UWB Transceiver Power Optimization via Line-of-Sight Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultra-wideband (UWB) transceivers require significant power consumption for high-accuracy ranging operations, which reduces battery life in devices like key fobs and smartphones used for vehicle access systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing channel-dependent power optimization techniques that reduce device performance when a line-of-sight channel is detected, allowing for reduced power consumption by introducing noise and processing inferior channel impulse responses, thereby optimizing power usage in UWB ranging operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If UWB transceivers operate at full performance level for high-accuracy ranging, then ranging accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveranging accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic performance adaptation by detecting channel conditions (line-of-sight vs. non-line-of-sight) and adjusting the UWB transceiver's operation mode accordingly. In line-of-sight conditions, the device operates at reduced performance levels with lower power consumption, while maintaining full performance in non-line-of-sight conditions to ensure ranging accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters based on channel conditions. When line-of-sight is detected, parameters such as noise tolerance, processing complexity, and performance level are adjusted to reduce power consumption while maintaining sufficient ranging accuracy for the specific channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If device performance is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but ranging accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidranging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts performance levels based on detected channel conditions. The performance reduction is not fixed but adapts to the specific propagation environment, ensuring that accuracy is maintained when necessary while saving power when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different performance levels locally based on channel characteristics. Instead of uniformly reducing performance across all operating conditions, the system applies performance reduction only in line-of-sight conditions where it is safe to do so, while maintaining full performance in non-line-of-sight conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of moving object

If channel-dependent power optimization is implemented, then battery life is extended, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary channel detection and classification before executing the ranging operation. By pre-identifying line-of-sight conditions, the system can proactively select the appropriate performance mode, avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during the ranging process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from channel impulse response analysis to determine propagation conditions and adjust performance levels accordingly. The feedback mechanism provides information about line-of-sight vs. non-line-of-sight conditions, enabling intelligent power management without requiring overly complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3849093B1Ultra-wideband device power optimization
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 NXP BV
  • EP3849093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3849093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3849093B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication system, comprises a first wireless apparatus; a second wireless apparatus that participates in a first ranging sequence with the first wireless apparatus; and a transmission channel between the first and second wireless apparatuses that transmits data of the first ranging sequence. At least one of the first wireless apparatus or second wireless apparatus generating at least one channel impulse response (CIR) and determining from the at least one CIR whether the transmission channel includes a line-of-sight channel. A special purpose processor reduces a current performance level of at least one of the first and second wireless apparatuses during a second ranging sequence in response to a determination that the transmission channel includes the line-of-sight channel.