Configurable Initial Power Level Selection for MTC Random Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices face challenges in efficiently determining initial power levels for random access transmissions, leading to inefficient network access due to inaccurate Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements and limited capabilities, resulting in wasted power or increased access time.

Innovation Solution

The method involves selecting an initial transmission power level for random access channels based on RSRP measurements and signaled available power levels, using threshold values to map RSRP measurements to appropriate power levels, and adjusting power levels for subsequent attempts to ensure successful access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MTC devices use traditional random access power level selection methods, then the access process is simple, but the RSRP measurements are inaccurate leading to inefficient network access and wasted power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter selection approach by introducing a set of configurable initial transmission power levels (P0) that can be signaled by the network. Instead of using a fixed or简单地 calculated power level, the device selects from multiple predefined levels based on RSRP measurements and threshold comparisons, optimizing the balance between access reliability and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network signals available power levels and RSRP thresholds to the MTC device. The device measures RSRP, compares it against signaled thresholds, and selects appropriate power levels from the signaled set. This closed-loop feedback approach improves measurement accuracy and power selection efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If MTC devices perform multiple random access attempts with power adjustments, then the likelihood of successful access increases, but the access time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuccessful access rateVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-signal a set of appropriate initial transmission power levels (P0) and corresponding RSRP thresholds before the random access attempt. The MTC device performs RSRP measurements and selects the appropriate power level from the pre-signaled set based on threshold comparisons, avoiding the need for multiple blind retransmission attempts and reducing access time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic power level selection where the initial transmission power is adapted based on real-time RSRP measurements and channel conditions. The device can dynamically select from multiple signaled power levels rather than using a fixed power level, allowing optimization of each access attempt based on current conditions to reduce both time and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3286977B1Configurable random access initial power level selection
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3286977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3286977B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3286977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices are described for initial power level selection on a physical random access channel in a wireless communications network. Initial power level selection may account for, or be based on, one or more channel conditions associated with the physical random access channel. Initial power level selection may be based on signaling of available initial power transmission levels and a reference signal received power measurement. The described features may be implemented as coverage enhancement techniques, for example, for machine-type communication (MTC).