Dynamic Upstream Amplifier Power Management in Cable Modems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable modems consume excessive power due to prolonged energization during minimal upstream data transmission, leading to waste of electrical power as they remain active but inactive during data viewing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an upstream power control system using a MAC chip and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) to dynamically power on and off the upstream power amplifier only during data transmission, reducing power consumption by controlling the upstream power amplifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable modem remains energized continuously to maintain readiness for data transmission, then the availability and responsiveness of the modem is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the upstream power amplifier between different operational states (active and powered-off) based on real-time data transmission requirements. The amplifier is dynamically controlled to be active only during upstream data transmission periods and powered-off during idle periods, making the system adaptive to varying operational demands rather than remaining continuously active
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling the upstream power amplifier between active and powered-off states according to the periodic nature of data transmission bursts. The amplifier is activated during transmission periods and deactivated during idle periods, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that matches the intermittent data flow requirements
2Speed
If the upstream power amplifier is kept active during idle periods, then the modem can immediately transmit data when needed, but electrical power is wasted during periods when no data transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by activating the upstream power amplifier just in time before data transmission begins and deactivating it immediately after transmission completes. The MAC controller manages the amplifier's operational state based on scheduled transmission periods, ensuring the amplifier is active only when needed rather than maintaining continuous readiness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by altering the power state parameter of the upstream power amplifier from a constant active state to a variable state that changes between active and powered-off based on transmission requirements. This parameter modulation allows the system to adapt power consumption levels to actual operational needs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an upstream power control system, within a cable modem which controls the power consumption of the cable modem. The power control system comprises a MAC chip which synchronizes upstream communication signals for transmission to a cable network and outputs an upstream control signal, an upstream amplifier which receives the synchronized upstream communication signals, and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The CPLD controls the upstream amplifier in response to the upstream control signal such that the upstream amplifier is powered on during transmission of the communication signals, and powered off when not transmitting, which results in the reduction of power consumed by the cable modem.