Energy efficient transmission of RF signals

Abstract

The invention relates to energy efficient transmission of RF signals. An apparatus is provided for transmitting a set of radio frequency (RF) signals using a transmitter. The transmitter includes a set of power amplifiers for amplifying RF signals, and a set of antennas for transmitting the amplified RF signals. The apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining a transmission configuration for energy efficient transmission of the set of RF signals, the transmission configuration indicating, respectively, a set of transmission paths for transmitting the set of RF signals, each transmission path includes a respective power amplifier of the set of power amplifiers and a respective antenna of the set of antennas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to telecommunications systems, and more specifically to apparatus for transmitting a set of radio frequency (RF) signals using a transmitter. Background Technology

[0002] Sixth-generation wireless networks (6G) refer to a new generation of radio systems and network architecture. 6G represents the next frontier in wireless communication, aiming to revolutionize connectivity with unprecedented data rates, ultra-low latency, and advanced use cases. However, significant challenges remain to be overcome. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An example embodiment provides an apparatus for transmitting a set of radio frequency (RF) signals using a transmitter, the transmitter including a set of power amplifiers for amplifying the RF signals and a set of antennas for transmitting the amplified RF signals. The apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a transmission configuration for energy-efficient transmission of the RF signal set, the transmission configuration indicating a set of transmission paths for transmitting the RF signal set, each transmission path including a corresponding power amplifier (PA) in the power amplifier set and a corresponding antenna in the antenna set.

[0004] An example embodiment provides a method for transmitting a set of radio frequency (RF) signals using a transmitter, the transmitter including a set of power amplifiers for amplifying the RF signals and a set of antennas for transmitting the amplified RF signals. The method includes: determining a transmission configuration for energy-efficient transmission of the RF signal set, the transmission configuration indicating a set of transmission paths for transmitting the RF signal set, each transmission path including a corresponding power amplifier in the power amplifier set and a corresponding antenna in the antenna set.

[0005] An example embodiment provides a computer program product including processor-executable instructions, which are used to cause a device to perform at least the method.

[0006] An example embodiment provides a non-transient computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the examples and are incorporated into and form part of this specification. In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system based on examples from this topic;

[0009] Figure 1BThis is a diagram of a transmitter based on an example from this topic;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an energy-efficient method for RF signal transmission, based on examples from this topic;

[0011] Figure 3A This is a diagram of a transmitter, illustrating a method for determining the available power capacity of the transmitter's power amplifier, according to an example of this subject matter;

[0012] Figure 3B This is a diagram of the transmitter, showing a transmission configuration according to an example of this topic;

[0013] Figure 3C This is a diagram of the transmitter, showing a transmission configuration according to an example of this topic;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method used in a user device, based on examples from this topic;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method used in a user device, based on examples from this topic;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a transmitter used to enable energy-efficient data transmission, based on examples from this topic.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a transmitter used to enable energy-efficient data transmission, based on examples from this topic.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a device according to this subject. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In the following description, specific details such as particular architectures, interfaces, and technologies are described for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the subject matter of this disclosure can be practiced in other illustrative examples that depart from these specific details. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices and / or methods have been omitted to avoid obscuring the description with unnecessary detail.

[0020] This topic enables independent control of the output power of each line of the transmitter, with little or no assistance from the wireless communication system. It can dynamically adapt the transmission path based on transmission conditions and the state of the power amplifier. This can improve spectral and energy efficiency, increase network capacity, adapt to environmental changes, and better handle various service types. This flexibility and adaptability can be crucial for maintaining optimal performance in complex and ever-changing wireless communication environments, especially in 6G environments.

[0021] Wireless communication systems include nodes such as base stations, each of which can serve user equipment (UEs) located within its service geographic area. Wireless communication systems may support one or more radio access technologies (RATs). Radio access technologies may include, for example, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), 5G New Radio (NR), or 6G-based systems, but are not limited thereto, as those skilled in the art can apply this subject matter to other wireless communication systems that are provided with the necessary characteristics.

[0022] Each power amplifier in a power amplifier set can have a specified power capability, which is the maximum power it can deliver at its output. The actual power delivered by a power amplifier (referred to as the power amplifier output level) can be less than or equal to its power capability. The difference between the power amplifier output level and its power capability is called its respective remaining available power capacity, or its respective usable power capacity.

[0023] Transmission configuration enables energy-efficient transmission of the RF signal set. Energy-efficient transmission of the RF signal set can include the transmission of the RF signal set itself. It optimizes the energy consumption of transmitting the RF signal set while maintaining acceptable performance levels such as data rate, reliability, and coverage. In one example, energy-efficient transmission of the RF signal set can include the transmission of the RF signal set such that the energy required to transmit the RF signal set is less than a reference maximum energy. The reference maximum energy can be a predefined value determined based on the highest possible energy consumption of the entire power amplifier set.

[0024] The transmission configuration can provide a mapping between the RF signal set, the power amplifier set, and the antenna set, which enables efficient power transmission of the RF signal set (e.g., the mapping can be referred to as an uplink-to-antenna mapping).

[0025] In one example, the determination of a transmission configuration for energy-efficient transmission of an RF signal set can be performed using the power capability of the power amplifier set and the path loss associated with the antenna set. The path loss of an antenna (i.e., associated with the antenna) can refer to the reduction in the power of the signal propagating between the antenna through which it transmits the signal and the receiver of the signal.

[0026] In one example, the power required to transmit each RF signal in the RF signal set (referred to as data power) can be determined. The data power, the power capability of the power amplifier set, and the path loss associated with the antenna set can be used to determine a transmission configuration for energy-efficient transmission of the RF signal set.

[0027] In one example, the device may be served by nodes in a network of wireless communication systems. The nodes may send feedback to the device based on specific inputs from the device to define the power amplifier output level for each power amplifier in the power amplifier set. The device may or may not use feedback to define the power amplifier output level for each power amplifier in the power amplifier set, depending on the power control mode used. Specific inputs may, for example, be signals received from the device and / or power headroom reports.

