EDMG Link Measurement Frames for Transmit Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless LAN systems, particularly in MIMO and channel aggregation environments, existing methods like DMG TPC cannot effectively control transmit power, limiting efficiency in 802.11ay systems which support multiple antennas and channel bonding.
Innovation Solution
The proposal involves defining new Enhanced Directional Multi-Gigabit (EDMG) frames for Link Measurement Request and Report frames, which include specific fields for transmit power control, allowing for efficient transmit power management across multiple antennas and channels, enabling optimal power adjustments based on link margin and activity recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DMG TPC method is used for transmit power control, then power control is possible in basic scenarios, but it cannot effectively control transmit power in MIMO and channel aggregation environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmit power control mechanism by introducing separate TPC fields for each transmit chain in MIMO environments. Instead of using a single power control method, the system divides power control into individual chain-level controls, allowing independent adjustment of each antenna's power in channel aggregation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the power control from a single-dimension approach (basic DMG TPC) to multi-dimensional control by adding transmit chain dimension. The TPC Configuration field and multiple TPC fields create a hierarchical power control structure that operates at different levels: channel aggregation level and individual transmit chain level.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing frame structures are used without modifications, then compatibility is maintained, but efficient transmit power management in MIMO and channel aggregation is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates TPC Configuration fields and TPC fields directly into the frame structure in advance. By pre-defining these fields in the frame format, the system prepares the infrastructure for efficient power management before actual MIMO and channel aggregation operations occur, avoiding the need for complex runtime modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal frame structure that serves multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with existing systems while simultaneously enabling advanced power management for MIMO and channel aggregation. The TPC fields can be used in various scenarios (single-chain, multi-chain, aggregated channels) making the frame structure multi-functional.
3Device complexity
If transmit power is not controlled per antenna and channel, then system complexity is reduced, but data transmission reliability and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different transmit chains to have different power levels based on their specific channel conditions. Each transmit chain can be independently optimized with its own TPC field, enabling local power adjustments that match the quality requirements of each antenna and channel combination.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for transmitting a frame in a wireless LAN (WLAN) system. Specifically, a first station (STA) transmits a Link Measurement Request frame requesting Transmit Power Control (TPC) information to a second STA. The first STA receives a Link Measurement Report frame from the second STA. The Link Measurement Report frame being transmitted as a response to the Link Measurement Request frame. The Link Measurement Request frame includes a TPC Configuration field. The TPC Configuration field includes a first sub-field and a second sub-field. The first sub-field includes information on whether or not the Link Measurement Request frame is transmitted through a channel on which channel aggregation is performed. The second sub-field includes information on a number of transmit chains being used for transmitting the Link Measurement Request frame. If the Link Measurement Request frame is transmitted through the channel on which the channel aggregation is performed, the number of transmit chains is equal to an even number.