Switched Antenna System Link Quality Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face overhead and throughput reduction due to continuous table updates for link quality data across multiple antenna configurations, leading to increased computational and communication overhead, especially during antenna optimization modes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where wireless communication devices operate in both normal and test modes, with transceivers connected to subsets of antennae based on evaluated link quality, allowing for reduced resource management and minimal disruption to normal data traffic during antenna configuration optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system continuously updates link quality data for all antenna configurations in a table, then the coverage and link quality are improved, but the computational overhead and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna configurations into two groups: active configurations (currently in use) and inactive configurations (not currently in use). This segmentation allows the system to update link quality data selectively - continuously updating only active configurations while periodically updating inactive ones, thereby reducing computational overhead while maintaining link quality for active transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by updating link quality data for inactive antenna configurations only at periodic intervals rather than continuously. This periodic update mechanism reduces processing time and computational overhead while still maintaining adequate knowledge of alternative configurations for future use.
2Area of stationary object
If the system tests multiple antenna configurations to find the best link quality, then the coverage is improved, but the throughput is reduced due to retransmissions and overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-updating link quality data for inactive antenna configurations during periods when they are not needed for active transmission. This allows the system to have test data ready in advance, so when configuration changes are needed, the switch can happen quickly without interrupting ongoing data transmissions, thus maintaining throughput while still exploring alternative configurations for coverage improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies skipping by rapidly switching between antenna configurations using stored link quality data, minimizing the time spent in transition. The system skips lengthy retesting periods by utilizing pre-collected data, allowing quick configuration changes without significant throughput loss while still achieving coverage optimization through multiple configuration testing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses a large number of antenna elements with individual selection, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large antenna array into smaller subgroups or panels, where each segment can be independently controlled. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the switching system by breaking down the large-scale switching problem into smaller, more manageable switching units, while still maintaining the overall adaptability through coordinated operation of multiple segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for receiving and transmitting data packets in a wireless communication device comprising M transceivers (with M=2), N antennae (with N>M), each connectable with at least one of the M transceivers, and a switching system adapted to connect each of said M transceivers to only one of said N antennae at a time. The wireless communication device is operated according to a normal mode and a test mode. In the normal mode, the transceivers of the device are connected to a subset of antennae. The link quality is also evaluated, such that the used antennae can be subdivided into subsets according to the evaluated quality. In the test mode, a subset of the transceivers remains connected to the corresponding subset of antennae which gave the best link quality, and the remaining part of the transceivers is connected to a corresponding number of antennae, at least in part different from those which gave the worse quality, in such a manner searching for an improved configuration.