[0028] Before transmitting the RF signal set, the device's power amplifier set may have available remaining power capacity.

[0029] In one example, the power capability of the power amplifier set may include at least two different power capabilities. In another example, the power capability of the power amplifier set may include one or more different power capabilities.

[0030] A collection of RF signals can have frequencies belonging to one or multiple frequency bands. Across a single frequency band, channel conditions can be more consistent, simplifying the implementation of transmission technologies such as Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO). Utilizing multiple frequency bands increases the total available spectrum, enhances overall network capacity and throughput, and enables the implementation of transmission technologies such as Carrier Aggregation (CA).

[0031] According to one example, the transmitter is controlled to transmit a set of RF signals according to a transmission configuration. For example, each RF signal in the set of RF signals can be amplified by a power amplifier in the corresponding transmission path, and the resulting amplified RF signal can be transmitted through an antenna in the transmission path. Each power amplifier in the set of power amplifiers can be set to enable the power amplifier output level for amplifying the corresponding RF signal.

[0032] According to one example, the determination of the transmission configuration is performed to satisfy a criterion regarding the remaining available power capacity of the power amplifier set after the transmission configuration has been used to transmit a set of RF signals. The remaining available power capacity of the power amplifier set can be estimated based on the assumption that the set of RF signals has been transmitted according to the transmission configuration, but has not actually been transmitted. Satisfaction of the criterion enables efficient power transmission of the RF signal set. The remaining available power capacity of the power amplifier set can be the overall remaining available power capacity of the power amplifier set. Alternatively, the remaining available power capacity of the power amplifier set can be, for example, the sum of the individual remaining available power capacities of the power amplifier set. Alternatively, the remaining available power capacity of the power amplifier set can be, for example, a weighted sum of the individual remaining available power capacities of the power amplifier set, where each power amplifier can be assigned a corresponding weight.

[0033] In one example, the standard needs to maximize remaining available power capacity. That is, the set of transmission paths is determined such that the remaining available power capacity is maximized. This example allows for increased energy savings compared to using a fixed or random set of transmission paths. Alternatively, the standard may require a second-order maximization of the remaining available power capacity. This could enable finding a second maximum remaining available power capacity within the set of power amplifiers. Using this example, nodes serving the device could, for example, only see power margin reports indicating that the device has a large amount of available power capacity because the device has already optimized its transmission paths for this purpose.

[0034] According to one example, determining the transmission configuration may include: identifying a different set of candidate transmission paths for transmitting a set of RF signals. For each candidate transmission path set, the available power capacity of the power amplifier set can be determined. The standard may need to select a set of candidate transmission paths with an available power capacity higher than the lowest available power capacity among the candidate transmission paths. The set of transmission paths for the transmission configuration is the selected set of candidate transmission paths. In one example, the selected set of candidate transmission paths may have the highest available power capacity.

[0035] For example, each transmission path candidate set in the transmission path candidate set can be associated with the available power capabilities of the entire power amplifier set. These available power capabilities can be tiered, and in the example above, any transmission path candidate set associated with available power capabilities above the lowest tier can be selected (e.g., randomly).

[0036] For example, the number of different transmission path candidate sets can be the total number of all possible different transmission path sets. If the number of power amplifier sets is n, and the number of antenna sets is n, then the number of different transmission path candidate sets can be provided, for example, based on the number of element pairs (e.g., the total number) of the two sets. For example, if the power amplifier set includes two power amplifiers and the antenna set includes two antennas, then the transmission path candidate sets can be two transmission path candidate sets. This example of defining transmission paths using only the power amplifier set and the antenna set may be advantageous when the RF signal sets are identical or require the same power level. Alternatively, if the number of power amplifier sets is n, the number of antenna sets is n, and the number of RF signal sets is n, then the number of different transmission path candidate sets can be provided, for example, based on the number of triples (e.g., the total number) of the elements of the three sets.

[0037] According to one example, determining the transmission configuration may include: sorting a set of power amplifiers according to a first sorting order based on their power capabilities. The first sorting order is either ascending or descending. The sorting may result in a hierarchy of the power amplifier sets. Antenna sets may be sorted according to their path losses according to a second sorting order. The second sorting order is the reverse of the first sorting order. The path loss of an antenna indicates a reduction in the power of the signal propagating between the antenna and the receiver. The sorting may result in a hierarchy of the antenna sets. Each transmission path may be defined according to the hierarchy such that the transmission path includes power amplifiers and antennas of the same level as the power amplifier sets and antenna sets.

[0038] This example enables a system approach for selecting transmission paths in a time-efficient manner. This could be particularly advantageous given the stringent latency requirements for RF signal transmission in 6G at the physical layer.

[0039] According to one example (referred to as the first power control example), the transmitter includes a power control system. For each transmission path, the power control system is configured to set the power amplifier output level for the corresponding power amplifier included in the transmission path based on the path loss associated with the corresponding antenna. Determining the transmission configuration may include selecting the transmission path in which the antenna is associated with a specific path loss. The power control system can be reconfigured to set the power amplifier output level of each power amplifier based on the specific path loss. In one example, the power control system can be reconfigured using the central controller of the device to set the power amplifier output level of each power amplifier based on the specific path loss.

[0040] The power control system can initially be configured to determine and set the power amplifier output level required to transmit each RF signal using existing technology. This example can be seamlessly integrated with existing systems because it allows the power control system to be reconfigured to use the power amplifier output level defined by the transmission path specified in this topic.

[0041] In one example, the power control system may include a power control unit for each power amplifier (in a power amplifier set). Each power control unit may be configured to set its respective power amplifier to the power amplifier output level required to transmit RF signals through a transmission path that includes the power amplifier.

