HARQ (Hybrid automatic repeat request)

There are 2 types of HARQ:-

 Synchronous HARQ – Used by uplink transmission.

 Asynchronous HARQ – Used by downlink transmission.
Synchronous HARQ:

Here receiver has knowledge of the packet which is about to come in this subframe
i.e. eNb knows exactly which HARQ no. and RV ue is going to send. eNb determines
them from transmission time.

Asynchronous HARQ:

Here, the sender provides details about which HARQ process it is using. This gives
flexibilty because retransmissions does not have to be scheduled during every
subframe but it increases signalling overhead because sender has to send the
information on a channel.

Asynchronous and synchronous HARQ wrt dl and ul is explained below.

Retransmissions are also of 2 types:-

 Adaptive retransmission,
 Non-adaptive retransmission.
Adaptive Retransmission:

Here, the transmission attributes like MCS, RV, subcarrier on which transmission is
going to occur, does not remain same during each retransmission but are notified by
the sender. These attributes can be changed according to radio channel conditions,
hence, it again provides flexibilty but increases overhead.

Non-adaptive Retransmission:

Here, the transmission attributes remains same during each retransmission.

During Downlink Transmission-

When eNb sends data to UE through PDSCH, UE determines it’s correctness by

checking CRC and report it to eNb through ack/nack bit. If UE also has data to send
and it gets a grant, it’ll send ack/nack on PUSCH alongwith data, otherwise it’ll send
it on PUCCH. eNb can use 8 HARQ processes in any order(asynchronous HARQ) i.e.
retransmissions can occur any time relative to the initial transmission. Therefore, it
needs to send HARQ id for the UE to determine the original transmission
corresponding to which the retransmission is happening. HARQ id is sent in PDCCH.
Downlink supports adaptive transmission i.e. resources are allocated afresh each
time and sent on PDCCH. RV, MCS are notified in DCI 0. RV values are predefined
in specifications (0.2.3.1). CURRENT_IRV is an index into this sequence
Work of HARQ entity includes-

 Maintain a number of HARQ processes.

 Analyze search space to find a downlink grant on PDCCH.
 Send HARQ information to UE through PDSCH , send HARQ Process Id
and RV on PDCCH.
 UE receives the data and finds the HARQ process no. from PDCCH. If it
were a retransmission, it performs soft combining of this data with the data
stored in buffer last time. If it were a new transmission, it buffers the data
and check CRC. It requires 3msec for processing, after 4 msec. If it has data
to send and it has a grant it’ll send ul data alongwith ACK/NACK on
PUSCH, otherwise it sends ACK/NACK on PUCCH

During Uplink Transmission –

When UE sends data in uplink through PUSCH, eNb has to determine it’s
correctness using CRC and inform UE about the ack/nack. eNb sends ack/nack
through PHICH. Each HARQ processes use RR fashion to transmit HARQ, hence,
each transmission and retransmission can be determined from SFN and SF. UE does
not need to send information of RV(synchronous HARQ). Ul can use adaptive or
non-adaptive retransmission. In adaptive ul transmission, MCS and RV are
determined from DCI 0. In non-adaptive ul transmission, the transmission attributes
remain same as in the previous transmission. RV are assigned according to a
predefined sequence- 0,2,3,1. Variable CURRENT_IRV is an index into this
sequence. When eNb does not send a DCI 0 but sends a NACK on PHICH, then UE
performs non-adaptive retransmission.

Work of HARQ entity includes-

 Maintain a number of HARQ processes.

 Analyze search space to find an uplink grant i.e. DCI 0 on PDCCH.
 Calculate HARQ process no. corresponding to this subframe
 Route HARQ information to it.
 eNb receives the data on PUSCH and calculates the HARQ process no. from
tti. If it were a retransmission, it performs soft combining of this data with
the data stored in buffer last time. If it were a new transmission, it buffers
the data and check CRC. It requires 3msec for processing, after 4 msec, it
sends ACK/NACK on PHICH.
Now coming to your question, Synchronous Harq is used in uplink due to below
reasons:-

1. To decrease the signalling overhead( For synchronous harq , harq process id

and RV must be explicitely sent before sending harq data).
2. Due to transmitter anteena restrictions max uplink resources are less as
compared to downlink. So UE uses synchronous harq to decrease signalling
overhead.
LTE Cell Search Procedure

A cell search procedure is used by the UE to acquire time and frequency

synchronization with a LTE cell and UE detects the physical layer Cell ID
(PCI) of that cell. Two cell search procedures in LTE: initial synchronization
and detecting neighbor cells in preparation for handover LTE uses a
hierarchical cell search scheme similar to WCDMA

Step-1: After being powered on, UE tunes the RF and attempts to measure
the wideband received power (RSSI) for specific frequencies (channels as
commanded by higher layer) over a set of supported frequency bands one
after another and ranks those cells based on signal strength.

