Radio Unit Power Control Based on Transceiver Load

Solution Overview

Problem

Indoor wireless communication networks require a large number of spatially separated transceivers due to low transmit power and radio propagation losses, leading to inefficient energy consumption and interference.

Innovation Solution

A radio unit controls power levels of spatially separated transceivers by determining the load based on the number of wireless devices per transceiver with the most relevant measurement, turning off or reducing power for low-load transceivers to conserve energy and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large number of spatially separated transceivers are deployed to achieve good indoor coverage, then coverage quality is improved, but energy consumption increases and interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor coverage qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control where the radio unit adjusts the power levels of spatially separated transceivers based on real-time load conditions. The radio unit determines load for each transceiver based on uplink transmission measurements and dynamically controls power levels, turning off or reducing power for low-load transceivers while maintaining adequate coverage through remaining active transceivers. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining coverage reliability while reducing energy consumption during low-traffic periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a large number of spatially separated transceivers are deployed to achieve good indoor coverage, then coverage quality is improved, but interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor coverage qualityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control where the radio unit adjusts the power levels of spatially separated transceivers based on real-time load conditions. The radio unit determines load for each transceiver based on uplink transmission measurements and dynamically controls power levels, turning off or reducing power for low-load transceivers while maintaining adequate coverage through remaining active transceivers. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining coverage reliability while reducing interference through selective transceiver deactivation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If power levels of all transceivers are maintained high to ensure coverage, then coverage reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating each transceiver individually with differentiated power control based on its specific load conditions. The radio unit determines load for each transceiver separately based on uplink transmission measurements from wireless devices, and applies localized power adjustment to each transceiver rather than uniform control. This allows the system to maintain high power levels only for transceivers serving active devices while reducing or turning off power for idle transceivers, resolving the contradiction between coverage reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the power level parameter of transceivers based on load conditions. The radio unit controls power levels by changing the operational state of transceivers between high power (when serving devices) and low or zero power (when idle). This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption to actual service requirements rather than maintaining constant high power levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12418860B2Radio unit and a method therein for controlling power levels of spatially separated transceivers in a wireless communications network

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to a method performed by a radio unit (101) for controlling power levels of spatially separated transceivers (110-119) connected to the radio unit (101) via corresponding antenna ports (a-j). Each transceiver (110-119) is capable of performing measurements on uplink transmissions from wireless devices in a wireless communication network (100). The radio unit (101) receives, from each transceiver (110-119), measurements on uplink transmissions from wireless devices. Then, the radio unit (101) determines, for each transceiver (110-119), a load based on how many wireless devices that have the transceiver as the transceiver with the most relevant measurement for its uplink transmissions. The radio unit (101) also controls a power level of at least one first transceiver (110) based on at least one of the determined loads for the transceivers (110-119). Embodiments of the radio unit (101) are also described.