[0042] According to one example (referred to as the second power control example), the power control system can be reconfigured using the respective controllers of the devices for each transmission path to set the power amplifier output level of each power amplifier based on a specific path loss and a corresponding incremental layer adjustment, wherein the incremental layer adjustment represents the difference between the path loss of the selected transmission path and the path loss of the transmission path associated with each power amplifier.

[0043] The second power control example enables power control per transmission path. Incremental power control can be managed internally by the device. Using the second power control example, signals from an antenna array can be received at the same input power level at the nodes. For example, by using incremental layer adjustment, the device can act to bring the received power level of the transmission from each antenna to a level that provides equal received signal strength at the network (e.g., at the nodes) when received by the network. Using these actions, the power amplifier output level for each transmission path can account for the path loss of the respective antenna rather than a single path loss (e.g., the selected path loss).

[0044] As an example, a specific path loss can be the minimum path loss among the set of transmission paths. Using an antenna with the lowest path loss allows a stronger signal to reach the receiver. This stronger signal can help fine-tune power levels and improve communication quality.

[0045] According to one example, the power amplifier output level is set based on a single closed-loop power control associated with the selected transmission path. This single closed-loop power control can be used in both the first and second power control examples.

[0046] For example, the power amplifier output level set to each power amplifier X can be defined as follows: P = P data +P pathLoss +P feedback The first term P dataThe first term refers to the data power of the RF signal to be amplified by power amplifier X. The second term represents path loss. This path loss can be the path loss of the antenna associated with power amplifier X, or the path loss associated with another antenna, which is not necessarily associated with power amplifier X. The third term represents the adjustment specified by the wireless communication system. Closed-loop power control can be defined, for example, by one antenna of the device and a network node of the wireless communication system, the network node serving the device. The third term can be defined based on feedback provided by the network node of the closed-loop power control, where the feedback is based on a specific input. The specific input can include, for example, signals transmitted through the antenna(s) involved in the closed-loop power control. Alternatively, the power amplifier output level set to each power amplifier can be defined using only the first two terms, as follows: P = P data +P pathLoss This can be achieved with open-loop power control. In one example, the power amplifier output level P for a given transmission path can be adapted using an incremental adjustment layer associated with that given transmission path, which differs from the selected transmission path (with specific path losses). This enables the received power level transmitted by each antenna to reach a level that provides equal received signal strength at the network nodes when received by the network nodes.

[0047] According to an example implementation of the first power control example, the transmitter is controlled to transmit a set of RF signals according to the transmission configuration. The set of RF signals can, for example, be transmitted simultaneously. Furthermore, the minimum individual remaining available power capacity of each power amplifier in the power amplifier set can be reported according to closed-loop power control. Specific inputs can additionally or alternatively include the reported minimum individual remaining available power capacity. This reported minimum individual remaining available power capacity can trigger nodes to allocate a highest level and / or optimal modulation and coding scheme (MCS). Therefore, the device can optimize throughput. The level can refer to the number of independent data streams that can be transmitted simultaneously by the transmitter.

[0048] According to one example implementation of the second power control example, the transmitter is controlled to transmit a set of RF signals according to the transmission configuration. The set of RF signals can, for example, be transmitted simultaneously. Furthermore, the minimum remaining available power capacity of each power amplifier (PA1) in the power amplifier set can be reported according to closed-loop power control until the remaining available power capacity of power amplifier PA1 reaches its minimum power capacity, and thereafter the second minimum remaining available power capacity of another power amplifier (PA2) in the power amplifier set can be reported according to closed-loop power control.

[0049] Reporting the minimum remaining available power capacity allows for the highest level until power amplifier PA1 reaches its minimum power capacity. As power is forcibly increased, the remaining available power capacity of power amplifier PA1 decreases, which the node interprets as the device reaching its maximum transmit value. However, the device actually reports the minimum remaining available power capacity to reassure the node that all power levels are being used to maximize the balance of MCS allocation. Before reaching the minimum power capacity, the device can immediately switch to reporting a second minimum remaining available power capacity. This might suddenly give the node the impression that the device has even more power before reaching its maximum, but as the node pushes out output power requests, uplink power at the antenna associated with power amplifier PA1 may begin to decrease (creating a power imbalance). Only when layer imbalance begins to be seen at the node can it react to potential level drops, such as in UL-MIMO, which may also include reconsidering the MCS.

[0050] According to one example, after sending a set of RF signals and performing a report as described in the first or second power control example, the device can receive feedback from the node. In the response, the device can repeat the current method used to determine a transmission configuration for energy-efficient transmission of another set of RF signals, wherein the number of the other set of RF signals may be the same as or different from the number of RF signal sets, depending on whether the feedback indicates a specific level.

[0051] Based on an example (referred to as the front-end module example), the antenna set comprises multiple antenna subsets, and the amplifier set comprises multiple power amplifier subsets. Each power amplifier subset is associated with a corresponding antenna subset within the multiple antenna subsets. Each antenna subset within the multiple antenna subsets is included in a different front-end module (FE module). The transmission configuration is determined such that each transmission path in the transmission path set includes the power amplifier and antenna within the corresponding power amplifier subset and antenna subset.

[0052] For example, multiple power amplifier subsets can be psub1...psubN, and multiple antenna subsets can be asub1...asubN. The multiple antenna subsets asub1...asubN can be included in FE-module 1...FE-module N respectively. Each j-th antenna subset asubj is associated with the j-th power amplifier subset psubj. Each i-th transmission path can include the power amplifier of the j-th subset psubj and the antenna corresponding to the j-th subset asubj.

[0053] According to one example, the transmitter is configured to transmit RF signals according to Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), where the device is also enabled to use network information to determine the path loss associated with the antenna set. For example, when the wireless communication system is not a Time Division Duplex (TDD) system but an FDD system, the device can replace the process of determining the relationship between the received signal level and the path loss with an indication of a network-shared measurement metric. This shared metric can be used by the device to determine, for example, the receive layer power on the Node B side of the wireless communication system, which the device can use for uplink (UL) balancing.

