Wireless Communication Power Control for Idle Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication apparatuses fail to reduce power consumption during idle periods, particularly in circuits necessary for controlling wireless communication, such as CPUs, ROMs, and oscillating circuits, leading to continued power usage even when wireless communication is unnecessary.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus with a power switch unit, timer unit, and control unit that manages power supply to wireless and control units, allowing for intermittent reception and extended power-off periods when no signal is received, thereby reducing power consumption in idle states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless communication apparatus continuously operates control circuits (CPU, ROM, oscillating circuits) during idle periods to maintain readiness for signal reception, then the reliability of signal detection is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic power supply control where the power switch unit alternates between ON and OFF states at predetermined intervals. During idle periods, power is supplied only intermittently to the wireless unit and control unit, allowing them to enter low-power states while still maintaining the ability to detect signals when needed. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by reducing average power consumption while preserving periodic signal detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on signal reception conditions. When a signal is detected, the system transitions from a low-power state to a full operational state. The power supply control unit modifies the power supply pattern in response to detected signals, creating a dynamic system that adapts between high-reliability operation and low-power consumption modes, thus resolving the static contradiction between continuous operation and power saving.
2Speed
If the power supply to wireless and control units is continuously maintained to enable immediate signal reception, then the response time to received signals is reduced, but the power consumption during standby increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch unit supplies power periodically rather than continuously, creating cycles of high-power and low-power states. During low-power intervals, the system consumes minimal energy while still maintaining the capability to quickly resume full operation when needed. This periodic power supply pattern reduces standby power consumption while preserving rapid response capability when power is restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer unit pre-determines power supply intervals and triggers power supply events in advance. By preparing and controlling power supply timing beforehand, the system can quickly transition from low-power to full-power states at predetermined intervals, maintaining relatively fast response times while spending most time in low-power consumption mode.
3Reliability
If the apparatus performs frequent signal scanning to ensure continuous communication availability, then the communication reliability is improved, but the power consumption during scanning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless unit performs signal scanning periodically rather than continuously, synchronized with the power supply cycles. During power-off intervals, scanning is suspended to save energy. During power-on intervals, scanning occurs to maintain communication availability. This periodic scanning approach maintains acceptable communication reliability while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous scanning.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a wireless communication apparatus that operates subordinate to a control station, power consumption is reduced when a wireless signal from the control station is unable to be received. A communication block including a wireless unit and a control unit for controlling the whole apparatus, a switch that turns on/off a power supply to the communication block, and a timer that receives the power supply at all times are provided. If the wireless signal from the control station is unable to be received, a time to start on the next time is set by the timer and the power supply to the communication block is turned off. After timer expiration, the power is supplied to the communication block, and the wireless signal of the control station is searched for.