Transmitter Power Reduction via Detection Element and Current Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transmitters in networks operate at a standard transmit power regardless of application requirements, leading to unnecessary power consumption in applications that do not need the standard level of transmit power.
Innovation Solution
A detection element is used to determine if the standard transmit power is unnecessary, and if so, the transmitter power is reduced by methods such as lowering the center tap voltage, changing the class of operation, or using a current mirror with diode-connected transistors in parallel to reduce current and output power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional transmitters operate at standard transmit power, then signal transmission reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily for applications with lower requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter dynamically adjusts its output power based on detected link conditions and application requirements. The system transitions from a static standard power mode to a dynamic adaptive power mode, where the detection element monitors link quality and the controller modifies transmit power accordingly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the transmit power parameter from a fixed standard value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on application needs. By modifying the center tap voltage and current mirror configuration, the system implements multiple power levels (e.g., 20%, 50% of standard power), allowing optimization of power consumption while maintaining adequate signal transmission for each specific application scenario.
2Use of energy by moving object
If transmitter power is reduced below standard level, then power consumption decreases, but signal transmission capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by tailoring the transmit power level to the specific requirements of each application or link segment. Rather than using a uniform standard power level everywhere, the system detects local link conditions and applies appropriate power levels locally, ensuring adequate transmission capability where needed while reducing power where lower levels suffice.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by providing only the necessary amount of transmit power required for each application rather than the full standard power. The detection element determines the minimum adequate power level, and the transmitter delivers that partial amount, avoiding excessive power consumption while maintaining sufficient transmission capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If detection element monitors operating conditions to determine power reduction, then power optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter incorporates a self-service mechanism where the detection element automatically monitors link conditions and the controller autonomously adjusts power levels without external intervention. This self-service capability enables power optimization through embedded intelligence, where the added complexity is justified by the autonomous decision-making that eliminates the need for external power management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element and controller serve multiple functions: they monitor link quality, determine application requirements, select appropriate power levels, and control the transmitter output. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into integrated components, achieving power optimization while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter includes a detection element to determine when a current power requirement of a communication link is less than the standard transmit power. The current power requirement may be determined by a current operation condition of the communication link, for instance. The transmit power of the transmitter may be set to be less than the standard power in any of a variety of ways. For example, a center tap voltage of the transmitter may be reduced. In another example, a class of operation of the transmitter may be changed. In yet another example, the transmitter may include a current mirror having a plurality of diode-connected transistors coupled in parallel, thereby reducing the current at output terminals of the transmitter. Reducing the current at the output terminals decreases the output power of the transmitter, which may reduce the power consumed by the transmitter.