[0054] In one example, the device is a user equipment or is included in a user equipment. The device can be configured to connect to a transmitter. In one example, the transmitter includes the device.

[0055] According to one example, the RF signal set is defined based on Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology. The advantages of this example can include an optimized PA implementation design for UL-MIMO enabled by uplink carrier aggregation (ULCA), and a UE implementation that may not require Node B assistance for optimizing uplink routing and UL-MIMO layer power balancing, both of which are novel and innovative. Additionally, it can ensure balanced output power for uplink transmission, increased UL-MIMO power at each layer, and an overall improvement in uplink throughput.

[0056] As an example, the determination of the transmission configuration can be performed to meet another criterion regarding the remaining available power capacity of each power amplifier set after the transmission configuration has been used to transmit the RF signal set. For example, if the power amplifiers with different power capabilities also differ in gain, it is possible to directly target the balanced power level rather than creating the most available power capacity. This can also enable efficient power transmission of the RF signal set.

[0057] Therefore, this topic can leverage an architecture with multiple PA power levels to optimize routing for enhanced uplink performance while minimizing power consumption. By design, the device can benefit from having PAs with smaller power levels than intended for its intended application, which may be advantageous for products where cost, size, heating, and power consumption are critical.

[0058] Example 1: An apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a transmission configuration for transmitting a set of radio frequency (RF) signals using a transmitter, the transmitter including a set of power amplifiers for amplifying the RF signals and a set of antennas for transmitting the amplified RF signals, the transmission configuration indicating a set of transmission paths for transmitting the set of RF signals, each transmission path including a corresponding power amplifier in the set of power amplifiers and a corresponding antenna in the set of antennas.

[0059] Example 2: An apparatus comprising components configured to: determine a transmission configuration for transmitting a set of radio frequency (RF) signals using a transmitter, the transmitter including a set of power amplifiers for amplifying the RF signals and a set of antennas for transmitting the amplified RF signals, the transmission configuration indicating a set of transmission paths for transmitting the set of RF signals, each transmission path including a corresponding power amplifier in the set of power amplifiers and a corresponding antenna in the set of antennas.

[0060] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 as an example of this subject matter. The communication system 100 can be configured to use TDD or FDD technology for data transmission.

[0061] Wireless communication system 100 includes a node 101 serving a user equipment 102. Node 101 may include multiple antennas 103, which can be used for transmitting and receiving RF signals. User equipment 102 may include multiple antennas 104, which can be used for transmitting and receiving RF signals. Transmissions from node 101 to user equipment 102 may be referred to as downlink (DL) transmissions and may occur on one or more DL channels 105. Transmissions from user equipment 102 to node 101 may be referred to as uplink (UL) transmissions and may occur on one or more UL channels 106. UL channels may include: UL data channels such as the Physical UL Shared Channel (PUSCH), UL control channels such as the Physical UL Control Channel (PUCCH), and UL probe signals such as UL Probe Reference Symbols (SRS).

[0062] like Figure 1BAs shown, user equipment 102 may include a transmitter 110 for transmitting RF signals. Transmitter 110 includes multiple transmission chains 111.1, 111.2, 111.3, and 111.4 (referred to individually or collectively as 111 herein). For simplicity, only four transmission chains are shown. Transmission chains 111 include modulators 112.1 through 112.4 (referred to individually or collectively as 112 herein), power amplifiers 113.1 through 113.4 (referred to individually or collectively as 113 herein), power control units 114.1 through 114.4 (referred to individually or collectively as 114 herein), and antennas 104.1 through 104.4 (referred to individually or collectively as 104 herein). Antennas may also be referred to as antenna ports. Power amplifiers 113 may have different output power capabilities. The modulator 112 and the power control unit 114 can, for example, form an RF transceiver of the transmitter 110.

[0063] For example, each power amplifier in power amplifier 113 can meet the requirement of providing an output power level to each antenna based on their output power capability. This means that if, for example, power amplifier 113.4 is designed to deliver at least 17 dBm in a 4UL-MIMO configuration that meets the requirements of 3GPP compliant equipment matching power level 3, then power amplifier 113.4 has the capacity and calibration to make 17 dBm available for any antenna 104.

[0064] In each modulator 112, the I-symbol stream and Q-symbol stream are converted into analog signals by a corresponding digital-to-analog converter (DAC). A local oscillator generates a carrier sine wave. The local oscillator signal is converted into an I-carrier, and a 90° phase shift is applied to create a Q-carrier. The I-carrier and Q-carrier are multiplied with the I-data stream and Q-data stream, and the two signals resulting from these multiplications are summed to produce a modulated waveform as an RF signal. Each amplifier 113 can be controlled by a power control unit 114 of a corresponding transmit chain.

[0065] The LNA (not shown in the figure for simplicity) connected to the receiver chain of the RF transceiver can be connected to four downconversion receivers.

[0066] Although the transmit chains are shown as a specific combination of power amplifiers and antennas, this subject matter can advantageously define the components belonging to each transmit chain dynamically for efficient power transfer of (multiple) power.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method based on this topic. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2 The method described in [the document] can be used in [the following context] Figures 1A to 1BThe system shown is implemented, but is not limited to, this implementation. The method can be performed, for example, by a device that is part of user equipment 102.

[0068] A transmission configuration for energy-efficient transmission of the RF signal set can be determined in step 201. The transmission configuration indicates a set of transmission paths for transmitting the RF signal set. Each transmission path includes a corresponding power amplifier in a set of power amplifiers and a corresponding antenna in a set of antennas.

[0069] Figure 3A This is a diagram of a transmitter, illustrating a method for determining the available power capacity of the transmitter's power amplifier, according to an example of this subject matter.

