Radio Circuitry Power Switching for LTE Base Station Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
LTE base stations continuously power power amplifiers even when not in use, leading to unnecessary power consumption during receive mode operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method within the radio circuitry to switch between receive and transmit modes based on the power level of incoming signals, using a signal coupler, power detector, and comparer to determine if the signal requires transmission, thereby powering off components not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power amplifiers are continuously powered in LTE base stations, then transmit communication capability is maintained, but power consumption increases during receive mode operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between receive mode and transmit mode based on detected signal power levels. The radio circuitry transitions from a static state where power amplifiers are continuously powered to a dynamic state where operating mode changes based on real-time signal conditions. This allows the system to adapt power consumption to actual operational needs while maintaining transmit capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the power level of incoming signals is continuously monitored and used to control the switching between receive and transmit modes. The detected signal power provides feedback that triggers mode transitions, ensuring that power amplifiers are only activated when actual transmit communication is needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If radio circuitry switches between receive and transmit modes, then power consumption is reduced, but switching control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service switching mechanism where the radio circuitry autonomously determines when to switch between receive and transmit modes based on its own detected signal power levels. The system uses its inherent signal detection capability to trigger mode transitions without requiring external control signals, thereby reducing the complexity of switching control while achieving power savings.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power amplifiers are powered off during receive mode, then power consumption decreases, but transmit response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the radio circuitry in receive mode with power amplifiers powered off, ready to quickly transition to transmit mode when needed. The continuous monitoring of signal power levels ensures that when transmit mode is required, the transition is triggered immediately upon detecting the appropriate signal condition, minimizing response time while still achieving power savings during receive-only periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method receiving an input signal at radio circuitry, sampling the input signal, and determining a power level of the sampled input signal. The radio circuitry includes an input switch having an input, a first output, and a second output. The input switch is configured to switch between the first output for the receive mode and the second output for the transmit mode. The method also includes determining whether the power level of the sampled input signal is greater than a threshold power level. When the power level of the sampled input signal is greater than the threshold power level, the method includes switching the input switch to the second output for the transmit mode. When the power level of the sampled input signal is less than or equal to the threshold power level, the method includes switching the input switch to the first output for the receive mode.