Multimode Base Station Power Amplifier Shutdown Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multimode base stations, which support multiple communications standards like GSM and LTE, face challenges in efficiently controlling power amplifiers due to differing minimum data transmission units across standards, leading to increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that dynamically obtain the minimum data transmission unit duration for each communications standard, using the shorter duration to control power amplifier shutdown and startup, ensuring efficient energy management by matching the shutdown duration to the minimum granularity of each standard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a power amplifier control method designed for a single communications standard is used in a multimode base station, then the control method is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot properly control the power amplifier in multiple communications standards leading to increased energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier control adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the power amplifier by determining whether to shut down based on real-time service situations in different communications standards. The control decision changes dynamically according to whether data transmission occurs in GSM or LTE modes, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions rather than using a fixed control strategy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from a static single-standard approach to a dynamic multi-parameter approach. By considering both GSM and LTE service situations simultaneously and using the minimum data transmission unit duration as a reference, the system adjusts the power amplifier control parameters to match the specific requirements of each communications standard, thereby improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the power amplifier is controlled to shut down based on the longer transmission time duration, then the control is simpler, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary shutdown delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower amplifier energy consumptionVSAvoidshutdown response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the shutdown duration parameter from using the longer transmission time to using the minimum data transmission unit duration as a reference. This parameter change allows the system to shut down the power amplifier more quickly and accurately, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining proper control timing for both GSM and LTE standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by shutting down the power amplifier for a limited duration based on the minimum data transmission unit rather than waiting for the complete transmission cycle. This partial shutdown approach reduces energy consumption during periods when no data transmission is occurring, while still ensuring the amplifier is on when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the power amplifier shutdown duration is extended to cover the entire transmission time, then data transmission is not affected, but energy consumption increases during idle periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower amplifier energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the service situation in both GSM and LTE modes and using this information to determine when to shut down the power amplifier. The system feedbacks the actual data transmission status and adjusts the shutdown decision accordingly, ensuring reliable data transmission when needed while saving energy during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the power amplifier control dynamic by adjusting the shutdown duration based on real-time service situations. Rather than using a fixed extended shutdown duration, the system dynamically determines the appropriate shutdown time based on whether data is being transmitted in GSM or LTE modes, thereby optimizing both reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3220695B1Power amplifier control device and method
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3220695B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3220695B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3220695B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for controlling a power amplifier, where the apparatus for controlling a power amplifier includes: a first obtaining unit, configured to obtain a first service situation of a multimode base station in a first communications standard and a second service situation of the multimode base station in a second communications standard; a first determining unit, configured to determine, according to the first service situation, whether data is sent in a current first transmission unit; a second determining unit, configured to determine, according to the second service situation, whether data is sent in a current second transmission unit; a second obtaining unit, configured to obtain shorter duration between duration of the first transmission unit and duration of the second transmission unit when no data is sent in either of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit; and a first control unit, configured to shut down the power amplifier by using the obtained duration as a reference. Therefore, the multimode base station may control shutdown of a power amplifier in multiple communications standards, reducing energy consumption of the multimode base station.