Network Adaptor Transmit Power Control via Stack Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-averaging specific-absorption-rate (SAR) algorithms in network adaptors often lead to inaccurate predictions of data transmission loads, resulting in suboptimal power management and potential regulatory violations, as they rely solely on historical data without considering current upper stack layer conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing data indication signals from the computing device's upper network stack layers to the network adaptor, allowing the TAS function to optimize transmit power by considering the actual data load and queue status, thereby allowing higher power transmission within regulatory limits without exceeding SAR thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If time-averaging SAR algorithms rely solely on historical data without considering current upper stack layer conditions, then the algorithm complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but transmission power optimization deteriorates and regulatory compliance reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the upper network stack layers (MAC layer and above) send data indication signals to the PHY layer TAS algorithm. This feedback loop provides real-time information about current data transmission needs, allowing the TAS algorithm to adjust power levels dynamically while maintaining regulatory compliance. The feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling the simple historical averaging approach to incorporate current conditions without increasing algorithmic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having upper stack layers pre-indicate their data transmission status and future data needs before the TAS algorithm makes power decisions. This advance information allows the TAS function to proactively optimize power levels within SAR limits, preventing both regulatory violations and unnecessary power reductions. The preliminary action from upper layers enables better power management without complicating the TAS algorithm itself.
2Productivity
If higher transmit power is used to improve data transmission speed and productivity, then productivity is improved, but SAR limit violations increase and regulatory compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making transmit power levels adaptive rather than static. The TAS algorithm continuously adjusts power based on the sliding window SAR calculation and real-time data indication signals from upper layers. This dynamic approach allows the system to transmit at maximum permissible power when conditions allow (improving productivity) while automatically reducing power when approaching SAR limits (maintaining compliance). The dynamic power adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and regulatory compliance.
3Reliability
If conservative power levels are maintained to ensure SAR compliance, then regulatory compliance reliability is improved, but transmission efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying how SAR limits are calculated and applied. Instead of using fixed conservative power levels, the system calculates time-averaged SAR over a sliding window and adjusts power parameters dynamically based on actual data transmission needs from upper layers. This parameter change enables the system to operate closer to regulatory limits when appropriate (improving productivity) while maintaining compliance through continuous SAR monitoring and adjustment.
4Productivity
If data indication signals from upper network stack layers are incorporated into TAS algorithm, then transmit power optimization is improved and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by extracting only the necessary data indication information from the upper network stack layers and passing it to the PHY layer TAS algorithm. Rather than integrating complex upper layer processing into the TAS function, the system extracts simple status indicators (current data load and future data needs) that are sufficient for power optimization. This extraction approach enables productivity improvement through better power management while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
To control transmit power in a wireless device, the wireless device sends a data indication signal to the network adaptor. The data indication signal can indicate a transmission status of data to be transmitted and being located in at least one queue of a network stack of a computing device of wireless device. The network adaptor can determine using a time-averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) function, a transmit power for wireless transmission of data in the network adaptor by considering at least the data in the network adaptor and the at least one data indication signal.