Receiver Power Control via Environmental Noise Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor radios face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining high-performance, high-quality audio output, as they typically operate at maximum power consumption levels due to limited opportunities for power reduction, especially in low signal environments where environmental noise dominates over receiver-generated noise.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine environmental noise levels to reduce power consumption of analog front end components by disabling parallel stages in the receiver, using a noise estimator and controller to adjust power consumption based on environmental noise levels compared to receiver-generated noise, allowing the receiver to operate in a low power mode in high noise environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the semiconductor radio operates at maximum power consumption level to maintain high performance and high quality audio output, then the signal quality is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by enabling the receiver to switch between maximum power mode and reduced power mode based on real-time environmental noise conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts the power consumption level of the analog front end component, transitioning from a static maximum power operation to a dynamic adaptive power management system that optimizes both signal quality and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the receiver by adjusting power consumption levels based on environmental noise characteristics. When environmental noise exceeds a threshold, the system changes parameters to operate at reduced power consumption while maintaining adequate signal quality, thus adapting operational parameters to match environmental conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the receiver reduces power consumption by operating analog front end components at lower power levels, then the power consumption is reduced, but the receiver-generated noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of environmental noise into a beneficial opportunity for power reduction. By detecting high environmental noise levels, the system identifies that additional noise reduction effort is unnecessary, thus justifying increased power consumption tolerance and enabling reduced power operation of the analog front end component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors environmental noise levels and adjusts the power consumption level of the analog front end component accordingly. This closed-loop control system uses noise level feedback to dynamically optimize the balance between power consumption and receiver-generated noise, ensuring adequate signal quality while minimizing power usage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the receiver operates in low power mode to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates in low signal environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the power consumption adjustment specific to the analog front end component rather than the entire receiver system. The digital signal processor and other components continue operating at full performance while only the analog front end operates at reduced power levels, thus maintaining overall signal-to-noise ratio while achieving power savings in the specific component where environmental noise already dominates.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving and processing an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal in a receiver. Based on this signal, an environmental noise level can be determined, where this level corresponds to environmental noise present in an environment in which the receiver is located. Then, if the environmental noise level is substantially greater than receiver-generated noise, power consumption of at least one analog front end component of the receiver can be reduced.