Wireless Node Power Adaptation for Enclosure Penetration Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enclosed structures, such as vehicles and buildings with metallic surfaces, attenuate radio transmissions, making it difficult for mobile devices inside to communicate effectively with external mobile networks due to the Faraday cage effect, and existing repeaters and relays struggle to maintain proper communication and avoid interference.

Innovation Solution

A wireless node with a radio transceiver system, including an outside and inside antenna system, an estimation circuit, and a power adaptation circuit, determines penetration loss caused by the enclosure and adjusts the output power to improve radio link performance and minimize interference with external communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a repeater or relay is placed inside an enclosure to improve radio communication, then radio link quality inside the enclosure is improved, but interference with external radio signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio link qualityVSAvoidinterference with external radio signals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the repeater continuously monitors signal conditions and adapts its transmission power in real-time. This allows the system to maintain reliable communication inside the enclosure while minimizing interference to external signals by reducing power when not needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power parameter of the repeater based on measured signal conditions. By adjusting transmission power levels according to the penetration loss and interference conditions, the system optimizes the balance between internal communication quality and external interference prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If transmission power is increased to overcome penetration loss, then communication quality inside the enclosure is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on real-time measurements of penetration loss and signal conditions. Instead of using fixed high power, the repeater adapts its power level to match the actual communication needs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining communication quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The repeater performs self-adjustment by measuring its own signal conditions and automatically optimizing its transmission power. The system monitors penetration loss and interference levels, then autonomously adjusts its power output to achieve optimal communication with minimal energy expenditure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution dynamically adjusts transmission power based on penetration loss, enhancing communication quality within the enclosure while reducing interference with external radio networks, ensuring reliable connectivity even in scenarios with varying enclosure configurations.

Implementation Method 1

An enclosed vehicle resembles a Faraday cage and attenuates the radio transmissions to and from the vehicle due to the well-known Faraday cage effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday cage effect: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2901775B1Method for adapting output power of a radio transmitter and the corresponding wireless node
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2901775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2901775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2901775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improving radio transmissions between a mobile device located inside an enclosed structure and an outside radio network. A relay or repeater is used to relay transmissions back and forth between the inside mobile device and the outside radio network. The transmission power of the relay/repeater used to transmit signals to the mobile device and that of the mobile device used to communicate with the relay/repeater can be dynamically adjusted in accordance with the penetration loss of the enclosed structure.