Uplink RF Requirement Switching for Coverage and Power Trade-Offs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing uplink transmissions due to limited user equipment transmission power, which can deplete battery life and cause interference, while adhering to stringent radio frequency performance requirements.

Innovation Solution

A network node determines and indicates whether to apply a first or second set of minimum radio frequency performance requirements for uplink transmissions, allowing devices to use relaxed requirements in specific conditions, such as near cell edges or initial access, to optimize power usage and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If user equipment increases transmission power to improve uplink coverage, then coverage area is improved, but battery life is depleted faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the radio frequency performance requirements adjustable rather than fixed. The network node dynamically selects between different sets of MRFPR (first set with stricter requirements, second set with relaxed requirements) based on current uplink transmission conditions, allowing the system to adapt power requirements in real-time to balance coverage and battery consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the radio frequency performance parameters (such as error vector magnitude and in-band emissions limits) between two defined sets. By switching between these parameter sets, the network can allow higher transmit power when using relaxed parameters without permanently compromising system performance, thus extending battery life while maintaining coverage when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If user equipment increases transmission power to improve uplink coverage, then coverage area is improved, but interference with neighboring transmissions increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The network node dynamically adjusts the applicable MRFPR set based on current network conditions and interference levels. When interference is high, the network can enforce stricter requirements (first set), and when conditions permit, relaxed requirements (second set) are applied, creating a dynamic balance between coverage extension and interference control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the radio frequency performance parameters between two defined sets, the system can control the trade-off between transmit power and interference. The relaxed parameter set allows higher power for coverage while the stricter set limits interference, and the network switches between them based on conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If relaxed radio frequency performance requirements are applied, then power efficiency is improved, but signal quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between strict and relaxed MRFPR sets based on current transmission conditions. When relaxed requirements are applied to improve power efficiency, the network can switch back to strict requirements if signal quality deteriorates, ensuring that reliability is maintained when needed while allowing power efficiency improvements when conditions permit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the radio frequency performance parameters between two defined sets, where the second set has relaxed parameters that improve power efficiency. The network node controls which set is applied, allowing temporary relaxation of parameters to improve power efficiency while maintaining the ability to enforce strict parameters to preserve signal quality when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3524021B1Applying minimum radio frequency performance requirements to uplink transmissions
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3524021B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3524021B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3524021B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

There is provided applying minimum radio frequency performance requirements to uplink transmission, when there are multiple possible multiple sets of minimum radio frequency performance requirements. A network node determines a condition for applying a first set of minimum radio frequency performance requirements or a second set for minimum radio frequency performance requirements by a device for uplink transmissions in a given radio technology. The network node transmits an indication to the device indicating whether the first set or the second set of requirements can be applied for subsequent uplink transmissions.