Switchable Antenna Node for Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in power consumption and antenna utilization, particularly in user terminals with multiple radio chains, as they often require frequent recharging and have limited battery capacity, and there is a need for more efficient use of antennas and radio chains, especially in scenarios where not all streams are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A node in a wireless communication system comprising a switching network and a beamforming network that disconnects at least one antenna function from its corresponding radio chain and connects it to another radio chain via the beamforming network, allowing two antenna functions to share a radio chain, thereby reducing energy consumption and optimizing antenna usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple radio chains are integrated in user terminals to support MIMO systems, then data transmission capacity is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different operational modes (MIMO mode with multiple radio chains and single-radio mode with one radio chain) based on channel conditions. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the number of active radio chains adapts to the propagation environment, allowing the terminal to use multiple radio chains only when channel conditions warrant high data rates, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining productivity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of radio chain quantity from a fixed value to a variable that adapts to channel conditions. By modifying this parameter based on rank indicators and propagation scenarios, the system optimizes the balance between data transmission capacity and power consumption, using more radio chains in favorable conditions and fewer in challenging conditions
2Productivity
If multiple antenna functions are connected to separate radio chains for MIMO operation, then data rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the beamforming network multi-functional by enabling it to serve dual purposes: performing beamforming when multiple antenna functions are connected to the same radio chain, and acting as a simple connection network when antenna functions are connected to separate radio chains. This universality allows the same hardware infrastructure to support both MIMO and beamforming operations, reducing device complexity while maintaining high data rate capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the connection topology between antenna functions and radio chains based on operational mode. In MIMO mode, antenna functions connect to separate radio chains for high data rates. In power-saving mode, multiple antenna functions connect to the same radio chain through the beamforming network. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt device complexity to the actual communication needs
3Use of energy by moving object
If antenna functions are disconnected from corresponding radio chains and connected via beamforming network, then power consumption is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic mode switching between MIMO operation (with full adaptability for high data rates) and beamforming operation (with reduced power consumption). The switching network enables the system to adapt to different propagation scenarios by selecting the appropriate operational mode based on channel conditions, maintaining versatility while allowing for power-saving configurations when the propagation environment supports it
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of connection configuration based on channel conditions and rank indicators. When channel conditions are favorable, the system maintains the adaptive MIMO configuration. When conditions are less favorable or power saving is needed, the system transitions to the beamforming configuration with antenna functions connected via the beamforming network, thus adapting the system behavior to match environmental conditions
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 approach reduces energy consumption in mobile devices and other nodes while maintaining performance-enhancing multi-antenna technologies, allowing for longer battery life and lower carbon emissions by dynamically adjusting antenna and radio chain usage based on communication needs.
Implementation Method 1
The node is arranged to perform beamforming for said at least two antenna functions by means of said beamforming network
Implementation Method 2
the beamforming network comprises at least one phase shifter and/or at least one attenuator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a node (1) in a wireless communication system, the node (1) comprising at least a first and second antenna function (2, 3), and a first and second radio chain (4, 5). At least at the start of a first mode of operation, each antenna function (2, 3) is connected to a corresponding radio chain (4, 5). The node further comprises a switching network (6) and a beamforming network (7), which switching network (6), at least at the start of a second mode of operation, is arranged to disconnect at least one antenna function (2) from its corresponding radio chain (4) and connect it to another of the radio chains (5) via at least a part of the beamforming network (7), such that at least two antenna functions (2, 3) are connected to the same radio chain (5). The node (1) is arranged to perform beamforming for said at least two antenna functions (2, 3) by means of said beamforming network (7), the switching network (6) being arranged to switch between the first mode and the second mode.