Uplink Power Control via Multiple Pathloss Derivation for Beamforming

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE and emerging 5G networks, the derivation of uplink transmit power is challenging due to the increased path loss at higher frequencies, which affects the coverage and reliability of beamforming operations, leading to inefficient use of antenna arrays and limited concurrent high-gain beams.

Innovation Solution

The method involves User Equipment (UE) deriving multiple pathloss values from different reference signals to determine optimal uplink transmission power, allowing for dynamic adjustment based on the quality of individual beams, thereby improving coverage and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single pathloss value is used for uplink power control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of beamforming operations deteriorates due to increased path loss at higher frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control calculation complexityVSAvoidbeamforming operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single pathloss value into multiple pathloss values, each corresponding to a different reference signal (e.g., SSB and CSI-RS). This segmentation allows the UE to derive separate pathloss measurements for different beams, improving the reliability of beamforming operations by accounting for frequency-specific path loss variations while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized measurement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple pathloss values are derived from different reference signals, then the beamforming reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamforming operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower control calculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of pathloss measurement by introducing multiple reference signals (SSB and CSI-RS) with different frequency configurations. This allows the system to adapt pathloss derivation to specific frequency bands and beam characteristics, improving beamforming reliability while the complexity is managed through parameter-based differentiation rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If uplink transmit power is increased to compensate for path loss, then the coverage area is improved, but the interference to other transmissions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference to other transmissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by deriving separate pathloss values for different reference signals and beams, allowing uplink power control to be optimized locally for each beam direction and frequency resource. This enables the system to provide adequate coverage in specific directions while minimizing unnecessary power increases that would cause interference to other transmissions, achieving spatially selective power control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3282776B1Method and apparatus for pathloss derivation for beam operation in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • EP3282776B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3282776B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3282776B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus are disclosed, from the perspective of the UE, for deriving UE transmit power. Preferably, the method includes the UE deriving a first pathloss value measured from a first reference signal (1805). In addition, the method includes the UE deriving a second pathloss value measured from a second reference signal (1810). The method also includes the UE transmitting a first UL transmission wherein the UL transmit power of the first UL transmission is derived from the first pathloss value (1815). The method further includes the UE transmitting a second UL transmission wherein the UL transmit power of the second UL transmission is derived from the second pathloss value (1820).