Wireless Transceiver Power Arbitration Within Budget Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in providing multiple communication protocols within a given power budget, as reconfigurable radio modules suffer from performance and cost issues, while incorporating multiple single-mode modules leads to power-related operational problems.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication apparatus comprising multiple wireless communication modules with lower- and higher-power states, along with an arbitration module that controls which modules are in the higher-power state to manage total power delivery within a predetermined budget, using prioritization rules and scheduling to accommodate power-intensive operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple single-mode wireless communication modules are incorporated into a wireless device, then communication versatility is improved, but power consumption increases beyond rated power limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power state management where wireless communication modules can transition between lower-power and higher-power states based on operational requirements. The arbitration module dynamically controls which modules operate in higher-power state, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to actual communication needs while maintaining versatility across multiple protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic arbitration to manage power states of multiple wireless modules. The arbitration module periodically evaluates which modules should be in higher-power state based on communication protocols available and power budget constraints, enabling controlled access to multiple communication capabilities without exceeding power limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless communication modules operate simultaneously, then communication capability is improved, but total power delivered exceeds the power budget

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidtotal power delivered

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power management function by introducing a dedicated arbitration module that independently controls power state assignments for multiple wireless communication modules. This segmentation allows the system to manage power budget constraints while maintaining the ability to support multiple communication protocols through controlled module activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arbitration module serves as an intermediary between the power source and multiple wireless communication modules. It mediates power allocation by controlling which modules access the higher-power state, ensuring that total power consumption remains within the power budget while still enabling multiple communication capabilities when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If reconfigurable radio modules are used, then device complexity is reduced, but performance and cost deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule complexityVSAvoidperformance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single reconfigurable radio module, the patent segments the communication functionality into multiple dedicated single-mode wireless communication modules. Each module is optimized for its specific protocol, improving performance and reliability while the arbitration module manages the overall system complexity by controlling which modules operate simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8391932B2Apparatus providing plural wireless transceivers within a desired power budget and associated method

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 ROLLING WIRELESS SARL

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus providing plural wireless transceivers within a desired power budget and associated methods. A plurality of wireless communication modules, each having a lower-power state and a higher-power state are provided, drawing power from a common source. Arbitration is performed to control which of the plurality of wireless communication modules are in the higher-power state, thereby controlling total power delivered by the power source to the plurality of wireless communication modules.