Uplink Reference Signal Power Control in Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous wireless communication networks, existing methods for uplink reference signal transmission face challenges in accurately estimating pathloss and interference, particularly in scenarios with significant link imbalance between macro and pico cells, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for transmitting uplink reference signals with time-dependent power control settings, allowing for varying transmit power values at different time instants to enhance network-centric measurements, such as pathloss estimation and channel estimation, without significantly increasing interference or energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uplink reference signals are transmitted with high power to improve measurement accuracy in heterogeneous networks, then pathloss estimation accuracy is improved, but interference to other cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmit power of uplink reference signals time-dependent rather than constant. The power control setting changes over time, allowing high power during periods when measurements are needed and low power during other periods, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and interference generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting uplink reference signals with varying power levels at different time instants according to a time-dependent power control setting. This periodic variation in transmit power allows the system to achieve accurate measurements at specific times while minimizing interference at other times
2Reliability
If uplink reference signals are transmitted continuously at high power to maintain accurate channel estimation, then channel estimation reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by transmitting reference signals with high power only at specific time instants when channel estimation is needed, rather than continuously. This periodic high-power transmission maintains estimation reliability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing time-dependent power control that adjusts transmit power based on when measurements are actually needed. The power control setting varies over time, allowing the system to maintain reliability during measurement periods while conserving energy during non-measurement periods
3Object-generated harmful factors
If static frequency separation is used between macro and pico cells to avoid interference, then interference coordination is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static frequency separation to dynamic time-dependent power control. Instead of permanently allocating different frequencies to macro and pico cells, the system dynamically adjusts reference signal transmit power over time, allowing both layers to use the same frequency resources while managing interference through temporal power variation, thus improving resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the transmit power parameter of uplink reference signals as a function of time. This parameter change allows the system to achieve interference coordination without requiring static frequency separation, enabling more flexible and efficient resource utilization across macro and pico cells
Data Source
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AI summary
A method in a wireless device (900) of transmitting uplink reference signals from the wireless device (900) in a wireless communication network (100) to enable network- centric measurements comprises obtaining power control information defining a time- dependent power control setting for said uplink reference signals. The method also comprises determining transmit power values for the uplink reference signals according to the time-dependent power control setting, to provide uplink reference signals of different transmit power values at different time instants. The method further comprises transmitting the uplink reference signals with the determined transmit power values according to the time-dependent power control setting.