Adapting Power Control Dynamic Range for Shortened TTI Coverage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The introduction of shortened transmission time intervals (TTIs) in LTE networks can lead to a potential degradation of downlink coverage due to reduced transmission lengths, which existing systems struggle to compensate for.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for adapting the power control dynamic range in network nodes to optimize downlink coverage by configuring different power control schemes based on the length of TTIs, comparing TTIs with thresholds, and selecting appropriate power control dynamic ranges for transmitting signals to wireless devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If shortened TTI is used to reduce latency, then packet data latency is improved, but downlink coverage is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket data latencyVSAvoiddownlink coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control where the base station adjusts transmit power levels based on real-time TTI length conditions. When shortened TTI is detected, the system automatically increases power compensation to maintain coverage, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that responds to changing transmission conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power control parameter (transmit power level) in response to TTI length changes. By modifying the power parameter dynamically based on TTI duration, the system compensates for the coverage degradation caused by shorter transmission intervals while maintaining the latency reduction benefit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If shortened TTI is used to reduce transmission time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidpower control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station autonomously monitors TTI length and self-adjusts power control parameters without requiring complex external coordination or additional signaling overhead. The system serves itself by internally managing the power compensation mechanism, reducing the need for complex inter-device communication and control protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional power control is used with shortened TTI, then device complexity is minimized, but downlink coverage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control schemeVSAvoidcoverage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static power control into a dynamic system that adapts to TTI length variations. The base station continuously monitors transmission interval duration and adjusts power levels accordingly, enabling traditional simple power control structures to achieve enhanced coverage performance through dynamic adaptation rather than complex architectural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3536051B1Adapting resource element power control dynamic range in downlink for shortened transmission time interval
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3536051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3536051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3536051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A network node is provided. Processing circuitry of the network node is configured to configure a wireless device with a transmission time interval, TTI for use in operating a first physical channel. The physical channel includes a first reference radio resource. Determine the power control dynamic range scheme, the determination includes: if the TTI is greater than the threshold, selecting a first power control dynamic range for the first physical channel; and if the TTI is less than the threshold, selecting a second power control dynamic range for the first physical channel, the second power control dynamic range being different from the first power control dynamic range. A power for the first reference radio resource in the first power control dynamic range is the same as a power for the first reference radio resource in the second power control dynamic range.