HPUE Power Adaptation for LTE Coverage Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

High Power User Equipment (HPUE) in LTE systems causes uplink interference when deployed in areas designed for lower power class UEs, as it exceeds maximum necessary power for range extension, degrading overall performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for UE power class adaptation by setting a variable maximum transmit power below the HPUE's capability, allowing power adjustment based on operating conditions to extend range without increasing throughput, and reporting power headroom to the eNB to manage interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If HPUE transmits at maximum power (31dBm) to extend coverage range, then coverage extension is improved, but uplink interference increases and overall system performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage rangeVSAvoiduplink interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power adaptation where the HPUE adjusts its transmit power based on detected operating conditions. The UE monitors parameters such as path loss, received signal quality, and network configuration to dynamically select appropriate power levels. This allows the system to achieve coverage extension when needed while avoiding excessive interference in areas with sufficient coverage, resolving the contradiction between range extension and interference control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power transmission parameter adaptively based on operating conditions. The HPUE modifies its transmit power level according to detected conditions such as path loss measurements, signal quality metrics, and network-induced power control commands. This parameter adaptation enables the system to use higher power only when necessary for coverage extension, thereby reducing unnecessary uplink interference in well-covered areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If HPUE uses higher transmit power to increase throughput, then data rate is improved, but uplink interference noise rise increases and system-wide UL performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoiduplink interference noise rise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power adaptation where the HPUE adjusts its transmit power based on detected operating conditions. The UE monitors parameters such as path loss, received signal quality, and network configuration to dynamically select appropriate power levels. This allows the system to achieve coverage extension when needed while avoiding excessive interference in areas with sufficient coverage, resolving the contradiction between range extension and interference control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power transmission parameter adaptively based on operating conditions. The HPUE modifies its transmit power level according to detected conditions such as path loss measurements, signal quality metrics, and network-induced power control commands. This parameter adaptation enables the system to use higher power only when necessary for coverage extension, thereby reducing unnecessary uplink interference in well-covered areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If HPUE is deployed in areas designed for 23dBm power class UE, then coverage is extended to poor areas, but interference problems occur in areas with adequate coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference in covered areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality adaptation where the HPUE adjusts its transmit power according to local coverage conditions. The UE detects operating conditions specific to its location and adapts power levels accordingly - using higher power in poor coverage areas (indoor, tunnels, rural) while reducing power in well-covered areas (urban, suburban). This localized adaptation resolves the contradiction by tailoring power transmission to local needs rather than using a uniform high power level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the HPUE monitors received signal quality, path loss, and network power control commands to determine appropriate transmit power levels. The UE uses this feedback information to adjust its power transmission dynamically, reducing power in areas with adequate coverage while maintaining or increasing power in poor coverage areas. This feedback-driven adaptation eliminates unnecessary interference in well-covered regions while extending coverage where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3050371B1Method and apparatus for UE power class adaptation for coverage extension in LTE
Publication Date: 2018.01.17 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP3050371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3050371B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3050371B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus for User Equipment (UE) power class adaptation for coverage extension in Long Term Evolution (LTE) includes setting a maximum transmit power to a predefined level that is below a maximum capability of a high power UE (HPUE); responsive to determining, based on detected operating conditions local to the HPUE, that an increase in transmit range is required, raising the maximum transmit power towards or to the maximum capability of the HPUE; and subsequently transmitting at an operating transmit power at or below the maximum transmit power as a function of the detected operating conditions local to the HPUE. The method and apparatus allow the HPUE to infer how to configure its maximum power to mitigate interference to the same class of cells, without assistance from an Evolved Node B (eNB) and within the existing 3GPP LTE framework.