Uplink SRS Power Control Offset Range Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

In coordinated multi-point transmission/reception systems, existing methods for controlling the transmit power of uplink sounding reference signals (SRS) are limited in their ability to effectively manage power across varying ranges, particularly in scenarios where user equipment needs to transmit SRS to different transmission/reception points with differing channel conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced that determines an offset value for uplink SRS transmit power using a constant step size across an entire range, including a base range and a secondary range with larger values, allowing for extended power control and compatibility with existing user equipment, by transmitting offset information from the transmission/reception point to the user equipment through higher-layer signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a constant step size is used across the entire power control range, then the controllable range of SRS transmit power is extended and compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but the precision of power control in specific sub-ranges is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrollable range of SRS transmit powerVSAvoidpower control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The power control range is divided into multiple sub-ranges, each with its own step size configuration. This segmentation allows different precision levels in different power ranges while maintaining overall system compatibility through the unified constant step size baseline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different step sizes are applied to different sub-ranges of the power control spectrum. The first sub-range uses a first step size while the second sub-range uses a second step size, optimizing control precision for specific operational conditions while preserving broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple sub-ranges with different step sizes are configured, then power control precision is improved for specific scenarios, but the complexity of the power control mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control precisionVSAvoidpower control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power control mechanism dynamically selects appropriate step sizes based on the current operational sub-range. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to switch between different precision levels as needed, improving control accuracy without requiring all complexity to be active simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The step size parameter is changed based on the current sub-range being operated in. By adjusting this key parameter according to operational conditions, the system achieves variable precision control without fundamentally changing the underlying power control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the offset value range is extended to include larger values, then the flexibility of power management is enhanced, but the difficulty of determining appropriate offset values increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of power managementVSAvoiddifficulty of determining offset values
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple sub-ranges with predetermined step sizes and offset value ranges. This preliminary structuring provides a framework that guides the selection of appropriate offset values, reducing the difficulty of determination while maintaining extended flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-range configuration acts as an intermediary layer between the extended offset value range and the actual power control decisions. This intermediate structure simplifies the selection process by providing predefined categories and guidelines for determining appropriate offset values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2873279B1Method, transmission/reception point and UE for controlling transmit power of uplink sounding reference signal
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP2873279B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2873279B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2873279B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure is related to controlling a transmit power of an uplink sounding reference signal.