Step-2: Then it uses downlink synchronization channels i.e. locally stored P-

SS and S-SS to correlate with received one. UE first finds the primary
synchronization signal (PSS) which is located in the last OFDM symbol of first
time slot of the first and 5th sub-frames This enables UE to be synchronized
on sub-frame level.Primary Synchronization Signal helps for Slot Timing
Detection and Physical Layer ID (0,1,2) detection.

Step-3:: secondary synchronization symbols are also located in the same sub-
frame of P-SS but in the symbol before P-SS. From secondary SS, UE is able
to obtain physical layer cell identity group number (0 to 167) It helps for Radio
Frame Timing detection, find Physical Layer Cell ID, cyclic prefix length
detection, FDD or TDD detection. The same is depicted in the LTE cell
search procedure figure below.
  

Step-4: Once UE knows the PCI for a given cell, it also knows the location of
cell Reference signals - which are used for channel estimation, cell selection /
reselection and handover procedures. After channel estimation using
RS(reference signal), MMSE equalization is performed to remove the effect of
channel impairment from the received symbols.
LTE channel

In order that data can be transported across the LTE radio interface, various "channels" are
used. These are used to segregate the different types of data and allow them to be transported
across the radio access network in an orderly fashion.
Effectively the different channels provide interfaces to the higher layers within the LTE protocol
structure and enable an orderly and defined segregation of the data.

3G LTE channel types

There are three categories into which the various data channels may be grouped.

 Physical channels:   These are transmission channels that carry user data and control
messages.
 Transport channels:   The physical layer transport channels offer information transfer to
Medium Access Control (MAC) and higher layers.
 Logical channels:   Provide services for the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer within
the LTE protocol structure.

3G LTE physical channels

The LTE physical channels vary between the uplink and the downlink as each has different
requirements and operates in a different manner.

 Downlink:

o Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH):   This physical channel carries system

information for UEs requiring to access the network. It only carries what is termed
Master Information Block, MIB, messages. The modulation scheme is always
QPSK and the information bits are coded and rate matched - the bits are then
scrambled using a scrambling sequence specific to the cell to prevent confusion
with data from other cells.

The MIB message on the PBCH is mapped onto the central 72 subcarriers or six
central resource blocks regardless of the overall system bandwidth. A PBCH
message is repeated every 40 ms, i.e. one TTI of PBCH includes four radio
frames.

The PBCH transmissions has 14 information bits, 10 spare bits, and 16 CRC bits.
o Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH) :    As the name implies
the PCFICH informs the UE about the format of the signal being received. It
indicates the number of OFDM symbols used for the PDCCHs, whether 1, 2, or 3.
The information within the PCFICH is essential because the UE does not have
prior information about the size of the control region.

A PCFICH is transmitted on the first symbol of every sub-frame and carries a

Control Format Indicator, CFI, field. The CFI contains a 32 bit code word that
represents 1, 2, or 3. CFI 4 is reserved for possible future use.

The PCFICH uses 32,2 block coding which results in a 1/16 coding rate, and it
always uses QPSK modulation to ensure robust reception.
o Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) :   The main purpose of this
physical channel is to carry mainly scheduling information of different types:

 Downlink resource scheduling

 Uplink power control instructions
 Uplink resource grant
 Indication for paging or system information

The PDCCH contains a message known as the Downlink Control Information,

DCI which carries the control information for a particular UE or group of UEs. The
DCI format has several different types which are defined with different sizes. The
different format types include: Type 0, 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, 3A,
and 4.

o Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) :   As the name implies, this
channel is used to report the Hybrid ARQ status. It carries the HARQ ACK/NACK
signal indicating whether a transport block has been correctly received. The
HARQ indicator is 1 bit long - "0" indicates ACK, and "1" indicates NACK.

