Uplink Control Power Allocation in Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, especially in carrier aggregation operations, there is a challenge in efficiently managing uplink control information transmission power across multiple cell groups due to varying communication delays, leading to suboptimal power allocation and potential power limitations, which affects network performance and data throughput.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring User Equipment (UE) to dynamically adjust transmission power based on communication delays between cell groups, reserving specific percentages of maximum power for transmissions on different cell groups and using power adjustment commands from downlink control information to optimize physical uplink control channel transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE transmits uplink control information on multiple cell groups simultaneously, then the data throughput and network performance are improved, but the power allocation becomes suboptimal and power limitations occur due to varying communication delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power reservation where the UE adjusts power allocation between MCG and SCG based on real-time communication delay conditions. When delay exceeds a threshold, the UE reserves specific percentages of maximum power for each cell group; when delay is within threshold, the UE uses available power without reservation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing power allocation efficiency while maintaining high data throughput across varying network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power allocation parameters (power reservation percentages for MCG and SCG) based on communication delay parameters. By monitoring delay conditions and adjusting power distribution parameters accordingly, the system achieves optimal power utilization that prevents power limitations while supporting simultaneous transmissions on multiple cell groups, thereby maintaining both high throughput and reliable power management.
2Reliability
If the UE reserves specific percentages of maximum power for each cell group, then power management is enhanced and power-limited operations are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to dynamic power adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service power management where the UE autonomously monitors communication delay conditions and automatically adjusts power allocation between cell groups without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The UE itself performs the power reservation and adjustment based on predefined delay thresholds, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable power management. This self-service approach enhances reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the UE uses the same power control mechanism for both MCG and SCG, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power allocation becomes suboptimal due to different communication delay characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power control mechanism into separate handling for MCG and SCG when communication delay conditions require it. Instead of applying a uniform power control approach, the UE implements differentiated power reservation and allocation strategies for each cell group based on their specific delay characteristics. This segmentation enables optimal power allocation efficiency for each group while maintaining manageable device complexity through a structured approach.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for a network to control a power of transmissions from a User Equipment (UE) on a first Cell Group (CG) or on a second CG depending on a communication delay between the two CGs. Methods and apparatus are also provided for a UE configured with a first CG and a second CG in Carrier Aggregation (CA) operation to determine whether or not to transmit a channel conveying control information when the UE needs to reduce a respective nominal transmission power. Methods and apparatus are additionally provided for a network to transmit and for a UE to receive a Transmission Power Control (TPC) command for transmission on a cell of a first CG or on a cell of a second CG.