LTE Uplink Power Control via Subframe-Adaptive Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, existing power control methods face challenges in managing interference across different subframe types, leading to suboptimal performance and potential divergence of power control loops due to varying interference levels in protected and unprotected subframes.

Innovation Solution

Configuring user equipment (UE) with multiple transmit power levels, where a first power level is used for subframes protected by cooperative coordination between base stations and a second power level for unprotected subframes, allowing for adaptive power control based on subframe types to optimize uplink channel transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single transmit power level is used for all subframes, then device complexity is reduced, but power control efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying interference levels in protected and unprotected subframes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control configurationVSAvoidpower control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmit power levels into multiple distinct levels, each corresponding to different subframe types (protected vs. unprotected subframes). This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate power levels based on the specific subframe characteristics and interference conditions, thereby improving power control efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity through the use of standard configuration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power control by configuring multiple transmit power levels that can be adaptively selected based on subframe type. The system dynamically adjusts the transmit power level according to whether the current subframe is protected or unprotected, enabling rapid adaptation to varying interference conditions while maintaining efficient power control through standardized signaling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple transmit power levels are configured for different subframe types, then power control efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional configuration and scheduling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control efficiencyVSAvoidpower control configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring specific transmit power levels tailored to different subframe types (protected vs. unprotected). Each subframe type receives an appropriately optimized power level based on its specific interference characteristics, allowing the system to improve power control efficiency locally for each subframe type while using standardized configuration mechanisms to manage overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power control parameter (transmit power level) based on subframe type characteristics. By configuring multiple transmit power levels and selecting the appropriate level according to whether the subframe is protected or unprotected, the system optimizes power control efficiency through parameter adaptation while managing complexity through efficient signaling and configuration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If transmit power is rapidly adjusted based on subframe types, then interference is reduced and network performance is improved, but power control loop stability may deteriorate due to frequent power changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference levelVSAvoidpower control loop convergence
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring multiple transmit power levels corresponding to different subframe types before transmission begins. This preliminary configuration allows the system to anticipate and prepare appropriate power levels for protected and unprotected subframes, enabling rapid power adjustment to reduce interference while maintaining power control loop stability through pre-planned power level selection rather than reactive adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP2572540B1Uplink power control in long term evolution networks
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2572540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2572540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2572540B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for power control in a long term evolution (LTE) network is disclosed and includes configuring a user equipment (UE) with a plurality of transmit power levels where each transmit power level corresponds to a subframe type. A first power level is used in subframes protected by cooperative coordination between base stations. A second power level corresponds to unprotected subframes. The method also includes scheduling the UE to transmit in accordance with the configured transmit power levels.