WLAN Chipset Power Control via Dynamic Data Rate and Bias Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for minimizing power consumption in WLAN chipsets, particularly for VoIP and V2IP applications, are inadequate due to non-linear power reduction with data rate changes, unreliable traffic estimation, and inefficiency in quickly changing radio propagation conditions, leading to ineffective power control and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The method employs network allocation vector (NAV) metrics to estimate available bandwidth and dynamically adjust data rates and power amplifier bias voltage, optimizing power consumption by selecting the appropriate data rate and reducing transmission power, while ensuring compliance with IEEE specifications through Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data rate is increased to maximise throughput, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of data rate and transmit power based on real-time channel conditions and application requirements. The system continuously monitors channel quality indicators and adjusts transmission parameters accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to optimize the trade-off between throughput and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes transmission parameters (data rate and power level) based on channel conditions and application type. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves optimal performance for different scenarios - higher rates for data-intensive applications and lower rates for voice over IP, thereby resolving the contradiction between throughput and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If transmit power is reduced to minimise power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors transmission outcomes (packet errors, channel quality) and adjusts power levels accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that power is reduced only when channel conditions permit, maintaining reliability while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmit power based on real-time channel conditions rather than using fixed power levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to operate at lower power when conditions are good and increase power when needed, resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and reliability.
3Device complexity
If traffic estimation is based on past transmissions, then bandwidth prediction is simplified, but estimation accuracy deteriorates in quickly changing radio conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of channel conditions and traffic patterns before actual transmissions occur. By gathering and analyzing channel quality indicators in advance, the system prepares accurate bandwidth estimates that account for rapidly changing radio conditions, improving prediction accuracy without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses channel quality indicators and intermediate measurements as mediators between past transmissions and future bandwidth predictions. These intermediaries provide real-time information about current channel state, enabling accurate estimation even in rapidly changing conditions while maintaining reasonable computational complexity.
4Productivity
If data rate is adapted for high throughput applications, then productivity is improved, but power consumption reduction becomes ineffective for low throughput applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different data rate and power strategies tailored to specific application types. Voice over IP traffic receives optimized treatment with lower rates and powers appropriate for its requirements, while data-intensive applications receive higher performance settings. This local optimization ensures power efficiency is maximized for each application's specific needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes transmission parameters based on application type identification. By detecting whether traffic is voice over IP, video, or data, the system adjusts data rate and power levels accordingly, ensuring that power consumption is optimized for the specific application requirements rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of optimising the operation of a WLAN device which is used in the transmission and reception of a service over a medium includes determining a the value of a collision avoidance metric of the chip set at a specific time; predicting the available bandwidth of the WLAN from the value of the metric; determining the current data rate of the WLAN based on predicted available bandwidth and the type of service; and selecting a power amplifier bias voltage that is the minimum permitted for the determined current data rate to reduce the power consumption of the WLAN device.