Physical Layer Device Transmit Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy-efficient network technologies primarily focus on reducing power consumption during low-link utilization conditions, failing to address energy savings during active transmission states, which leads to high power consumption and costly packaging due to thermal dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for a physical layer device that adjusts the transmission signal amplitude based on the received signal level, using modules like analog digital converters, automatic gain control, and cable diagnostics to determine power levels and adapt transmit power, enabling energy savings even during active transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transmission signal amplitude is kept high to ensure reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment by continuously monitoring received signal levels and adapting transmission amplitude in real-time. The system transitions from static high-power transmission to dynamic power control, adjusting signal amplitude based on actual channel conditions and received signal strength, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the receiving device measures received signal levels and communicates this information back to the transmitting device. The transmitter uses this feedback to adjust its output power, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power consumption while ensuring reliable communication through continuous adaptation to channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If power consumption is reduced during active transmission, then energy efficiency is improved, but thermal dissipation and packaging costs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidpackaging costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power consumption parameter dynamically during active transmission by adjusting transmit amplitude based on received signal levels. Instead of operating at fixed high power, the system modifies transmission parameters in real-time to match actual channel conditions, reducing energy consumption and associated thermal dissipation requirements, which in turn lowers packaging and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If transmit power is adjusted based on received signal levels, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service power control where each device autonomously monitors its own received signal levels and adjusts its transmit power accordingly. The system uses built-in receivers and control logic to automatically regulate transmission amplitude without requiring complex external control systems, thereby achieving energy efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2651042B1System and method for power control in a physical layer device
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • EP2651042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2651042B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2651042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for power control in a physical layer device. Energy savings during an active state can be produced through the monitoring of a received signal level by a receiver in a physical layer device. In one embodiment, based on an indication of the received signal level or other communication characteristic of the transmission medium, a control module can adjust the signal level or amplitude and/or adjust the voltage supply.