Adaptive AGC Reference Using CPICH RSCP for WCDMA/HSDPA

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional WCDMA and HSDPA systems face challenges in maintaining stable automatic gain control (AGC) due to varying signal strengths and lack of uplink feedback, leading to power instability and disruptions in the baseband modem.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive automatic gain control (AGC) system that determines AGC gain based on Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) from the common pilot channel (CPICH), with targets adjusted according to the operating mode and user equipment speed, ensuring the input signal power remains within the dynamic range of the analog-to-digital converter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional AGC is used in WCDMA/HSDPA systems, then the system can operate with standard gain control mechanisms, but power instability and disruptions occur due to varying signal strengths and lack of uplink feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower stabilityVSAvoidsignal strength adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver measures downlink signal strength (RSSI and RSCP) and feeds this information back to the transmitter. The transmitter uses this feedback to adjust its transmission power dynamically, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains power stability while adapting to varying signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static gain control to dynamic AGC by continuously adjusting the gain based on real-time signal conditions. The AGC reference is dynamically updated using measured RSSI and RSCP values, allowing the system to adapt to changing signal strengths and maintain optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the AGC gain is adjusted to handle varying signal strengths, then the dynamic range of the ADC can be utilized effectively, but disruptions in the baseband modem occur due to rapid or excessive gain changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing efficiencyVSAvoidbaseband modem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies cushioning by implementing smoothing and filtering mechanisms on the AGC gain adjustments. Before applying gain changes to the signal path, the system预先缓冲s abrupt variations through averaging algorithms and rate-limiting, preventing sudden gain changes that could disrupt baseband modem operation while still maintaining ADC dynamic range utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Area of stationary object

If FACH is transmitted at high power level to reach all users in the cell, then coverage is improved, but power consumption increases and interference is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell coverage areaVSAvoidtransmission power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the power parameter dynamically based on actual network conditions and user distribution. Instead of transmitting at constant high power, the base station adjusts transmission power levels according to measured signal strength and traffic conditions, maintaining adequate coverage while minimizing unnecessary power consumption and interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting at the minimum necessary power level required to serve active users rather than using excessive high power for all users simultaneously. The system adjusts power allocation partially based on actual demand, reducing energy loss and interference while maintaining coverage for connected users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8218684B2Method and system for an adaptive automatic gain control (AGC) reference for HSDPA and WCDMA
Publication Date: 2012.07.10 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • US8218684B2 patent drawing
  • US8218684B2 patent drawing
  • US8218684B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a method and system for an adaptive automatic gain control (AGC) reference for HSDPA and WCDMA, A RF receiver, comprising a RF front-end, may receive a signal comprising a pilot signal via WCDMA or HSDPA. The operation mode of the RF front-end of the RF receiver may be determined based on the received signal components such as a HS-PDCH, a HS-SCCH, and/or a CPICH. The received signal strength information (RSSI) of the received signal may be determined from the output of a matched filter within the RF receiver. A true RSSI, which may be indicated by the received signal code power (RSCP), may be determined based on the pilot symbols over the CPICH. The operation mode determined for the receiver's RF front-end, the determined RSSI, and the determined CPICH_RSCP, may be provided as inputs to an automatic-gain-control (AGC) loop or circuit within the receiver front-end.