Relay Device With Separate Wake-Up Signal Relay Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay devices in network systems fail to reduce power consumption effectively during sleep mode due to the continuous operation of communication functions to process wake-up signals, which are transmitted using the same frame format as ordinary communication signals.
Innovation Solution
A relay device is designed with a communication signal relay unit and a separate wake-up signal relay unit, where the wake-up signal is relayed using a frequency band lower than the communication frequency band, allowing the communication signal relay unit to be powered down during sleep mode, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same frame format is used for both wake-up signals and ordinary communication signals, then the relay device can process wake-up signals using existing communication functions, but the communication signal relay unit cannot be powered down during sleep mode, resulting in high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal relay function into two separate units: a communication signal relay unit for ordinary communication signals and a wake-up signal relay unit for wake-up signals. This segmentation allows each unit to be independently controlled and powered, enabling the communication signal relay unit to be powered down during sleep mode while the wake-up signal relay unit remains operational, thus resolving the contradiction between signal processing capability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different frequency band characteristics to different signal types: ordinary communication signals use a higher frequency band while wake-up signals use a lower frequency band. This local quality differentiation allows the relay device to use frequency-selective filtering to distinguish between signal types and route them to appropriate processing units, enabling selective power management.
2Reliability
If the communication signal relay unit is kept operational to process wake-up signals, then wake-up functionality is maintained, but the overall system power consumption cannot be sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the relay device into two independent units with separate power control, the patent enables the communication signal relay unit to be completely powered down during sleep mode while the wake-up signal relay unit remains active. This ensures wake-up functionality is maintained with minimal power consumption, as only the essential wake-up signal processing components remain operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency-selective filter as an intermediary component that separates wake-up signals from ordinary communication signals based on their frequency characteristics. This intermediary allows the system to selectively process only wake-up signals during sleep mode without requiring the full communication signal relay unit to remain operational, thereby reducing energy loss.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a separate wake-up signal relay unit is introduced, then power consumption during sleep mode is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-up signal relay unit is designed to handle multiple functions: it receives wake-up signals, filters them by frequency, and relays them to the appropriate nodes. By consolidating these functions into a single dedicated unit with clear responsibilities, the patent minimizes the complexity increase while achieving significant power savings during sleep mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses frequency band differentiation as a key parameter to distinguish between wake-up signals and ordinary communication signals. Wake-up signals are transmitted in a lower frequency band while communication signals use a higher frequency band. This parameter-based differentiation simplifies the design of the separate relay units, as they can use straightforward frequency-selective filtering rather than complex signal analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the relay device to significantly reduce power consumption during sleep mode by isolating the wake-up signal relay process from the communication signal relay process, leading to a substantial decrease in the overall system's power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The wake-up signal filter unit is provided for each of the connection target transmission paths and passes through a signal with a frequency band lower than the communication frequency band
Implementation Method 2
The communication signal relay unit includes a low frequency wave attenuation unit for attenuating a signal with a frequency band lower than the communication frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device includes a communication signal relay unit for relaying a communication signal and a wake-up signal relay unit for relaying, by bypassing the communication signal relay unit, a wake-up signal that is transmitted using a frequency band which is lower than a communication frequency band used in transmitting the communication signal. The communication signal relay unit includes a low frequency wave attenuation unit for attenuating a signal with a frequency band lower than the communication frequency band. The wake-up signal relay unit includes a wake-up signal filter unit for passing through a signal with a frequency band lower than the communication frequency band.