Multi-Mode Modem Scheduler for Asymmetric RF PLC Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-mode communication systems face challenges in optimizing power consumption and capacity when using asymmetric communication technologies like RF and PLC, as existing multiplexing techniques fail to utilize full network capacity due to differences in data transmission rates and power consumption between channels.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves calculating data transmission for each modem based on equivalent packet delivery time, rather than data amount, and using a scheduler to allocate data and schedule transmission times among transceivers to minimize power consumption and maximize capacity, considering constraints like minimum data rates and utilization factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing multiplexing techniques are used in multi-mode communication systems, then the system can transmit data through multiple channels, but the network capacity is not fully utilized due to asymmetric data transmission rates between RF and PLC channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacity utilizationVSAvoidmultiplexing technique complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by recognizing and accommodating the different transmission characteristics of RF and PLC channels. Instead of treating both channels symmetrically with equal data allocation, the system allocates different amounts of data to each channel based on their respective transmission rates and characteristics, thereby fully utilizing the network capacity of asymmetric channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic data allocation where the amount of data assigned to each transceiver is adjusted based on real-time channel conditions, transmission rates, and power consumption characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maximize network capacity utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If both RF and PLC transceivers operate simultaneously at full capacity, then data transmission rate increases, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of transceivers by adjusting transmission power levels, data allocation amounts, and operating modes based on channel conditions and power constraints. This allows the system to achieve high data transmission rates when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by allocating data to transceivers based on their optimal operating points rather than maximizing all transceivers simultaneously. The system determines the appropriate level of transceiver utilization to achieve the desired data rate while minimizing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If data is allocated based on equal data amounts to each transceiver, then simplicity is maintained, but transmission time varies significantly due to different channel capacities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata allocation simplicityVSAvoidtransmission time variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allocating data to each transceiver based on its specific channel characteristics, transmission rate, and capacity. Instead of uniform data allocation, each transceiver receives an amount of data optimized for its local conditions, thereby reducing transmission time variation across different channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Loss of energy

If the system optimizes for minimum power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but data transmission capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic optimization approach where the system continuously adjusts data allocation and transmission parameters to achieve the desired balance between power consumption and data transmission capacity. The optimization can adapt to changing conditions and priorities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11350311B2Methods and apparatus to optimize power consumption and capacity in a multi-mode communication system

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A utilization factor controller is to estimate power consumption values corresponding to a plurality of first utilization factor and second utilization factor pairs, the first utilization factor corresponding to utilization of the first transceiver that is to communicate using a first protocol, the second utilization factor corresponding to utilization of the second transceiver that is to communicate using a second protocol different form the first protocol, the utilization factor controller to select a first utilization factor and second utilization factor pair based on the estimated power consumption value. A transmission time controller is to calculate first and second transmission times to be used by the first and second transceiver based on the selected first utilization factor and second utilization factor pair. A data allocator is to allocate data for transmission by the first transceiver and the second transceiver according to the first and second transmission times.