Secondary Link Power Control in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power control mechanisms in wireless communication networks, such as CDMA, rely on fixed ratios between pilot and data signals, which can lead to suboptimal performance when channel conditions vary, as they do not dynamically adjust power ratios based on real-time reception quality feedback.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a communication transceiver adjusts the power gain of data signals relative to a pilot or reference signal based on reception quality feedback, such as ACK/NAK indicators, to dynamically control the power of both forward and reverse links, thereby supplementing existing power control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed ratios between pilot and data signals are used for power control, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but data link quality and error rate performance deteriorate under varying channel conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power ratio adjustment by introducing a secondary power control mechanism that modifies the fixed traffic-to-pilot power ratio based on reception quality feedback. The mobile station adjusts the power gain of data signals relative to pilot signals using ACK/NAK indicators, transforming the static power control system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying channel conditions while maintaining manageable device complexity through feedback-driven adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the mobile station receives reception quality indicators (ACK/NAK) for data signals and uses this feedback to adjust the power gain of data signals relative to pilot signals. This closed-loop feedback system enables the mobile station to optimize data link quality by dynamically adjusting power ratios based on actual reception conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If dynamic adjustment of power ratios based on reception quality feedback is implemented, then data link quality and error rate management improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power control mechanism into two independent components: the primary power control that maintains fixed traffic-to-pilot power ratios for basic operation, and a secondary power control that dynamically adjusts the power gain of data signals based on reception quality feedback. This segmentation allows the system to achieve improved error rate management through selective dynamic adjustment without substantially increasing overall device complexity, as each component remains relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed power ratios are maintained for all channel conditions, then device complexity remains low and operation is simplified, but adaptability to varying channel conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power control framework where the mobile station can operate with fixed power ratios under normal conditions and switch to dynamic adjustment when reception quality feedback indicates channel degradation. The secondary power control mechanism serves multiple functions: maintaining compatibility with existing fixed ratio systems while providing adaptive capability when needed, thus achieving versatility without substantial complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication transceiver transmits a power-controlled first signal responsive to received power control commands and transmits one or more additional signals at variable power gains relative to the transmit power of the first signal based on reception quality feedback received for the additional signals. Thus, a mobile station may transmit a traffic channel at a variable power gain relative to its pilot signal power and vary that gain responsive to reception quality feedback received by it for the traffic signal. Of course, the mobile station may float more than one traffic channel using variable gains and may use different variable gains for each one. Further, the mobile station may float one or more non-pilot channels relative to the pilot or relative to another channel, while transmitting one or more fixed gain channels. Similar variable power gain may be employed at network base stations for forward link signals.