5G Multi-TRP Power Headroom Reporting to Reduce Beam-Switching Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in 5G communication systems is the increased mismatch between downlink and uplink channel states due to beamforming, leading to inefficiencies in power headroom information transmission, which affects uplink resource allocation and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting power headroom information in a beamforming system that includes receiving and transmitting system information with specific uplink waveform information, allowing for reduced delay and accurate resource allocation through beam-level mobility control signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If beamforming is used in 5G communication systems, then data rates and transmission distance are improved, but mismatch between downlink and uplink channel states increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidchannel state accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal transmit power headroom information before actual uplink data transmission. The base station receives this advance power headroom report and uses it to determine uplink resources in advance, allowing the terminal to transmit data immediately without waiting for additional power headroom reports during beam switching operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If power headroom information is transmitted frequently to ensure accurate resource allocation, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal transmits power headroom information in advance before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary transmission of power headroom reports allows the base station to pre-determine uplink resources, eliminating the need for additional reports during beam switching and reducing overall transmission delay while maintaining allocation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal reports power headroom information to the base station, which then uses this feedback to determine appropriate uplink resources. This feedback loop ensures accurate resource allocation while the advance timing of the report minimizes delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If uplink transmission power is increased to ensure coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but terminal power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink coverageVSAvoidterminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal continuously monitors its actual transmission power and compares it with maximum power capacity to calculate power headroom information. This feedback mechanism allows the base station to receive accurate power status reports and make informed decisions about resource allocation, ensuring uplink coverage is maintained while avoiding unnecessary power consumption by allocating resources based on actual power headroom rather than assuming maximum power usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3937553B1Method and apparatus for transmitting power headroom information in a communication system
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3937553B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3937553B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3937553B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-generation (4G) system with a technology for internet of things (IoT). A method of a terminal in a communication system comprises receiving, from a base station, a power headroom reporting, PHR, configuration including information indicating whether power headrooms for a multiple transmission and reception points, TRPs, to be reported; identifying the power headrooms for the multiple TRPs in case that the information indicates the power headrooms for the multiple TRPs to be reported; and transmitting, to the base station, a PHR including the power headrooms for the multiple TRPs in case that the PHR is trigged.