[0070] Figure 3A The transmitter 310 shown is similar to Figure 1B The transmitter shown has a cross switch or MUX 330 added to transmitter 310. The cross switch 330 allows each power amplifier 113 to be connected to any antenna in antenna 104.

[0071] Figure 3A Four histograms 340.1 to 340.4 (referring individually or collectively to 340 herein) are shown, representing four different test transmission configurations. Each test transmission configuration is associated with a specific path loss. The path loss can be determined from the received signal level associated with the antenna. The test transmission configuration of histogram 340.1 can use the path loss associated with antenna 104.1 to determine the power amplifier output level, which is to be set for each power amplifier in power amplifier 113. The test transmission configuration of histogram 340.2 can use the path loss associated with antenna 104.2 to determine the power amplifier output level, which is to be set for each power amplifier in power amplifier 113. The test transmission configuration of histogram 340.3 can use the path loss associated with antenna 104.3 to determine the power amplifier output level, which is to be set for each power amplifier in power amplifier 113. The test transmission configuration of histogram 340.4 can use the path loss associated with antenna 104.4 to determine the power amplifier output level, which is to be set for each power amplifier in power amplifier 113.

[0072] Figure 3AA central controller 345 is also shown for controlling power control units 114.1 to 114.4 according to a test transmission configuration. Each column in histogram 340 represents a perspective power amplifier 113. Each column in histogram 340 shows the power capability and the output power level set to the perspective power amplifier 113. For example, columns numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 represent power amplifiers 113.1, 113.2, 113.3, and 113.4, respectively. Each histogram also shows the respective available power capacity of power amplifiers 113. The respective available power capacity of power amplifier 113.1 is referred to as overhead 1. The respective available power capacity of power amplifier 113.2 is referred to as overhead 2. The respective available power capacity of power amplifier 113.3 is referred to as overhead 3. The respective available power capacity of power amplifier 113.4 is referred to as overhead 4.

[0073] Using histograms 340.1 to 340.4, the optimal transmission configuration can be determined to maximize total overhead. This is in Figure 3B As shown in the figure, the transmission configuration defined in the figure includes four new transmission paths and path losses associated with antenna 104.2. The first transmission path includes power amplifier 113.3 and antenna 104.1. The second transmission path includes power amplifier 113.4 and antenna 104.2. The third transmission path includes power amplifier 113.2 and antenna 104.3. The fourth transmission path includes power amplifier 113.1 and antenna 104.4.

[0074] For the sake of simplicity, the accompanying drawings will be omitted in the following sections. Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 6 ,and Figure 7 New components are provided with reference numerals. Components previously identified with reference numerals in the preceding figures retain their original numerals and are not repeated unless necessary for clarity.

[0075] like Figure 3B As shown, the four new histograms (histograms 340.1 to 340.4) indicate that the transmit power is the same for the four transmission paths. This consistency is achieved by using a central controller (345) and selecting specific path losses (such as the path loss of antenna 104.2). Using a closed-loop power control after antenna 104.2, the output power level can be as follows: Figure 3BThe configuration shown is as follows. For the second transmission path including antenna 104.2, the UE has been configured with output power adjustment to meet the received signal level through closed-loop power control of the uplink toward the node. The UE has overhead (overhead 4) that it can use to inform the node how much additional output power the UE can transmit. In this report, the UE may disregard the respective power capabilities at the other antennas 104.1, 104.3, and 104.4. For the first transmission path including antenna 104.1, the UE applies the same output power adjustment, which reduces the transmit power at antenna 104.1 while creating even greater overhead (overhead 3). Although uplink 3 has sufficient overhead (3), uplink 3 still transmits to the node at a lower transmit power because the path loss increment, as indicated by layer increment 1, is higher than the transmit power of the UE's uplink power. This may cause a first offset (layer increment 1) in the UL-MIMO balance of output power at each layer. For the third transmission path including antenna 104.3, the output power adjustment configuration level has reduced the transmit power to below the received signal of the same antenna. The balancing increment is greater than that of antenna 104.1 (layer increment 2), while overhead 2 still exists. For the fourth transmission path including antenna 104.4, the output power adjustment configuration level has reduced the transmit power to the same level as antennas 104.1 and 104.3. The balancing increment for this path is layer increment 3.

[0076] Therefore, the use of the central controller (345) and the selected path loss may result in a power difference between the power amplifier associated with the antenna with the selected path loss and the remaining power amplifier. This difference is referred to as the incremental layer. For example, 0 dBm of transmitted power can compensate for the path loss associated with antenna 104.2. However, using this compensation for antenna 104.1 may result in 5 dB less power, meaning that the incremental layer (layer increment 1) for the first transmission path may be 5 dB.

[0077] although Figure 3B The transmission configuration in the MUX can maximize overhead to provide energy-efficient transmission, but layer increments can affect the MCS configuration used for uplink at the nodes. To address this issue, instead of using a central controller, individual controllers 345.1, 345.2, 345.3, and 345.4 can be configured as follows: Figure 3C The diagram shown is used where, for example, each power amplifier can be controlled using a corresponding configuration level to compensate for the corresponding layer increment. For example... Figure 3CAs shown, the incremental layer adjustment for the first transmission path can be referred to as "incremental (B)-(A) adjustment," and represents the difference between the path loss of antenna (B) 114.2 of the selected transmission path and the path loss of antenna (A) 114.1 of the first transmission path. The incremental layer adjustment for the third transmission path can be referred to as "incremental (B)-(C) adjustment," and represents the difference between the path loss of antenna (B) 114.2 of the selected transmission path and the path loss of antenna (C) 114.3 of the third transmission path. The incremental layer adjustment for the fourth transmission path can be referred to as "incremental (B)-(D) adjustment," and represents the difference between the path loss of antenna (B) 114.2 of the selected transmission path and the path loss of antenna (D) 114.4 of the fourth transmission path. In practice, this is feasible because the UE can know the precise layer increment available for each antenna configured for each uplink. Furthermore, the amplifier allocation has already guaranteed the maximum overhead for each transmission path. Following the example above, power amplifier 113.3 can be increased by 5dB using its respective configured level. As indicated in Figure 360, by utilizing the respective control of the transmission path, the input power received from each antenna at the node can be the same.

