Summary:
High-Performance, Low-Power Wireless Communication
T. X Brown, D. Maksimovic, Z. Popovic, M. Varanasi (PI)

We propose an integrated approach to minimizing power consumption of
high-performance wireless communication systems.  Our interdisciplinary
approach will address simultaneously all key levels of system
design:  formulation of energy-efficient communication techniques,
energy-efficient signal-processing electronics, high-efficiency RF
front ends, and concurrent optimization methods

Our objective is to achieve more than a factor of ten reduction in
power consumption as compared to current systems. This objective will
be reached by developing design methodologies in the following research
areas:

     Modulation, detection, equalization, diversity, and resource
     allocation techniques for time and code-division multiple-access
     channels, which instead of concentrating on achieving channel
     capacity, focus on minimum-energy communications while accounting
     for energy consumption for their implementation.

     Low-power mixed-signal electronics to perform baseband functions
     such as data processing, coding, equalization, etc., with one to
     three orders of magnitude energy savings, and RF front-end
     functions with a potential for fivefold increase in overall DC to
     radiated carrier power efficiency.  Our approach includes: (1)
     implementation of communication and optimization functions in very
     low-power analog neural hardware; (2) high-efficiency RF front
     ends using active antenna arrays integrated with switch-mode RF
     circuits; (3) adaptive power distribution architecture to enable
     minimum-energy operation of mixed-signal electronics.

     Concurrent design optimization, which can yield significantly
     lower power consumption in existing designs, and can take further
     advantage of the above methodologies.

These savings will yield smaller, lighter, more reliable, and more
capable wireless, hand-held, lap-top, and vehicular communication
devices.  The developed technologies and design methodologies will
apply to mobile communication systems for the more than 40 million
U.S.  cellular subscribers as well as the millions of PCS subscribers
over the horizon.