Individual Carrier Power Detection in LTE Aggregation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced-LTE carrier aggregation systems face challenges in maintaining total carrier power within specified limits due to the need for precise power control of multiple carriers transmitted simultaneously, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes RF sources, power amplifiers, and directional couplers to provide a carrier aggregated signal, with separate power detection and control mechanisms for individual carriers, using frequency multiplexing circuits and band select switches to ensure accurate power measurement and regulation, thereby maintaining total power within specified limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carrier aggregation is used to increase bandwidth and data transmission rates, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple RF sources and power control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power detection function by providing separate power detectors for each carrier in the carrier aggregation system. Each power detector independently monitors the power of its associated carrier, allowing for precise individual power control while maintaining the overall carrier aggregation functionality. This segmentation enables the system to manage multiple carriers without requiring a single complex power control mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If separate power control mechanisms are implemented for multiple carriers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional directional couplers and power detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by assigning dedicated power detectors and directional couplers to each carrier path. This one-to-one mapping ensures that each carrier's power is measured independently and accurately without interference from other carriers, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining a systematic and manageable component architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces directional couplers as intermediary components between each RF source and its corresponding power detector. These directional couplers selectively couple a portion of the RF signal from each carrier to its dedicated power detector, enabling accurate power measurement without significantly affecting the main signal path. This intermediary approach facilitates precise power control while isolating the measurement function from the transmission function.
3Reliability
If total carrier power is strictly controlled within specified limits, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to constrained power allocation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the power of each carrier through dedicated power detectors and using this information to dynamically adjust the power output of each RF source. This feedback mechanism ensures that the total carrier power remains within specified limits while allowing flexible power allocation among individual carriers based on current transmission requirements, thus maintaining both reliability and operational flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate power detection and control of individual carriers, ensuring that the combined power of aggregated carriers does not exceed authorized specifications, resulting in efficient power management and compliance with system requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a directional coupler configured to provide an indication of RF power of one of the separate carriers
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to detecting power associated with an individual carrier of a carrier aggregated signal. In an embodiment, an aggregated carrier including at least a first carrier and a second carrier is provided. An indication of power of the first carrier of the aggregated carrier is detected. Separately from detecting the indication of power of the first carrier, an indication of power of the second carrier of the aggregated carrier is detected. The power associated with a radio frequency (RF) signal provided to an RF source associated with the first carrier can be adjusted based on the indication of power of the first carrier.