Radio Node Power Control for UE RRC State Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio unit hardware does not adapt to changes in UE power status across different RRC states, leading to inefficient power usage in wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to control power provision to antenna elements based on UE RRC states and power classes, using a radio network node that obtains capability and state indications from UEs to manage power arrangement via processing circuitry and memory, enabling power scaling and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If radio unit hardware maintains fixed power levels, then power provision is simple to control, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to UE power status changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power scaling where the radio unit's power levels are adjusted in real-time based on UE power status and RRC state transitions. The base station receives power status indications from UEs and dynamically scales the power levels of antenna elements accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to changing power requirements rather than maintaining fixed power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where UEs transmit power status indications to the base station, which then adjusts radio unit power levels and feeds back power scaling adjustments to the UEs. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous optimization of power efficiency based on actual UE power capabilities and network conditions.
2Loss of energy
If power scaling is implemented dynamically, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power control function into distinct components: UE power status reporting, base station power scaling decisions, and radio unit power adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while enabling dynamic power scaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter dynamically based on UE RRC state and power class indications. Instead of fixed power levels, the system adjusts power parameters (such as power scaling factors) according to UE capabilities and current operational state, enabling efficient power adaptation without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Loss of energy
If radio unit adapts to UE power status, then energy efficiency improves, but processing overhead increases due to additional signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having UEs report their power class and capability information in advance during initial connection setup. The base station stores this information and uses it for subsequent power scaling decisions, eliminating the need for continuous power status signaling and reducing processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing signaling messages multi-functional by embedding power status indications within standard RRC messages that UEs already transmit for other purposes. This approach allows power status reporting to occur alongside regular communication protocols without requiring separate dedicated signaling channels, thereby minimizing additional latency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein disclose e.g. a method performed by a radio network node for controlling power provision of one or more antenna elements associated with a user equipment. The radio network node obtains an indication of a capability relating to an output power of the user equipment; and a state indication of the user equipment indicating an activity level of the user equipment. The radio network node further controls a power arrangement controlling power provision to the one or more antenna elements, based on the state indication and/or the indication of the capability.