Dynamic Receiver Chain Selection for Mobile Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile wireless devices face a conflict between reducing power consumption and improving communication links using multiple antennas, as multiple antenna systems dissipate more power due to the need for additional receiver chains.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting which receiver chains to activate based on measuring signal quality, where fewer chains are used unless the signal quality threshold is met, and the number of active chains can be dynamically adjusted based on factors like battery power and location within a cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple receiver chains are used to improve communication link quality, then the reliability and data rate improve, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active receiver chains based on real-time channel conditions and quality metrics. The mobile station evaluates receive signal quality (RSRQ) and compares it against thresholds to determine whether to activate or deactivate specific receiver chains, making the system adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (number of active receiver chains) based on measured signal quality metrics. By monitoring RSRQ and comparing against predetermined thresholds, the system transitions between different operational states (full reception, partial reception, or single chain reception) to optimize the balance between link quality and power consumption
2Productivity
If all receiver chains are activated to maintain high data rates, then the productivity improves, but the power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of receiver chains required to maintain acceptable communication quality. Instead of always using all available chains, the system selectively activates subsets based on current channel conditions, thereby reducing power dissipation while maintaining sufficient data rates
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically evaluates receive signal quality metrics and adjusts the number of active receiver chains accordingly. This periodic monitoring and adjustment allows the system to respond to changing channel conditions while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during periods of good signal quality
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of selecting which of a plurality of receiver chains of a mobile unit to receive wireless signals, is disclosed. One method includes measuring a first receive signal quality while all of the plurality of receiver chains are receiving wireless signals, and measuring a second receive signal quality while a subset of the plurality of receiver chains are receiving wireless signals. The subset of the plurality of receiver chains are selected to receive wireless signal unless the first receive signal quality is a threshold better than the second receive signal quality. If the first receive signal quality is a threshold better than the second receive signal quality then all the plurality of receiver chains are selected to receive wireless signals.