SRS Power Control Conflict Resolution in Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks using carrier aggregation, there is a challenge in handling conflicting and redundant power control and triggering information for transmitting sounding reference signals (SRS) across multiple component carriers, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors in channel quality estimation.

Innovation Solution

A processor-based system that receives and processes downlink control information (DCI) to determine a sequence of SRS transmissions according to a specified component carrier order or RRC configuration, allowing for coordinated SRS transmission across multiple component carriers, thereby resolving conflicts and redundancies in power control commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple component carriers are aggregated to increase transmission bandwidth, then peak data rate and overall capability are improved, but conflicting and redundant power control and triggering information for SRS transmission occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission bandwidthVSAvoidpower control and triggering information management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power control and triggering information management by processing each component carrier's SRS transmission independently according to its specific DCI instructions, while maintaining a unified control framework. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple carriers without creating conflicting control signals, as each carrier is controlled according to its own configured parameters and triggering conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the component carriers with their respective power control parameters, triggering conditions, and transmission sequences before actual SRS transmission occurs. This preliminary setup in the RRC configuration layer ensures that when DCI triggers SRS transmission, the necessary control information is already in place, preventing conflicts and redundancies during execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If SRS transmission is triggered on multiple component carriers simultaneously, then channel quality estimation is improved, but redundant power control commands and triggering information occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel quality estimationVSAvoidredundant power control and triggering information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the power control parameters and triggering information specifically for each component carrier based on its individual characteristics and configuration. Each carrier receives customized control instructions rather than uniform control signals, which eliminates redundancy while ensuring accurate channel quality estimation across all carriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the eNodeB monitors and adjusts power control commands and triggering information based on actual transmission conditions and received SRS measurements. This feedback loop allows the system to optimize channel quality estimation while minimizing redundant control information by adapting to real-time network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If conflicting power control commands are received for the same component carrier, then transmission flexibility is improved, but errors in SRS transmission occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoidSRS transmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary resolution mechanism that mediates between conflicting power control commands received for the same component carrier. This intermediary layer, implemented in the UE's control logic, processes and reconciles conflicting DCI instructions according to predefined resolution rules, ensuring that only valid and non-contradictory commands are executed, thus maintaining transmission flexibility while preventing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11265869B2Power control and triggering of sounding reference signal on multiple component carriers

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various devices, methods, and processes are provided for handling conflicting and/or redundant power control and triggering information for transmitting reference signal(s) such as sounding reference signal (SRS) using carrier aggregation (CA). A user equipment (UE) receives a first downlink control information (DCI) and a second DCI including SRS control information that is in conflict with that of the first DCI, for controlling SRS transmission on a component carrier (CC). The UE determines a resolution to reconcile the conflict between the DCIs. Then the UE can transmit an SRS on the CC in accordance with the resolution.