The PHICH is transmitted within the control region of the subframe and is
typically only transmitted within the first symbol. If the radio link is poor, then the
PHICH is extended to a number symbols for robustness.
 Uplink:

o Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) :   The Physical Uplink Control
Channel, PUCCH provides the various control signalling requirements. There are
a number of different PUCCH formats defined to enable the channel to carry the
required information in the most efficient format for the particular scenario
encountered. It includes the ability to carry SRs, Scheduling Requests.

The basic formats are summarised below:

PUCCH UPLINK CONTROL MODULATION BITS PER SUB- NOTES

FORMAT INFORMATION SCHEME FRAME
Format 1 SR N/A N/A
Format 1a 1 bit HARQ ACK/NACK with BPSK 1
or without SR
Format 1b 2 bit HARQ ACK/NACK with QPSK 2
or without SR
Format 2 CQI/PMI or RI QPSK 20
Format 2a CQI/PMI or RI and 1 bit HARQ QPSK + BPSK 21
ACK/NACK
Format 2b CQI/PMI or RI and 2 bit HARQ QPSK + BPSK 22
ACK/NACK
Format 3 Provides support for
carrier aggregation.

o Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) :   This physical channel found on
the LTE uplink is the Uplink counterpart of PDSCH
o Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) :   This uplink physical channel is
used for random access functions. This is the only non-synchronised
transmission that the UE can make within LTE. The downlink and uplink
propagation delays are unknown when PRACH is used and therefore it cannot be
synchronised.

The PRACH instance is made up from two sequences: a cyclic prefix and a guard
period. The preamble sequence may be repeated to enable the eNodeB to
decode the preamble when link conditions are poor.
LTE transport channels
The LTE transport channels vary between the uplink and the downlink as each has different
requirements and operates in a different manner. Physical layer transport channels offer
information transfer to medium access control (MAC) and higher layers.

 Downlink:

o Broadcast Channel (BCH) :   The LTE transport channel maps to Broadcast
Control Channel (BCCH)
o Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH) :   This transport channel is the main
channel for downlink data transfer. It is used by many logical channels.
o Paging Channel (PCH) :   To convey the PCCH
o Multicast Channel (MCH) :   This transport channel is used to transmit MCCH
information to set up multicast transmissions.

 Uplink:

o Uplink Shared Channel (UL-SCH) :   This transport channel is the main channel
for uplink data transfer. It is used by many logical channels.
o Random Access Channel (RACH) :   This is used for random access
requirements.

LTE logical channels

The logical channels cover the data carried over the radio interface. The Service Access Point,
SAP between MAC sublayer and the RLC sublayer provides the logical channel.

 Control channels: these LTE control channels carry the control plane information:

o Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) :   This control channel provides system
information to all mobile terminals connected to the eNodeB.
o Paging Control Channel (PCCH) :   This control channel is used for paging
information when searching a unit on a network.
o Common Control Channel (CCCH) :   This channel is used for random access
information, e.g. for actions including setting up a connection.
o Multicast Control Channel (MCCH) :   This control channel is used for
Information needed for multicast reception.
 o Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH) :   This control channel is used for carrying
user-specific control information, e.g. for controlling actions including power
control, handover, etc..

 Traffic channels:These LTE traffic channels carry the user-plane data:

o Dedicated Traffic Channel (DTCH) :   This traffic channel is used for the
transmission of user data.
o Multicast Traffic Channel (MTCH) :   This channel is used for the transmission
of multicast data.
It will be seen that many of the LTE channels bear similarities to those sued in previous
generations of mobile telecommunications.
LTE POWER CONTROL
In wireless communications, one of the main challenge is to
adapt the transmitting signal to overcome the variations of the
wireless channel. Wireless channel can have varying channel
response under different conditions.

For a signal to be transmitted successfully from the transmitter to

the receiver, it should adapt to the variations of the wireless
channel. In order to overcome the variations and channel
response between the transmitter (BS) and the receiver (user).
Different techniques can be used.

How to adapt the signal to these channel variations?

 
 In order to adapt signal from the variations of the wireless channel, predefined
procedures exist at Layer 2, and Layer 1 to prepare and massage the signal from
getting corrupted from these variations. We are not going to list all of the ways and
protection mechanisms done at these layers to protect the signal.  However , some
specific ways to overcome these variations include.

