Panel-Specific Uplink Power Control via Unified UL TCI States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uplink power control schemes in wireless communication systems, such as 3GPP New Radio (NR), lack a unified solution for both single panel and multi-panel uplink transmissions, leading to inefficiencies due to variable DCI sizes and inadequate support for antenna panel-specific power control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a unified beam indicator, such as the uplink transmission configuration index (UL TCI) state, along with an associated power control algorithm, to manage power control settings based on spatial relation information rather than panel-specific indicators, thereby stabilizing DCI size and supporting both beam-specific and panel-specific power control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If panel-specific indicators are used for power control in multi-panel transmissions, then power control accuracy is improved, but DCI size becomes variable and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a unified TCI state indicator that serves multiple functions: it identifies the transmission beam/spatial filter and simultaneously indicates the corresponding power control parameters. This single indicator works for both single-panel and multi-panel transmissions, eliminating the need for separate panel-specific indicators and resolving the DCI size variability issue while maintaining power control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the beam indication and power control indication into a single TCI state framework. Instead of using separate indicators for beam selection and power control parameters, the unified TCI state combines both functions, reducing signaling overhead and simplifying the DCI structure while preserving the ability to provide accurate panel-specific power control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate power control schemes are implemented for single-panel and multi-panel transmissions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power control mechanism based on unified TCI states that adapts to both single-panel and multi-panel transmissions. The same TCI state indication mechanism and power control algorithm are used regardless of the number of panels, providing adaptability without increasing scheme complexity. The UE determines the appropriate power control parameters based on the indicated TCI state, whether it corresponds to one panel or multiple panels.
3Productivity
If unified TCI state with single indicator is used, then DCI size is stabilized and signaling efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide detailed panel-specific control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by associating each TCI state with specific panel(s) through spatial relation information. When a TCI state is indicated, the UE identifies which panel or panels correspond to that TCI state based on pre-configured spatial relations. This allows the single indicator to convey sufficient information for panel-specific power control by segmenting the association between TCI states and panels through the spatial relation configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spatial relation information as an intermediary that links the unified TCI state indicator to panel-specific power control parameters. The spatial relation configuration acts as a mapping mechanism, allowing the single TCI state indication to indirectly specify the appropriate panel and its corresponding power control settings without requiring separate explicit indicators for each panel.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for panel specific uplink power control. A method may include receiving, at a user equipment, an uplink grant indicating an uplink candidate beam for uplink transmission; receiving, at the user equipment, a plurality of power control configurations, wherein one of a plurality of sources of spatial relation information is associated with one of the plurality of power control configurations; determining, at the user equipment, a power control configuration of the plurality of power control configurations for the indicated uplink candidate beam based on an association between a source of spatial relation information and the power control configuration; and transmitting, from the user equipment, uplink data using the indicated uplink candidate beam and the determined power control configuration.