Individual Carrier Power Detection in LTE Carrier Aggregation
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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 manage power levels and maintain compliance with authorized power specifications.
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 divides the power control function into separate power detectors for each carrier, allowing independent power measurement and control of each RF source. This segmentation enables precise power management while maintaining the benefits of carrier aggregation for increased data transmission rates.
2Productivity
If multiple carriers are transmitted simultaneously to increase capacity, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to difficulty in meeting total carrier power limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using power detectors to continuously monitor the power of each carrier and using the detected power information to adjust the power control mechanisms. This feedback loop ensures that total carrier power remains within specified limits while maintaining high data transmission capacity.
3Reliability
If power control of multiple carriers is implemented to meet total power limits, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional power detectors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses separate power detectors for each carrier, segmenting the power detection function to simplify the overall control architecture. Each detector independently monitors its associated carrier, making the system more reliable while managing complexity through functional division.
4Measurement precision
If directional couplers are used for power detection of individual carriers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components in the signal path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces directional couplers as intermediary components between the RF sources and power detectors. These couplers enable accurate power measurement by selectively coupling a portion of the signal, providing precise measurement capability while maintaining signal integrity for transmission.
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 the total power of the aggregated carrier does not exceed specified limits, thereby optimizing data transmission rates and capacity while reducing peak power consumption.
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.