 Power control   (Today, we will be talking about this alone. )

 Modulation scheme

 Coding Rate etc.

POWER CONTROL vs. RATE CONTROL

When it comes to Packet switched technologies such as LTE, we are mainly
concerned with Data rate, unless if you are supporting Voice Services  or other
supplementary services i.e., VoLTE etc.

Let’s keep our focus on to Data Services alone for a moment. In order to provide
data services, there can be two approaches to overcome channel variations.

1. Rate Control

2. Power Control

In Power Control:    Transmitted power is varied in accordance with channel quality

as shown in the diagram.  Power is varied w.r.t. channel quality to provide a fixed
data rate.
 

In Rate Control:  Transmitted power remains fixed. However, in order to cope with

variation in channel quality. Modulation and coding schemes are varied to
compensate for channel variations.   In this case data rate is variable, while
transmitted power remains fixed as shown in the picture below.

 
 

POWER CONTROL IN LTE 

 

Let’s focus our discussion on Power Control in LTE for now.

In LTE , Power control takes place both in Downlink and Uplink. They way it takes
place in Downlink and Uplink will become evident in a little bit , as we go further
down the discussion.  However, a picture is worth thousand words. Therefore the
picture below should explain you on Which channels in DL and UL , power control
takes place.

 
 

Downlink Power Control

In case of 4G DL, rather than varying power in the Downlink, full power is distributed
uniformly over the whole bandwidth. The same Power Spectral Density (PSD) is
used on all DL channels. For example, PDSCH, PHICH, PDCCH etc.

How do we calculate PSD?

 

PSD is the power of a signal divided by Bandwidth.

PSD = Power / Bandwidth.

In case of PSD, it is normalized to one resource block.

Note: There are certain channels in DL, where power is varied accordingly. We are
not going to focus on how it is done and why in this topic for the sake of discussion
for now. If you have questions for power control in the Downlink, leave them in
the comments below.
Instead we will focus on UPLINK POWER CONTROL, with the detailed discussion
on Power control on one of the Uplink Channel as an example.

 
 Do we Still Perform Power Control on Uplink (UL)?
As compared to Downlink. In case of Uplink in LTE, Power control is used. As the
battery of the phone(UE) is power limited compared to base station power in the DL.

Uplink power control is used mainly for the following two reasons.

1. limit intracell and intercell interference

2. reduce UE power consumption

How to Perform  Power Control  for the Uplink?

Usually in Uplink. Power control is done in two ways.  One is

 Conventional Power Control

 Fractional Power control.

Conventional Power control is used in attempt to maintain a constant Signal to

Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) at the receiver. UE increases their transmit
power to fully compensate any  increase in path loss. The scheme  is shown in figure
below.
Whereas for fractional Power Control scheme. It allows the received SINR to
decrease as the path loss increases, i.e., the received SINR decreases as the UE
moves towards cell edge. The UE transmit power at a reduced rate as the path loss
increases, when compared to conventional power control, i.e, increase in path loss
are only partially compensated.

Both concepts are shown beautifully in the picture below 

 

What is the advantage of Fractional Power Control ?

Fractional power control scheme improves air-interface efficiency and increase
average cell throughput by reducing intercell interference.

As an example and comparison among the two schemes. UE transmit power and
received power spectral density as a function of path loss are shown below. (The
definition of Alpha and possible values are explained in the post further down
below. )
 UE Transmit Power and Received Power Spectral Density (PSD) as a function of path loss

(Fractional Power Control )

UE Transmit Power and Received Power Spectral Density (PSD) as a function of path loss

( Conventional Power Control )

 
Open Loop and Closed Loop Power Control?
From the perspective of power control, it is important to understand the difference
between Open Loop and Close loop power control.

Open Loop Power Control Diagram.

In case of Open Loop power control. UE will start with the objective to compensate
the path loss. Whether Open Loop Power control is done using Fractional or
Conventional Power Control scheme. It depends on the if they enable Fractional
Power control or disable it.

If fractional power scheme is used , it forms the Open Loop component of power
control.

Open loop power control can maintain target PSD as received by the eNodeB.
However a  disadvantage of Open Loop Power control is, it cannot compensate for
issues like slow fading. Therefore we need to introduce closed loop component.

