Uplink Power Control for Multi-Base Station Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-A Rel-12, user equipment (UE) connected to multiple base stations faces challenges in controlling uplink transmit power effectively due to differences in power requirements between macro and micro base stations, leading to frequent handovers and poor real-time performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling uplink transmit power by determining a power offset based on static power control parameters and TPC adjustment values, allowing UE to adjust transmit power for each subframe according to the specific base station it is connected to, using a combination of open-loop and closed-loop control mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If UE uses a single-link transmission capability and sends data to multiple base stations using TDM, then device complexity is reduced, but uplink transmit power control becomes difficult due to large power differences between macro and micro base stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capabilityVSAvoidpower control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power control process into two distinct parts: open-loop power control for determining base power levels and closed-loop power control for dynamic adjustments. This segmentation allows the system to handle different power control requirements for macro and micro base stations independently, resolving the contradiction between simplified transmission and complex power control needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic power adjustment mechanisms where the UE can adapt its transmit power based on real-time channel conditions and base station requirements. The closed-loop power control enables continuous optimization of power levels, transforming the static power control into a dynamic process that accommodates varying power needs of different base stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If UE frequently enters and exits coverage of micro base stations at high speed, then coverage flexibility is improved, but handover frequency increases causing service interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoverageVSAvoidhandover stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary power configuration through open-loop power control before actual data transmission. By pre-configuring appropriate power levels for different base stations based on path loss measurements, the system prepares the UE in advance for potential handovers, reducing the impact of frequent cell transitions and improving service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs closed-loop power control mechanisms that provide continuous feedback between the base station and UE. This feedback system monitors transmission quality and adjusts power levels dynamically, ensuring stable connections during handovers and maintaining service reliability even when UE frequently moves between coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If UE connects to both macro and micro base stations simultaneously, then service continuity is improved, but uplink power allocation becomes complex due to different power requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidpower allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments power allocation into separate open-loop and closed-loop control mechanisms, with each layer handling specific aspects of power management. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by dividing the power allocation task into manageable components that can be independently optimized for macro and micro base stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in power control settings to adapt to different base station requirements. By dynamically adjusting power control parameters based on channel conditions and base station specifications, the system can simultaneously serve multiple base stations with different power requirements without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3018947B1Method and apparatus for uplink transmission power control
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3018947B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3018947B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3018947B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for controlling uplink transmit power of UE, UE, and a base station, and the method includes: determining subframe configuration information, where the subframe configuration information is used to indicate base stations corresponding to all subframes in a radio frame; determining static power control parameters corresponding to all the base stations; determining a TPC adjustment value of a current subframe; and determining uplink transmit power of the current subframe according to a static power control parameter corresponding to a base station corresponding to the current subframe and the TPC adjustment value of the current subframe. In the embodiments of the present invention, when UE is connected to at least two base stations, control over uplink transmit power can be implemented when the UE sends data to different base stations.