Radio Network Node Power Amplifier Utilization Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio network node architectures face inefficiencies due to unequal amplitude transmit weights, leading to poor power amplifier utilization and reduced communication performance, as they typically constrain maximum power per radio branch rather than total transmitted power, resulting in suboptimal power amplifier efficiency and reduced system throughput.
Innovation Solution
The method schedules radio resources by considering the utilization factor of power amplifiers, utilizing frequency selectivity and time variation of the radio channel to equalize power distribution across antenna ports, thereby optimizing power amplifier efficiency and maximizing total transmitted power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radio network node uses unequal amplitude transmit weights for beamforming, then the received signal gain is improved, but the power amplifier utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beamforming weights adjustable and reconfigurable based on real-time channel conditions and power amplifier status. The system dynamically selects between equal-amplitude weights (for PA utilization) and unequal-amplitude weights (for signal gain) depending on operational requirements, allowing the beamforming configuration to adapt rather than being fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplitude parameter of the beamforming weights from fixed unequal values to adjustable values that can be set to either equal or unequal amplitudes. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for either received signal gain or power amplifier utilization based on current network conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between these two objectives
2Device complexity
If the radio network node constrains maximum power per radio branch, then the implementation is simplified, but the total transmitted power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power constraint considerations across multiple radio branches by using equal-amplitude beamforming weights, which ensures that all power amplifiers operate at similar power levels. This combining approach simplifies the overall power management while still achieving efficient utilization of total transmitted power across the MIMO system
3Reliability
If the radio network node uses numerical optimization for power constraints, then the power distribution is optimized, but the real-time application becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, computationally inexpensive equal-amplitude beamforming weights instead of complex numerical optimization algorithms. These simple weight configurations can be calculated and applied rapidly in real-time, sacrificing some power distribution optimization for the benefit of real-time processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the beamforming problem into independent per-antenna power amplifier operations with equal amplitude constraints, rather than solving a coupled optimization problem across all antennas. This segmentation allows for simpler, faster computation while maintaining effective power utilization
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a radio network node (12) for scheduling a radio resource within a radio communications network (1). The radio network node (12) comprises at least two antenna ports (501,502) over which communication is performed using a respective power amplifier (503,504) over each antenna port (501,502) out of the at least two antenna ports (501,502). The radio network node (12) determines a utilization factor of power of each power amplifier (503,504) when a first user equipment (101) is assigned to the radio resource. The radio network node further determines a utilization factor of power of each power amplifier (503,504) when a second user equipment (102) is assigned to the radio resource. The radio network node (12) then schedules the first user equipment (101) or the second user equipment (102) to the radio resource based on the determined utilization factors.