5G Uplink Power Control Saturation Avoidance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G-NR networks, the existing uplink power control mechanisms face challenges in achieving optimal throughput due to saturation and quantization losses, especially with the introduction of higher modulation schemes like 256-QAM.

Innovation Solution

A method is disclosed that adapts uplink power and Modulation and Coding schemes (MCS) for each User Equipment (UE) by considering holistic knowledge of carrier-wide power distribution. This method computes Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI) and adjusts Transmission Power Control (TPC) commands to prevent saturation and quantization losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If higher modulation schemes like 256-QAM are introduced to increase data rate, then throughput is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to signal quality degradation from saturation and quantization losses

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoiduplink performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station monitors RSSI measurements and CQI reports from UEs, then adjusts TPC commands and MCS selections accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents saturation and quantization losses by adapting power allocation based on real-time channel conditions, thereby maintaining reliable uplink performance while achieving high throughput with 256-QAM modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes key parameters including TPC command values, MCS indices, and power allocation factors based on monitored channel conditions. By adjusting these parameters in response to RSSI and CQI measurements, the system optimizes the trade-off between throughput and reliability, enabling 256-QAM operation without severe performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If TPC commands are increased to improve uplink signal strength, then received signal quality is improved, but saturation and quantization losses occur degrading overall performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceived signal qualityVSAvoiduplink performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by adjusting TPC commands to achieve just sufficient signal strength rather than maximum power. The base station calculates appropriate power adjustments based on path loss estimates and target received power levels, avoiding excessive power transmission that would cause saturation. This selective power adjustment maintains signal quality while preventing the harmful effects of over-powering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts TPC commands based on real-time channel conditions, UE capabilities, and current power allocation state. Rather than using fixed or aggressive power increases, the system continuously adjusts power levels to match actual needs, preventing saturation while maintaining adequate signal quality for reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If carrier-wide power distribution is not considered, then individual UE power control is simpler, but holistic optimization of overall throughput cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall throughputVSAvoidpower control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power control problem into hierarchical layers: carrier-wide power distribution planning at the base station, followed by individual UE-specific TPC command generation. This segmentation allows the system to optimize overall throughput through coordinated power allocation while keeping individual UE power control relatively simple through standardized TPC command mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base station performs multiple functions including channel quality measurement, power distribution optimization, MCS selection, and TPC command generation within a unified power control framework. This multi-functional approach enables holistic throughput optimization while maintaining a cohesive control mechanism that manages complexity through integration rather than separate independent controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250071691A1Uplink Link Adaptation in 5G Base Stations

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 PARALLEL WIRELESS INC

AI summary

A method for providing uplink link adaptation in 5G base stations is presented. In one embodiment the method includes computing a RSSI of each allocation measuredRSSI(i), including blocks which are unused; computing measurements upon receiving channel allocation and TPC commands from a MAC, the measurements including a revisedWidebandRSSI including a revisedRSSI(i), a lowest relative threshold of each allocation, and a revised RSSI of each allocation after applying TPC commands normalized by the revisedWidebandRSSI; when the revisedWidebandRSSI is greater than a widebandRSSIthreshold, then resetting the TPC commands to be sent to the particular UE and sending a saturation_error_indication message to the MAC; wherein when a revisedRSSInorm(i) for at least one allocation is below the widebandRSSIthreshold, sending the quant_loss_error_indication message to the MAC along with the corresponding index of the allocation; and adapting the MCS and power control information for each of the allocations in the next subframe.