Uplink Power Control Using Multi-TRP Pathloss Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uplink power control mechanisms in distributed multiple input multiple output (D-MIMO) systems face challenges as UEs do not know the network's UL processing method, leading to inconsistent and inefficient power settings, especially when transitioning between single cell and D-MIMO deployments.

Innovation Solution

A method for UEs to determine a transmission power level by estimating pathloss values from multiple transmission points using a function that combines pathloss values from different TRPs, allowing for flexible and efficient power control regardless of network deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UEs use traditional single-cell power control mechanisms in D-MIMO systems, then the power control works in single cell deployments, but the power settings become inconsistent and inefficient when transitioning between single cell and D-MIMO deployments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control adaptabilityVSAvoidpower control consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control by allowing UEs to estimate pathloss from multiple transmission points and select or combine pathloss values based on current network conditions. The UE dynamically adjusts the pathloss estimation method (single TRP vs. multiple TRPs) according to the deployment scenario, enabling seamless transition between single-cell and D-MIMO operations while maintaining consistent power control performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pathloss estimation parameter from a single fixed value to a configurable selection among multiple transmission points. The network can configure UEs to use different pathloss estimation approaches (e.g., minimum pathloss, average pathloss, or pathloss from specific TRP) based on the deployment type, allowing the system to adapt parameters according to whether it operates in single-cell or D-MIMO mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If UEs estimate pathloss from multiple transmission points, then power control efficiency improves in D-MIMO systems, but UE implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control efficiencyVSAvoidUE implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by allowing UEs to estimate pathloss from a subset of transmission points rather than all possible TRPs. The UE can be configured to monitor only certain reference signals from specific TRPs, performing pathloss estimation on a partial set of transmission points sufficient for the current deployment scenario, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces network configuration messages as an intermediary that guides the UE's pathloss estimation process. The network provides configuration information indicating which transmission points to monitor and how to combine pathloss values, offloading the complexity of multi-TRP pathloss estimation from the UE to the network controller, thus simplifying UE implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If UEs use standardized power control methods, then implementation complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle varying network conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE implementation complexityVSAvoidnetwork condition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal power control framework that functions across both single-cell and D-MIMO deployments through standardized procedures. The same basic pathloss estimation and power calculation mechanisms are used universally, but the configuration parameters (number of TRPs, reference signal types, combination methods) are adapted through network signaling to suit different deployment scenarios, achieving both standardization and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12568442B2Methods and apparatus for uplink power control

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The disclosure relates to methods for determining a transmission power level for a physical uplink channel of a wireless communication network. A method performed by a UE includes receiving information from a network node, the information being related to a configuration of multiple transmission points used for downlink transmissions to the wireless device. The method further includes receiving signals from the multiple transmission points based on the information; estimating a pathloss value for each of at least two transmission points among the multiple transmission points based on the received signals; determining a single value based on a function of the estimated pathloss values; and determining the transmission power level based on the single value.