Automatic Gain Control Tracking Loop Measurement Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE wireless communications, the use of enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (eICIC) leads to fluctuating received signal power due to Almost Blank Subframes, causing inefficient Automatic Gain Control (AGC) operation in user equipment.
Innovation Solution
Determining and applying measurement patterns for automatic gain control tracking loops based on resource restrictions, such as measurement restriction patterns, to accurately adjust signal levels across varying subframes and interference conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Almost Blank Subframes are used for eICIC, then downlink throughput and uplink coverage are improved, but received signal power fluctuates heavily causing AGC operation to degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the AGC tracking loop adaptive to changing signal conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the gain based on detected signal amplitude in each subframe, allowing the AGC to track and compensate for power fluctuations caused by ABS patterns rather than using a fixed or slowly adapting gain structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled by AGC from a slowly adapting average power to a per-subframe instantaneous power measurement. By measuring signal amplitude separately in each subframe and adjusting gain accordingly, the system adapts to the binary power states (high in non-ABS, low in ABS) created by eICIC operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ABS patterns are used for interference coordination, then uplink interference is reduced, but received power variations fluctuate heavily leading to inefficient AGC operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AGC measurement process by subframe, treating each subframe independently rather than using a unified slow-adapting measurement. This allows the system to detect and respond to power variations in each individual subframe, making the AGC operation compatible with the time-varying nature of ABS patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements rapid feedback by measuring signal amplitude in each subframe and immediately using this information to adjust the gain for the next subframe. This fast feedback loop enables the AGC to track the alternating high/low power states caused by ABS patterns, maintaining measurement accuracy despite heavy power variations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention teaches a solution, for example, for Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. The solution comprises determining a measurement pattern for at least one automatic gain control tracking loop when resource restrictions have been configured for a user equipment, the resource restrictions comprising at least one measurement restriction pattern, wherein each automatic gain control tracking loop is associated with at least one measurement restriction pattern; and performing automatic gain control measurements according to the measurement patterns of the at least one automatic gain control tracking loop.