UWB Communication Device Radar Mode Switching for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
UWB devices continuously operating in radar mode to sense coverage areas for targets lead to increased power consumption, as they lack knowledge of the presence of moving targets within their coverage area, necessitating continuous sensing.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with an ultra-wideband communication unit configured to switch between different radar modes based on determined distance and location information, allowing for optimized power consumption by switching to high-power or high-range resolution modes only when a target is present, thereby reducing unnecessary power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ultra-wideband communication unit continuously operates in radar mode to sense coverage areas, then detection performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the ultra-wideband communication unit between different radar modes (first radar mode, second radar mode, and ranging mode) based on real-time distance measurements. When a target is detected within a predefined distance, the system activates high-power radar modes for enhanced detection; otherwise, it operates in low-power or idle modes, thereby adapting detection performance to actual operational needs and reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the ultra-wideband communication unit by switching between different radar modes with varying power levels and detection capabilities. The controller adjusts the transmission power, pulse repetition frequency, and other radar parameters based on target presence and distance, optimizing the balance between detection performance and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If the ultra-wideband communication unit operates in high-power radar mode, then range resolution is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the radar mode based on target distance. When targets are detected at close range, the system switches to high-power second radar mode with high pulse repetition frequency for improved range resolution. For distant targets or when no targets are present, it operates in low-power first radar mode or ranging mode, thereby providing high measurement precision only when and where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different quality levels of radar operation to different spatial and temporal conditions. High-range-resolution modes are activated only in local situations where targets are detected within predefined distances, while lower-resolution but lower-power modes are used in other conditions, optimizing resource allocation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the ultra-wideband communication unit switches between different radar modes, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance measurements using low-power ranging mode or other communication methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) before activating high-power radar modes. This preliminary action allows the controller to determine whether target detection is necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary complexity of continuous high-power radar operation while maintaining power optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the switching between different radar modes based on distance information from the distance determination unit. This centralized control simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating the decision-making logic for mode switching, rather than requiring complex distributed intelligence across multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: an ultra-wideband communication unit configured to operate in a first radar mode and in a second radar mode; a distance determination unit configured to determine a distance between the communication device and an external device; a controller configured to switch the ultra-wideband communication unit from the first radar mode into the second radar mode in dependence on the distance determined by the distance determination unit. In accordance with further aspects, another communication device is provided, as well as methods for operating the communication device and other communication device, and a corresponding computer program.