Dynamic Power Control for LTE-NR Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and NR technologies, face challenges in managing power distribution between LTE and NR transmissions, leading to potential power exceeding maximum limits during simultaneous operations, which can result in dropped or scaled-down NR transmissions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic power control mechanisms within the network scheduler to manage the fraction of available power for each technology, allowing for efficient power sharing and distribution between LTE and NR, ensuring that total transmit power does not exceed the maximum limit by adjusting NR transmission power during overlapping periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If separate maximum power values are set for LTE and NR transmissions, then each technology can operate at its optimal power level, but the total transmit power may exceed the UE's maximum power limit during simultaneous operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmit powerVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control where the network scheduler continuously monitors and adjusts the power allocation between LTE and NR transmissions based on current traffic conditions and power availability. This allows the system to adapt power distribution in real-time, ensuring total power never exceeds P_CMAX while maximizing utilization of available power resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the power parameters (P_MeNB and P_SgNB) based on network conditions, UE capability, and traffic demand. By modifying these parameters adaptively rather than using fixed values, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining optimal power levels for each technology and staying within the overall power limit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If NR transmission power is scaled down or dropped when total power exceeds P_CMAX, then the power limit is respected, but NR transmission quality and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal transmit powerVSAvoidtransmission quality
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network scheduler performs preliminary power allocation and scaling decisions before actual transmission occurs. By proactively managing power distribution and predicting potential power conflicts, the system可以避免sudden power cuts that would degrade transmission quality, instead smoothly adjusting power levels in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports power capability and transmission status, and the network scheduler uses this information to continuously optimize power allocation. This closed-loop control ensures that power scaling decisions maintain the best possible transmission quality while respecting power limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If dynamic power control is implemented to maximize power utilization, then up to 100% of available power can be used, but the system complexity increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network scheduler acts as an intermediary that centralizes power control decisions, coordinating between LTE and NR transmissions. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating complex power management logic in one entity rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3718351B1Power control for dual radio access technology (RAT) communication
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3718351B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718351B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3718351B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for power control. For example, a method is provided for wireless communication by a user equipment that includes determining whether a sum of a first power limit for communicating on an uplink associated with a first radio access technology and a second power limit for communicating on an uplink associated with a second radio access technology is greater than an overall power limit for communicating on uplinks by the user equipment. The method further includes scaling down power used for a transmission on the uplink associated with the first radio access technology during the first time or dropping a transmission on the uplink associated with the first radio access technology during the first time when the sum is greater than the overall power limit.