Uplink Power Allocation for Asynchronous Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE, efficient uplink power control is challenging, especially in dual connectivity scenarios where master eNB (MeNB) and secondary eNB (SeNB) may be asynchronous, requiring effective allocation of transmission power for sounding reference signals (SRS) and channel state information (CSI).

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling uplink transmission power by allocating power based on the scheduling of signals and prioritizing SRS transmission between MeNB and SeNB, depending on whether they are asynchronous or synchronous, using a processor coupled with an RF unit to manage power allocation in dual connectivity scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transmission power is allocated to both MeNB and SeNB simultaneously in dual connectivity, then communication coverage and reliability are improved, but power consumption and interference management become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink transmission into separate SRS transmissions for MeNB and SeNB, with distinct power allocation rules for each. This segmentation allows independent power control for each eNB, reducing the complexity of managing simultaneous transmissions while maintaining reliability through diversified connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic power allocation that adapts based on the timing relationship between MeNB and SeNB. When asynchronous, different power levels are assigned; when synchronous, power is coordinated. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static, reducing complexity while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If SRS transmission power is increased for better channel estimation, then channel state information accuracy is improved, but uplink power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoiduplink power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power parameter dynamically based on the operational mode (asynchronous vs synchronous dual connectivity). By adjusting the SRS power parameter according to the timing relationship between eNBs, the system achieves adequate channel estimation accuracy without consistently high power consumption, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If power is allocated based on asynchronous operation between MeNB and SeNB, then transmission timing conflicts are reduced, but power allocation flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission timing stabilityVSAvoidpower allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal power allocation framework that handles both asynchronous and synchronous dual connectivity modes through a unified mechanism. The same apparatus and method adapt to different timing relationships, providing both timing stability for asynchronous operation and flexibility for synchronous operation, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10313986B2Method and apparatus for controlling uplink power in wireless
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US10313986B2 patent drawing
  • US10313986B2 patent drawing
  • US10313986B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Descriptions on the method and the apparatus for controlling uplink transmission power are provided. The method for controlling uplink transmission power comprises receiving a signal on a downlink channel in dual connectivity with master eNB (MeNB) and secondary eNB (SeNB), allocating transmission power for sounding reference signals (SRS) and transmitting SRS to the MeNB and SeNB based on the allocated transmission power. Transmission power may be allocated differently depending on whether the MeNB and the SeNB are synchronous or not.