Multi-Carrier Power Saving Mode for VoIP Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional low power modes in multi-carrier transmission systems, such as DSL, are inefficient for applications like VoIP, where continuous activity is required, and do not provide sufficient power savings.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that switches between two transmission modes: a first mode where all carriers are used for payload data transmission and a second mode where transmission power is reduced by refraining from using certain carriers, especially for idle data transfer units, allowing for power reduction or zero power on unused carriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional low power modes are used in multi-carrier transmission, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission reliability deteriorates for applications requiring continuous activity like VoIP

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the set of carriers into multiple subsets, allowing selective activation of only necessary carriers based on data transmission requirements. This segmentation enables the system to maintain reliable communication on essential carriers while deactivating or reducing power on non-essential carriers, thus resolving the contradiction between power saving and transmission reliability for continuous activity applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different transmission modes (first mode with all carriers active, second mode with reduced carriers) based on real-time data transmission needs. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to transition from full-power operation to power-saving operation seamlessly, maintaining reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If all carriers are used for payload data transmission, then data transmission capacity is maximized, but power consumption increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of carriers required for current data transmission needs rather than all carriers. This partial activation reduces power consumption while maintaining sufficient data transmission capacity, as the system dynamically determines the minimum number of carriers needed based on traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of carriers by switching between different transmission modes that alter the number of active carriers. This parameter change allows the system to adapt power consumption levels to match data transmission requirements, achieving energy efficiency without permanently sacrificing transmission capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If transmission power is reduced on certain carriers, then power saving is achieved, but data transmission capability on those carriers is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingVSAvoiddata transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes carriers universal by enabling them to serve different functions in different transmission modes. Carriers can be activated for data transmission when needed and deactivated or reduced for power saving when not needed, allowing the same physical infrastructure to adapt to varying operational requirements without permanent loss of capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3407647A1Power saving mode for multi-carrier transmission
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 LANTIQ BET GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3407647A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3407647A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3407647A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and communication devices are described where in a first transmission mode a set of carriers having different carrier frequencies is used for payload data transmission, and in a second transmission mode at least some of the carriers of the set of carriers are refrained from being used, and the transmission power is reduced.