Remote Unit Power Amplifier Control for Lower WDS Power Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless distribution systems (WDS) face inefficiencies in power consumption due to power amplifiers in remote units consuming constant power regardless of output levels, leading to suboptimal RF coverage and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuit that analyzes physical properties of signal channels to determine and configure the maximum output power of power amplifiers, optimizing power efficiency by only using the necessary amplification capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the power amplifier is configured to provide high maximum output power to ensure adequate RF coverage, then the RF coverage area is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power amplifier's maximum output power configurable and adjustable based on actual signal requirements. The control circuit dynamically reconfigures the power amplifier between different maximum output power levels (first level for coverage, second level for power saving) rather than operating at a fixed high power level, thus adapting the system behavior to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of maximum output power from a fixed value to a configurable variable. The control circuit modifies the operating parameters of the power amplifier based on analysis of the input signal's aggregated peak power, enabling the system to operate at the minimum necessary power level while maintaining adequate coverage when possible.
2Reliability
If the power amplifier operates at maximum output power to handle peak signal requirements, then the signal quality is maintained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit analyzes the aggregated peak power of the input signal and uses this feedback information to determine the appropriate maximum output power level for the power amplifier. This closed-loop control ensures the power amplifier operates at the minimum necessary power level to maintain signal quality, avoiding unnecessary power consumption when lower output levels suffice.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the power amplifier is reconfigured to reduce maximum output power for power saving, then the power consumption decreases, but the RF coverage area may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operating modes: a first mode with higher maximum output power for extended coverage, and a second mode with lower maximum output power for power saving. The control circuit determines which mode to operate in based on real-time analysis of the input signal characteristics, enabling adaptive coverage adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The maximum output power parameter of the power amplifier is changed from a fixed high value to a configurable value that can be adjusted between at least two different levels. This parameter change is controlled based on the aggregated peak power of the input signal, allowing the system to reduce coverage area temporarily when power conservation is prioritized.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to optimizing power efficiency of a power amplifier circuit to reduce power consumption in a remote unit in a wireless distribution system (WDS). A power amplifier circuit is provided in the remote unit to amplify a received input signal associated with a signal channel(s) to generate an output signal at an aggregated peak power. In this regard, a control circuit is configured to analyze at least one physical property related to the signal channel(s) to determine a maximum output power of the power amplifier circuit. Accordingly, the control circuit configures the power amplifier circuit according to the determined maximum output power. By configuring the maximum output power based on the signal channel(s) in the input signal, it may be possible to optimize the power efficiency of the power amplifier circuit, thus helping to reduce the power consumption of the remote unit.