[0078] Therefore, this topic can be used as follows Figure 3C The transmitter 310 shown is used to improve the energy-efficient transmission and quality of RF signals. The UE can further enhance performance. For this purpose, the UE can report minimum overhead through power margin reporting. This increases the range of UL-MIMO configurations because the actual path loss between the UE antenna and the node is already compensated internally by the UE.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for sending data, based on examples from this topic. For illustrative purposes, Figure 4 The method described in [the document] can be used in [the following context] Figures 1A to 1B The system shown is implemented, but is not limited to, this implementation. The method can be executed, for example, by user equipment 102.

[0080] In step 401, the UE determines the received signal level of each antenna port of the transmitter (e.g., transmitter 110). In step 403, the UE rates the antenna ports from minimum path loss to maximum path loss. In step 405, the UE links the PA power capability of each uplink to the antenna port. For example, the highest PA power capability is down to the maximum path loss and forward to the minimum PA power capability linked to the minimum path loss. In step 407, the UE applies an increment to the power control adjustment for each uplink path, which may be balanced towards the received signal level. In step 409, the UE sends the adjustment for each uplink path. In step 411, the UE determines the minimum power overhead among all uplink associations to the antenna port. If the wireless communication network (NW) supports power headroom (PHR) reporting, the UE reports the determined minimum power overhead in step 413 according to, for example, the uplink-to-antenna port mapping provided by the transport configuration.

[0081] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for sending data, based on examples from this topic. For illustrative purposes, Figure 5 The method described in [the document] can be used in [the following context] Figures 1A to 1B The method is implemented in the system shown, but is not limited to this implementation. It can be executed, for example, by user equipment 102.

[0082] In step 501, the UE determines the received signal level of each antenna port of a transmitter, such as transmitter 110. In step 503, the UE rates the antenna ports from minimum path loss to maximum path loss. In step 505, the UE links the PA power capability of each uplink to the antenna port. For example, the highest PA power capability down to maximum path loss and forward to the minimum PA power capability linked to minimum path loss. In step 507, the UE applies an increment to the power control adjustment for each uplink path, which can be balanced towards the received signal level. In step 509, the UE sends the adjustment for each uplink path. In step 511, the UE determines the minimum power overhead among all uplink associations to the antenna port. If the wireless communication network (NW) supports power headroom (PHR) reporting, the UE in step 513 reports the minimum power overhead based on a threshold report to maximum uplink power. Once the output power request exceeds the threshold, the UE jumps to the next minimum PHR report from the uplink-to-antenna-port mapping.

[0083] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an energy-efficient transmitter for enabling data transmission, based on examples from this topic. Figure 6 Sample implementations of front-end modules can be provided.

[0084] Transmitter 610 is similar to Figure 1B The transmitter shown has antennas that are grouped or located in two different FE modules. For example, antennas 104.1 and 104.2 are located in FE module 611. Antennas 104.3 and 104.4 are located in FE module 612. Figure 6 As shown, the two FE modules 611 and 612 can be located in different parts of a user equipment such as a smartphone. FE module 611 can be located at the top of the smartphone, while FE module 612 can be located at the bottom. Transmitter 610 includes two crossbar switches 630.1 and 630.2, respectively associated with the two FE modules 611 and 612. This effectively results in two respective transmitters 651 and 652, in which the transmission of RF signals in each respective transmitter 651 and 652 can be performed as described with reference to the transmitter in the previous figures.

[0085] Figure 7 This is a diagram of a transmitter used to enable energy-efficient data transmission, based on examples from this topic. Transmitter 710 is similar to... Figure 6 The transmitters shown are, however, each of the transmitters 651 and 652 is associated with a central controller 711 or a central controller 712 rather than with each of the respective controllers(s). Figure 7 Sample implementations of front-end modules can be provided.

[0086] exist Figure 8 A circuit block diagram is shown, illustrating the configuration of device 1070, which is configured to implement at least a portion of the subject matter. It should be noted that... Figure 8The device 1070 shown may include several additional elements or functions besides those described herein, which are omitted for simplicity as they are not essential for understanding. Furthermore, the device may be another device with similar functionality, such as a chipset, chip, module, etc., which may be part of the device or attached to device 1070 as a separate element. Device 1070 may include processing functions, or a processor 1071, such as a central processing unit (CPU), which executes instructions given by programs related to flow control mechanisms, etc. Processor 1071 may include one or more processing sections dedicated to a particular processing described below, or the processing may run in a single processor. The section for performing such particular processing may also be provided as a discrete element, or within one or more additional processors or processing sections, such as in a single physical processor (e.g., a CPU), or in several physical entities. Reference numeral 1072 indicates a transceiver or input / output (I / O) unit (interface) connected to processor 1071. I / O unit 1072 can be used to communicate with one or more other network elements, entities, terminals, etc. I / O unit 1072 can be a combined unit including communication devices for several network elements, or it can include a distributed structure with multiple different interfaces for different network elements. Reference numeral 1073 indicates memory that can be used, for example, to store data and programs to be executed by processor 1071, and / or as working storage for processor 1071.

[0087] Processor 1071 is configured to perform processing related to the aforementioned topics. Specifically, device 1070 can be configured to perform combined... Figure 2 , Figure 4 ,or Figure 5 The method described.

[0088] For example, processor 1071 is configured to: determine a transmission configuration for energy-efficient transmission of a set of RF signals, the transmission configuration indicating a set of transmission paths for transmitting the set of RF signals, each transmission path including a corresponding power amplifier in a set of power amplifiers and a corresponding antenna in a set of antennas.

