Remote Unit Power Amplifier Control for Channel-Based Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless distribution systems (WDS) face high power consumption in remote units due to conventional power amplifiers that consume the same amount of power regardless of output, leading to inefficient RF signal amplification in uplink communications.

Innovation Solution

A power management circuit that analyzes physical properties of signal channels to determine and configure the maximum output power of the power amplifier, optimizing power efficiency by only providing the necessary power for amplification, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power amplifier is configured to provide maximum output power to ensure adequate RF coverage, then the coverage area and signal quality are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF coverage adequacyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power amplifier configuration where the maximum output power is adjusted in real-time based on the number of active signal channels. The control circuit continuously monitors channel conditions and reconfigures the power amplifier accordingly, transitioning from static maximum power operation to adaptive power management that matches actual transmission needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the power amplifier by configuring its maximum output power level based on the number of signal channels. When fewer channels are active, the maximum output power is reduced; when more channels are active, the maximum output power is increased. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining adequate coverage and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the power amplifier consumes high power to maintain readiness for maximum output, then the system can quickly respond to signal demands, but the overall power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal response capabilityVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplifier's maximum output power is dynamically adjusted based on actual signal channel conditions rather than maintaining a fixed high-power state. The control circuit enables the power amplifier to operate at appropriate power levels for current demands, improving power efficiency while maintaining the ability to respond quickly to changing signal requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own operational parameters (number of active signal channels) to automatically control its power consumption. The control circuit monitors the signal channels and self-adjusts the power amplifier configuration without external intervention, achieving both energy efficiency and rapid response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the power amplifier is over-configured to handle peak channel loads, then the system can handle maximum signal demands, but power consumption increases during low-traffic periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak load handling capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption during low-traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplifier configuration is made dynamic and adaptive to the number of active signal channels. During peak load conditions with many channels, the power amplifier is configured for high output power. During low-traffic periods with fewer channels, the maximum output power is automatically reduced, eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining peak load handling capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The maximum output power parameter of the power amplifier is changed based on the number of signal channels. The control circuit adjusts this parameter to match actual traffic conditions, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the number of active channels and thereby resolving the contradiction between peak load capability and low-traffic power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10833635B2Optimizing power efficiency of a power amplifier circuit to reduce power consumption in a remote unit in a wireless distribution system (WDS)

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 ANI ACQUISITION SUB LLC

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.