 
 

Closed Loop Power Control:

Close Loop power control. In this case, the closed loop component is based on
feedback given by eNodeB to the UE.  The receiver in Uplink which is eNodeB will
issue Special Transmit power control command (TPC) to the UE. Based on the TPC,
UE will either increase or decrease its power as instructed to compensate for the
path loss.  Closed loop can compensate for issues such as slow fading.

 
 

Why to have Open Loop and Closed Loop Power Control ?  

If you are asking , why to have two components i.e., open and close loop in the first
place.

Well, a picture is wroth thousand words. Therefore take a look below.

 
  

Enough Background to Accelerate for Power Control on UPLINK IN LTE

If you have read down so far, Congratulations!!!! Now you are done with the
necessary perquisite and background needed to understand Power Control and
procedures in LTE Uplink.

Let’s dig a little deeper to perform power control on Physical Uplink Shared
Channel (PUSCH)  channel.
Keep in mind the function of this PUSCH channel is to

 Carry Data Traffic in the Uplink

 It can also carry signaling traffic in the Uplink, only when signaling and data are
being transmitted at the same time instant in the Uplink.
 

Side Note : For those who don’t want to go through the gory details(for your mind) of
the Power control components and parameters for PUSCH. Do yourself a favor,
scroll all the way down on this article and read the Quick Summary instead (4.4 mins
read) .
 

What factors influence Power Control in Uplink on PUSCH

 
Now you know, what is the functionality and usage of PUSCH channel.

Let’s start with this question. Intuitively think about it.

What factors are going to affect power control on the Uplink for PUSCH.

 
  

Look at the picture above.  You know which channel we are talking about here. We
are talking about PUSCH only. PUSCH = Channel which carries data traffic in the
uplink and can also carry control signaling when required/needed.
 

For this PUSCH channel. Power control will depend upon mainly on the following
factors  (though a lot more shown in picture ) .

 Number of Resources

 MCS

 Path Loss

 UE Max Power
The detailed number of parameters are listed below.

If you feel confused to see a number parameters listed above. Don’t be.

Let’s deal with these parameters on one by one, to keep our attention span sane.

UE MAX POWER
As we know based on UE class category. It cannot transmit more than its maximum
UE power which is commonly 23 dBm for most LTE UEs in the Uplink.
The objective of the eNOdeB is that UE should transmit only enough power in the
uplink in a range which is the minimum required amount. Neither more, nor less than
that.

Transmitting more or less than the required amount causes trouble.

UE Power Max: 23 dBm

Accordingly, there are limits and thresholds specified for transmission in the uplink to
keep UE uplink power in the desired range.  UE power is specified as Pcmax

 
                PCMAX_L ≤ PCMAX ≤ PCMAX_H
Where,

PCMAX_L = lower end of the maximum power UE is allowed to transmit

PCMAX_H       = higher end of the maximum power UE is allowed to transmit.

As an example , if  23 dBm = PCMAX_H  

and 21 dBm = PCMAX_L

in this case UE would be permitted to define its maximum output power using a
value between 23 and 21 dBm.

(Note: If you have specific questions on P_CMAX_L and P_CMAX_H . Put in the
comments below or send an email and we can continue the discussion)
 

Even though if we think intuitively, Higher uplink transmission Power can solve the
Uplink throughput and accessibility and retainability issues problems related to
Performance and Optimization.

However, the downside is,  it will not only drain UE battery,  plus it will result increase
in inter and intra cell interference as well.

Therefore, you need to be careful with the parameters, and different factors affecting
power control. By understanding the big picture and factors involved, you can always
decide and optimum value.

MODELING THE POWER CONTROL on PUSCH

Now let’s come back to the part where we will model the power control equation for
PUSCH channel on LTE in Uplink.

We know that we need to model the power in the uplink to an optimal value between
lowest and highest value.

 
PUSCH Power Conrol 
We know the maximum value is

Pcmax = Pupper

And the minimum value will be equal to the one needed by the UE based on the
calculations and including the factors affecting power control.

With this in mind, for a given subframe ‘i’ the power transmitted for PUSCH can be a
minimum of the two.

PUSCH Transmit Power (i) = min { PUPPER (i), PCALCULATED(i)}

 

Time to Break down, Pcalculated:

Pcalculated is the sum of Open Loop and Close Loop.