[0089] As those skilled in the art will understand, aspects of the present invention can be embodied as apparatus, method, computer program, or computer program product. Therefore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which can generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-readable media having computer-executable code embodied thereon. A computer program includes computer-executable code, or “program instructions.”

[0090] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable storage medium. As used herein, "computer-readable storage medium" includes any tangible storage medium capable of storing instructions executable by a processor of a computing device. A computer-readable storage medium may be referred to as a computer-readable non-transient storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may also be referred to as a tangible computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may also be capable of storing data accessible by a processor of a computing device.

[0091] "Computer memory" or "memory" is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer memory is any memory that can be directly accessed by a processor. "Computer storage device" or "storage device" is another example of a computer-readable storage medium. A computer storage device is any non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, a computer storage device may also be computer memory, and vice versa.

[0092] As used herein, "processor" includes electronic components capable of executing programs, or machine-executable instructions, or computer-executable code. References to computing devices that include "processor" should be interpreted as potentially containing more than one processor or processing core. A processor can be, for example, a multi-core processor. A processor can also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed across multiple computer systems. The term computing device should also be interpreted as potentially referring to a collection or network of computing devices, each including one or more processors. Computer-executable code can be executed by multiple processors, which can be within the same computing device or even distributed across multiple computing devices.

[0093] Computer executable code may include machine-executable instructions or programs that cause a processor to perform one aspect of the invention. Computer executable code for performing operations aimed at the aspects of the invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages, and compiled into machine-executable instructions. In some cases, computer executable code may be in the form of a high-level language, or in a pre-compiled form, and may be used in conjunction with an interpreter that generates machine-executable instructions on the spot.

[0094] Generally, program instructions can be executed on one or more processors. In the case of multiple processors, they can be distributed across several different entities. Each processor can execute a subset of instructions for that entity. Therefore, when referring to a system or process involving multiple entities, a computer program or program instructions is understood to be adapted for execution by a processor associated with or related to the respective entity.

[0095] For illustrative purposes, some examples are listed below:

[0096] Example 1: An apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:

[0097] A transmission configuration is determined for energy-efficient transmission of a set of radio frequency (RF) signals using a transmitter, the transmitter including a set of power amplifiers for amplifying the RF signals and a set of antennas for transmitting the amplified RF signals. The transmission configuration indicates a set of transmission paths for transmitting the set of RF signals, each transmission path including a corresponding power amplifier in the set of power amplifiers and a corresponding antenna in the set of antennas.

[0098] Example 2: According to the apparatus of Example 1, the execution of the instruction causes the apparatus to also perform the determination of the transmission configuration to satisfy the criterion regarding the remaining available power capacity of the power amplifier set after using the transmission configuration for transmitting the RF signal set.

[0099] 3. The apparatus according to Example 2, wherein the standard requires maximizing the remaining available power capacity.

[0100] 4. In the apparatus according to Example 1 or 2, the execution of the instructions causes the apparatus to perform the determination of the transmission configuration by at least the following:

[0101] Determine a set of different transmission path candidates for transmitting the set of RF signals;

[0102] For each transmission path candidate set in the transmission path candidate set, determine the available power capacity of the power amplifier set.

[0103] The criterion is: from the candidate set of transmission paths, select the candidate set of transmission paths with an available power capacity higher than the minimum available power capacity;

[0104] The set of transmission paths in the aforementioned transmission configuration is a set of selected transmission path candidates.

[0105] 5. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the execution of the instructions causes the apparatus to perform the determination of the transmission configuration by at least the following:

[0106] The power amplifier set is sorted according to its power capability based on a first sorting order, which is either ascending or descending, and the sorting results in a hierarchical structure of the power amplifier set.

[0107] The antenna set is sorted according to a second sorting order, which is the reverse of the first sorting order, based on the path loss of the antenna set. The path loss of the antennas indicates a reduction in the power of the signal propagating between the antenna and the receiver. This sorting results in a hierarchy of the antenna set.

[0108] Each transmission path is defined according to the hierarchy, such that the transmission path includes power amplifiers and antennas of the same level in the power amplifier set and the antenna set.

[0109] 6. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the transmitter includes a power control system, wherein for each transmission path, the power control system is configured to: set a power amplifier output level for a corresponding power amplifier included in the transmission path based on path loss associated with the corresponding antenna, wherein the apparatus is further configured to perform the determination of the transmission configuration by at least the following additional means:

[0110] Select the transmission path from the set of transmission paths that is associated with a specific path loss for the antenna;

[0111] The power control system is reconfigured to set the power amplifier output level of each power amplifier according to the specific path loss.

[0112] 7. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 above, wherein the transmitter includes a power control system, wherein for each transmission path, the power control system is configured to: set a power amplifier output level for a corresponding power amplifier included in the transmission path based on path loss associated with the corresponding antenna, wherein the apparatus is further configured to perform the determination of the transmission configuration by at least the following additional means:

[0113] Select the transmission path from the set of transmission paths that is associated with a specific path loss for the antenna;

[0114] Using the respective controller of the device for each transmission path, the power control system is reconfigured to set the power amplifier output level of each power amplifier according to the specific path loss and a corresponding incremental layer adjustment, wherein the incremental layer adjustment represents the difference between the path loss of the selected transmission path and the path loss of the transmission path associated with each power amplifier.

[0115] 8. The apparatus according to Example 6 or 7, wherein the particular path loss is the minimum path loss of the set of transmission paths.

[0116] 9. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 6 to 8, wherein the setting of the power amplifier output level is performed according to a single closed-loop power control associated with the selected transmission path.

[0117] 10. The apparatus according to Example 9, wherein the execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to:

[0118] Control the transmitter to transmit the set of RF signals according to the transmission configuration; and

[0119] Based on the closed-loop power control, report the minimum remaining available power capacity of each power amplifier in the power amplifier set.

