Uplink Control Channel Power Adjustment for Multiple TPC Commands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems face challenges in efficiently managing power control for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) in LTE and 5G networks, particularly when handling multiple transmissions with different processing times in the same uplink control channel, leading to unclear UE behavior and limited flexibility in adjusting power settings.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves receiving multiple transmit power control (TPC) commands and computing a power for the UL control channel based on these commands, allowing for flexible power adjustment to ensure accurate power setting even when multiple transmissions with different times are scheduled, thereby clarifying UE behavior and enabling more effective power control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple TPC commands are received for different processing times, then power control flexibility is improved, but UE behavior clarity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control flexibilityVSAvoidUE behavior clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power control adjustment by introducing a new parameter 'o' that divides TPC commands into different groups based on processing time categories. This segmentation allows the UE to clearly identify which TPC command applies to which processing time, resolving the behavioral ambiguity while maintaining flexibility through multiple segmented power adjustment options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making the power control adjustment specific to each processing time category. Instead of a single uniform power adjustment, different TPC commands with different values are applied locally to different processing time groups, allowing optimized power control for each specific transmission scenario while maintaining clear UE behavior through explicit mapping rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If power control adjustment is made for multiple transmissions with different processing times, then power setting accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower setting accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining the parameter 'o' and the mapping rules between TPC commands and processing time categories before actual power control execution. This preliminary configuration establishes clear procedures that the UE follows automatically, achieving accurate power setting for multiple transmissions without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If TPC commands are received at different times, then responsiveness is improved, but power control reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidpower control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the parameter 'o' that provides explicit information to the UE about which TPC command corresponds to which processing time category. This feedback loop ensures that even when TPC commands are received at different times, the UE can reliably match each command to the correct transmission, maintaining power control reliability while supporting responsive multi-timeslot operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3753307B1Uplink control channel power control adjustment in a network with different processing times
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3753307B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3753307B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3753307B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided herein for uplink (UL) control channel power control adjustment. In some embodiments a method performed by a wireless device for controlling power for an UL control channel includes receiving a first transmit power control (TPC) command; receiving at least a second TPC command; computing a power for the UL control channel transmission based on at least the first TPC command and the second TPC command; and adjusting a power for the UL control channel according to the computed power. In this way, the wireless device behavior is clarified in terms of UL power setting in case multiple transmissions with feedback in the same UL transmission are scheduled, especially if these multiple transmissions are scheduled at different times.