HSUPA Uplink Gain Factor Adjustment for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for computing uplink gain factors in HSUPA wireless communication systems result in non-optimal cell capacity utilization due to incorrect power estimation and amplification of E-DPDCH power levels, leading to insufficient or excessive DPCCH levels for data rate changes.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a fine-tuning factor in the gain factor equation to adjust power estimation, allowing for more accurate power control by signaling a factor from the RNC to UE and BTS, which determines the gain factor based on the reference E-TFC, data rate, and number of E-DPDCHs, optimizing power allocation across E-TFCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gain factor is increased to maintain E-DPDCH power level when data rate increases, then the E-DPDCH power level is maintained, but the DPCCH power level must also increase which amplifies the overall power consumption and reduces cell capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter relationship by introducing a new gain factor equation where the E-DPDCH gain factor is no longer linearly proportional to data rate. Instead, it uses a reference-based approach with offset adjustments, breaking the direct coupling between data rate changes and gain factor changes that caused unnecessary power amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference E-TFC as an intermediary concept. The gain factor for any E-TFC is computed relative to a reference E-TFC's gain factor, rather than being directly tied to the absolute data rate. This intermediary reference point allows for more flexible and optimized power allocation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the gain factor is decreased to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but the DPCCH level becomes insufficient for correct E-DPDCH reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the gain factor computation parameters to include reference-based relative adjustments rather than absolute data-rate-proportional values. This allows the system to maintain adequate DPCCH levels for reliable channel estimation while avoiding excessive E-DPDCH power levels that would waste energy.
3Device complexity
If the linear relationship between data rate and gain factor is maintained, then the computation is simple, but the cell capacity utilization becomes non-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functional relationship parameters from a simple linear proportionality to a more sophisticated reference-based computation with offsets. While slightly more complex, this parameter change enables optimal cell capacity utilization by allowing flexible adjustment of gain factors relative to a reference point, rather than being constrained by strict linearity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the gain factor is adjusted for each E-TFC based on data rate, then the power allocation adapts to data rate changes, but the amplification effect from DPCCH level changes causes non-optimal power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference E-TFC as an intermediary to decouple the direct adaptation mechanism. Instead of adjusting gain factors directly proportional to data rate changes (which amplifies power levels when DPCCH changes), the system computes relative adjustments from a reference point, providing adaptability without the harmful amplification effect.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus, methods and computer program products operate a radio network controller in a wireless communications system to determine a factor to be used by user equipment operative in the wireless communications network to determine a gain factor for an E-TFC based on the gain factor of a reference E-TFC; and to signal the factor to the user equipment. The radio network controller may select the factor based on at least one criterion. In another aspect, apparatus, methods and computer program products operate user equipment to receive a factor from a wireless communications network, and to use the factor transmitted by the wireless communications network to determine a gain factor that relates a data signal to be transmitted by the user equipment in a data channel and a control signal transmitted by the electronic device in a control channel, where the control signal transmitted in the control channel carries information for use in receiving the data signal. In additional aspects, the user equipment is further configured to select a formula for use in determining the gain factor in dependence on signaling received from the wireless communications network.