Transceiver Power Amplifier Control for Multi-Antenna Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices with multiple antenna arrays face significant power consumption issues due to the operation of multiple power amplifiers and antennas, which negatively impact battery life and device complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic power control system that selectively adjusts the current provided to power amplifiers and enables/disables antennas based on transmission throughput, using a processor to manage power consumption by reducing current to power amplifiers and disabling antennas when throughput exceeds a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple power amplifiers and antennas are operated simultaneously to achieve high transmission throughput, then communication performance is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment of power amplifiers based on real-time transmission throughput monitoring. When throughput exceeds a threshold, the system reduces power amplifier current dynamically. This allows the system to adapt its power consumption to actual communication needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high throughput and reducing power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power amplifier current levels and antenna activation states) based on transmission throughput conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically - reducing current when throughput is sufficient and disabling antennas when not needed - the system optimizes the balance between communication performance and power consumption.
2Reliability
If multiple power amplifiers are operated at full power to maintain high transmission throughput, then communication reliability is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where transmission throughput is continuously monitored and used to control power amplifier operation. When throughput meets requirements, power is reduced; when throughput drops below thresholds, power is increased. This feedback loop ensures communication reliability is maintained while minimizing power consumption to extend battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically evaluates transmission throughput and adjusts power amplifier operation accordingly. Instead of continuous full-power operation, the system uses periodic assessment to determine when power reduction is acceptable, thereby extending battery life while maintaining adequate communication performance.
3Reliability
If all antennas in the array are activated to improve signal quality and transmission throughput, then communication performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array operation by selectively activating only the necessary number of antennas based on transmission throughput conditions. Instead of always operating all antennas simultaneously, the system divides the operation into different states (full array, reduced array) and activates only what is needed, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining signal quality when required.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a first amplifier configured to be coupled to a first antenna of an array of antenna elements of a mobile device. The apparatus also includes a second amplifier configured to be coupled to a second antenna of the array of antenna elements. The apparatus further includes control circuitry configured to turn off one of the first and the second amplifiers and to selectively reduce an amount of current provided to the other of the first and second amplifiers.