Method and system for beamformer primary power reduction in a nominally-loaded communications node

A method for beamformer primary power reduction in a communications node, said communications node comprising a phased array antenna having a plurality of elements which transmit signals, said method comprising:

• determining that certain ones of the plurality of elements can be inactivated;
• broadcasting a message which indicates that the certain ones of the plurality of elements have been inactivated, said message also indicating a loss in antenna gain of said phased array antenna;
• and
• compensating for said loss in antenna gain caused by the certain ones of the plurality of elements being inactivated.

A method for beamformer primary power reduction in an individual subscriber unit, said individual subscriber unit being in communication with a communications node, said communications node comprising a phased array antenna having a plurality of elements which receive signals from said individual subscriber unit, said signals being transmitted using a frequency bandwidth, said method comprising the steps of:

• transmitting signals to said communications node using said frequency bandwidth;
• receiving an indication that certain ones of the plurality of elements will be inactivated, said indication also indicating a loss in antenna gain of said phased array antenna;
• and
• compensating for certain ones of the plurality of elements being inactivated.

A system for beamformer primary power reduction in an individual subscriber unit, said individual subscriber unit being in communication with a communications node, said communications node comprising a phased array antenna having a plurality of elements which receives signals from said individual subscriber unit and a transmitter which transmits signals to said individual subscriber unit, said system comprising:

• a receiver which receives an indication that certain ones of the plurality of elements will be inactivated, said indication also indicating a loss in antenna gain of said phased array antenna;
• an individual subscriber unit processor coupled to a transmitter which adjusts a modulation characteristic of said receiver;
• and
• a transmitter responsive to said individual subscriber unit processor which adjusts said modulation characteristic.