power level for the corresponding active power amplifier and a maximum transmit power of a predefined range associated with the current reported power level of the active power amplifier. The power estimation may also include combining the static power consumption estimate and the dynamic power consumption estimate as the total estimated power consumption of the wireless modem.