WWAN Transmit Power Throttling Based on Thermal Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WWAN devices fail to adequately manage thermal issues caused by transmit power, leading to performance degradation and potential damage to computing devices, as they lack effective mechanisms to adjust transmit power in response to temperature changes without compromising network regulations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically throttle the transmit power of WWAN modules based on thermal inputs, allowing for negotiation with base stations to adjust power classes and operating modes, thereby managing thermal energy and maintaining network compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transmit power is increased to improve communication performance, then data transmission rate and reliability are improved, but thermal stress on the computing device increases causing performance degradation and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment by continuously monitoring temperature sensors and adjusting the power amplifier output accordingly. The system transitions from static power transmission to dynamic power control based on real-time thermal conditions, allowing the WWAN device to adapt its transmit power level to prevent overheating while maintaining communication performance when thermal conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where temperature sensors monitor the thermal state of the computing device and WWAN module, and this thermal information is fed back to the power control mechanism. The system uses this feedback to adjust transmit power levels, creating a closed-loop control system that balances communication performance with thermal management
2Temperature
If transmit power is dynamically adjusted based on temperature to reduce thermal stress, then thermal management is improved, but network compliance and transmission characteristics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the WWAN device by adjusting power class assignments and transmission characteristics based on thermal conditions. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system transitions to lower power classes or modifies transmission parameters such as data rates and modulation schemes to maintain network compliance while managing thermal stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary thermal management actions by monitoring temperature trends and proactively adjusting transmit power before critical thermal conditions occur. The system uses temperature thresholds and hysteresis mechanisms to anticipate thermal issues and take preventive action, rather than reacting after damage occurs
3Device complexity
If conventional WWAN devices operate without thermal management mechanisms, then device simplicity is maintained, but performance degradation and component damage occur due to excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service thermal management where the WWAN device autonomously monitors its own thermal conditions and adjusts its transmit power without requiring external intervention. The power amplifier, temperature sensors, and control logic work together as a self-regulating system that automatically manages thermal stress while maintaining communication functionality
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
This approach effectively reduces thermal stress on computing devices, enhances WWAN performance, and ensures compliance with network regulations by dynamically adjusting transmit power in response to temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
increase in temperature can be caused by heat generated by a power amplifier on the WWAN device when transmitting data
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate throttling transmit power of a WWAN module based upon thermal input. For instance, the thermal input can be a detected temperature, a signal from a computing device associated with the WWAN module, a signal from an alternate technology module (e.g., WiFi module, WiMax module, . . . ) associated with the WWAN module, or the like. A target transmit power of the WWAN module can be reduced (e.g., by a predetermined amount, . . . ) upon occurrence of a condition (e.g., the detected temperature exceeding a threshold, the computing device or the alternate technology module requesting a decrease in thermal power, . . . ), for example. Moreover, negotiation between the WWAN module and a base station can be effectuated to select an appropriate class (power class or Multi Slot Class) and/or operating mode when the target transmit power of the WWAN module is altered.