Non-Data PPDU Wake-Up Signal for Wireless Receiver Power Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks employing carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mechanisms, receivers face challenges in maintaining power efficiency while being able to receive frames even when no frames are sent for extended periods, leading to increased power consumption due to the need to remain powered and ready to receive any incoming transmission.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a non-data Physical Layer Convergence Procedure (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) followed by a control frame, separated by a Reduced Inter-Frame Space (RIFS), allows wireless stations to transition between low power and active receive states efficiently, enabling detection of the PPDU and subsequent decoding of control frames without unnecessary power expenditure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the receiver remains powered and ready to receive any transmitted frame even when no frames are sent for a long time, then the receiver can receive any transmitted frame, but the power consumption of the receiver increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe reception capabilityVSAvoidreceiver power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The non-data PPDU is transmitted before the actual data frame to preliminarily wake up the receiver from low power state. This preliminary action allows the receiver to transition to active state in time to receive the subsequent data frame, solving the contradiction between maintaining reception capability and reducing power consumption during idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The non-data PPDU acts as an intermediary signal between the transmitter and the receiver. It serves as a wake-up call that mediates the transition of the receiver from low power state to active state, enabling the receiver to be ready for the actual data frame without continuously consuming power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10117181B2Apparatus, system and method of communicating a non-data physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU)

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, devices, systems and methods of communicating a non-data Physical Layer Convergence Procedure (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). For example, an apparatus may include circuitry and logic configured to cause a wireless station to transmit a non-data PPDU; and to transmit a control frame separated from the non-data PPDU by a Reduced Inter-Frame Space (RIFS).