[0120] 11. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the antenna set includes a plurality of antenna subsets, and the power amplifier set includes a plurality of power amplifier subsets, wherein each power amplifier subset is associated with a corresponding antenna subset in the plurality of antenna subsets, wherein each antenna subset in the plurality of antenna subsets is included in a different front-end module, and wherein each transmission path in the transmission path set includes the power amplifier and the antenna in the corresponding power amplifier subset and the antenna in the antenna subset.

[0121] 12. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit RF signals according to frequency division duplex (FDD), wherein the apparatus is further configured to use network information to determine path loss associated with the antenna set.

[0122] 13. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the set of RF signals is defined according to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology.

[0123] 14. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment, and wherein the transmitter includes the apparatus.

[0124] 15. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to control the transmitter for transmitting the set of RF signals according to the transmission configuration.

[0125] 16. A method for transmitting a set of radio frequency (RF) signals using a transmitter, said transmitter including a set of power amplifiers for amplifying the RF signals and a set of antennas for transmitting the amplified RF signals, said method comprising:

[0126] A transmission configuration for energy-efficient transmission of the RF signal set is determined, the transmission configuration indicating a set of transmission paths for transmitting the RF signal set, each transmission path including a corresponding power amplifier in the power amplifier set and a corresponding antenna in the antenna set.

[0127] 17. The determination of the transmission configuration is performed according to the method of Example 16 to maximize the available power capacity of the power amplifier set.

[0128] 18. The method according to Example 16 or 17 further includes: transmitting the set of RF signals according to the transmission configuration.

[0129] 19. A computer program product including processor-executable instructions for causing a device to perform the method according to any one of Examples 16 to 18.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining a transmission configuration for energy efficient transmission using a set of radio frequency, RF, signals of a transmitter, the transmitter comprising a set of power amplifiers for amplifying the RF signals and a set of antennas for transmitting the amplified RF signals, the transmission configuration indicating a set of transmission paths for transmitting the set of RF signals, respectively, each transmission path comprising a respective power amplifier of the set of power amplifiers and a respective antenna of the set of antennas.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, the execution of the instructions causing the apparatus to further perform the determining of the transmission configuration for satisfying a criterion on a remaining available power capacity of the set of power amplifiers after using the transmission configuration for transmitting the set of RF signals, wherein the criterion requires maximization of the remaining available power capacity.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the execution of the instructions causing the apparatus to perform the determining of the transmission configuration by at least one or more of: determining a different set of transmission path candidates for transmitting the set of RF signals; and for each set of transmission path candidates, determining an available power capacity of the set of power amplifiers, the criterion being to select, among the set of transmission path candidates, a set of transmission path candidates having an available power capacity higher than a lowest available power capacity, wherein the set of transmission paths of the transmission configuration is the selected set of transmission path candidates, or ordering the set of power amplifiers by power capabilities of the power amplifiers according to a first ordering sequence, the first ordering sequence being ascending or descending, the ordering resulting in a ranking of the set of power amplifiers; ordering the set of antennas by path losses of the antennas according to a second ordering sequence, the second ordering sequence being opposite to the first ordering sequence, wherein the path loss of an antenna indicates a reduction of power of a signal propagating between the antenna and a receiver, the ordering resulting in a ranking of the set of antennas; and defining each transmission path according to the rankings such that the transmission path comprises the power amplifiers and the antennas of the same rank of the set of power amplifiers and the set of antennas.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the transmitter comprising a power control system, wherein for each transmission path, the power control system is configured to set a power amplifier output level for a corresponding power amplifier comprised in the transmission path according to a path loss associated with the corresponding antenna, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform the determining of the transmission configuration by additionally at least: selecting a transmission path of the set of transmission paths for which an antenna is associated with a certain path loss. reconfiguring the power control system to set the power amplifier output level for each power amplifier in dependence on the particular path loss.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitter comprises a power control system, wherein for each transmission path, the power control system is configured to set a power amplifier output level for a corresponding power amplifier comprised in the transmission path in dependence on a path loss associated with the corresponding antenna, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform the determination of the transmission configuration by additionally at least: selecting a transmission path of the set of transmission paths for which an antenna is associated with a particular path loss; reconfiguring the power control system using a respective controller of the apparatus per transmission path to set the power amplifier output level for each power amplifier in dependence on the particular path loss and a respective delta layer adjustment, wherein the delta layer adjustment represents a difference between a path loss of the selected transmission path and a path loss of the transmission path associated with the each power amplifier.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the particular path loss is a minimum path loss of the set of transmission paths, and / or wherein the setting of the power amplifier output level is performed in dependence on a single closed loop power control associated with the selected transmission path.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, the execution of the instructions further causing the apparatus to: control the transmitter for transmitting the set of RF signals in dependence on the transmission configuration; and report a minimum respective residual available power capacity of a power amplifier of the set of power amplifiers in dependence on the closed loop power control.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the set of antennas comprises a plurality of subsets of antennas, and the set of power amplifiers comprises a plurality of subsets of power amplifiers, wherein each subset of power amplifiers is associated with a corresponding subset of antennas of the plurality of subsets of antennas, wherein each subset of antennas of the plurality of subsets of antennas is included in a different front-end module, wherein each transmission path of the set of transmission paths comprises: the power amplifiers and the antennas of the corresponding subset of power amplifiers and antenna subset.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the transmitter being configured to transmit RF signals in dependence on frequency division duplex, FDD, wherein the apparatus is further caused to determine path losses associated with the set of antennas using network information; and / or the execution of the instructions further causing the apparatus to control the transmitter for transmitting the set of RF signals in dependence on the transmission configuration.

10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of RF signals is defined in dependence on a multiple input multiple output, MIMO, technique, and / or the apparatus is a user equipment, wherein the transmitter comprises the apparatus.

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