Uplink Power Control for URLLC and eMBB Services

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks face challenges in controlling the transmit power of user equipment (UE) to meet the different performance requirements of concurrent ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, particularly in 5G networks, where strict reliability and latency requirements differ significantly.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring user equipment (UE) with specific resources and transmit power control (TPC) parameters for uplink transmissions, where network nodes allocate resources based on TPC parameters to ensure increased reliability for URLLC and optimal power settings for eMBB, using downlink control messages to indicate the appropriate parameter values for power control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single uplink transmit power control mechanism is used for all services, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to meet different performance requirements of URLLC and eMBB services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of power control mechanismVSAvoidservice-specific performance requirement fulfillment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink power control mechanism by introducing service-specific indicators (e.g., URLLC indicator, eMBB indicator) that allow different TPC parameter sets to be applied to different services. This enables separate power control configurations for URLLC and eMBB transmissions, ensuring each service receives the appropriate power control treatment while maintaining a unified overall framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic selection of TPC parameter sets based on the service type of incoming data. The network device dynamically determines which parameter set (first or second) to apply based on service identifiers, allowing the power control mechanism to adapt its behavior in real-time according to the specific service requirements without requiring separate static configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate TPC parameter sets are configured for different services, then service-specific performance requirements are met, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice-specific performance requirement fulfillmentVSAvoidpower control configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal power control framework where a single TPC parameter configuration structure can serve multiple services. By defining indicator fields that can represent different service types (URLLC, eMBB, etc.), the same power control mechanism and configuration format can be applied universally across all services, reducing the need for entirely separate configuration systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages complexity by changing only specific parameters (service indicators and associated TPC parameter sets) rather than reconfiguring the entire power control system. The network device maintains multiple TPC parameter sets but activates only the relevant ones based on service type, allowing parameter changes without structural modifications to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If transmit power is increased to meet URLLC reliability requirements, then uplink transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission reliabilityVSAvoidUE energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different TPC parameter sets with different nominal power levels for different services. URLLC services can be assigned a first TPC parameter set with higher nominal power to ensure reliability, while eMBB services use a second TPC parameter set with lower nominal power to conserve energy. Each service receives the appropriate power quality locally rather than applying a uniform power level globally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3857991B1Uplink power control for multiple services
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3857991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3857991B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3857991B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments include methods performed by a radio access network node for power control of UE uplink (UL) transmissions that are associated with data services having different reliability requirements. Such methods include configuring the UE with a plurality of resources that can be allocated for UL transmissions based on one or more transmit power control (TPC) parameters. The resources include first resources associated with first parameter values and second resources associated with second parameter values, for the respective TPC parameters. The first parameter values provide increased UL transmission reliability versus the second parameter values. Such methods include transmitting, to a UE, a downlink control message comprising an indication that the first resources or the second resources are allocated for an UL transmission associated with a data service, and an indication of the first parameter values or the second parameter values to be used for power control of the UL transmission.