Pcalculated (i) = P calculated_open_loop (i) + P calculated_closed_loop(i)

 

Open Loop for PUSCH:

 
Open loop is dependent upon the factors which affect power control. Let’s list the
factors which only affect Open Loop Power control for PUSCH. Mentioned in the
diagram below.

Therefore, arranging the open loop power control factors into an equation , to
consolidate its effect.

P calculated_open_loop = 10*LOG (# of Resource Blocks) + Power needed at

eNodeB +  (Path_Loss* Factor to Enable or Disable Fractional Power Control )
+ MCS
 

Let’s break down the factors discussed in the equation  above into reasonable
expressions for Power Control on PUSCH.

# of Resource Blocks for PUSCH = MPUSCH

MPUSCH is the PUSCH bandwidth during subframe ‘i’ expressed in terms of Resource
Blocks. This variable is used to increase the UE transmit power for larger resource
block allocations.

The UE transmit power is increased in direct proportion to the number of allocated

Resource Blocks.

In other words, the transmit power per Resource Block remains constant if other
factors remain fixed. This is also referred as maintaining a constant power spectral
density

Path Loss = PL
Path loss is the downlink path loss calculated by the UE as a combination of RSRP
measurements and knowledge of the reference signal transmit power

 PL = Reference Signal Transmit Power – RSRP measurements.

 

The Reference signal transmits power is broadcast within SIB 2 and can also be
signaled with an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message. Its value range from -
60 to 50 dBm.

Power needed at eNodeB = Po_PUSCH

Po_PUSCH represents the eNodeB received power per Resource Block assuming a
path loss of 0 dB.

The received power per Resource Block is maintained as the path loss increases
when using conventional power control alone.

The received power per Resource Block is decreased as the path loss increases
when using fractional power control.  (Details are below).

Factor to enable or disable Fractional Power Control   =   α

Alpha (α ) is used to configure the use of fractional power control. This is the same
variable as that used by the eNodeB when calculating P o_PUSCH.
A value of 1 disables fractional power control.

Alpha can have a range of values from

 0,

 0.4,

 0.5,

 0.6,

 0.7,

 0.8,

 0.9,

 1

Modulation and Coding scheme = ∆TF

It increases the UE transmit power when transferring a large number of bits per
Resource Element. This links the UE transmit power to the Modulation and Coding
Scheme (MCS). The number of bits per Resource Element is high when using 64
QAM and a large transport block size. The number of bits per Resource Element is
low when using QPSK and a small transport block size. Increasing the UE transmit
power helps to achieve the SINR requirements associated with higher order
modulation schemes and high coding rates.

Now combining all the expressions listed above into the OPEN LOOP Equation.

 
PCALCULATED_OPEN_LOOP = 10×LOG(MPUSCH) + PO_PUSCH + [PL × ɑ] + ∆TF
 

As for power control, if we want to include the factor to include power control at
subframe (basis)  level. Let’s call the subframe ‘i’.

The above equation will become.

PCALCULATED_OPEN_LOOP(i) = 10×LOG(MPUSCH(i)) + PO_PUSCH(i) + [PL × ɑ(i)] + ∆TF(i)

CLOSED LOOP PORTION

P calculated_closed_loop = f(i)

The closed loop component depends on eNodeB providing feedback to the UE in the
form of Transmit Power Control (TPC) commands.

The close loop portion of the power control depends on the following factors.
  

For those who have firm grip on LTE air interface and control channel structure
scheme of LTE, they will agree that TPC commands are signaled to the UE within
following Downlink Control Information (DCI) formats

 DCI forma 0

 DCI format 3

 DCI format 3A

 DCI format 4

 
Interpretation and application of TPC commands depends on if either accumulation
mode is enabled or not. UE can be instructed about setting it up or not in RRC
messages.

When TPC Accumulation Mode is Enabled:

 

If it is enabled then, closed loop portion is replaced as follows below.

 
f(i) = f(i-1) + δPUSCH (i – KPUSCH)
 

δPUSCH (i – KPUSCH) is the TPC command received during subframe ‘i-Kpusch’.

KPUSCH = 4 for FDD

For TDD. Kpusch is dependent upon the UL-DL subframe configuration and
subframe number.

 
 

When TPC Accumulation Mode is Disabled:

 

In case when TPC is disabled, then feedback close loop equation becomes.

f(i) = + δPUSCH (i – KPUSCH)

 
This mode only uses TPC commands sent on DCI formats 0 and 4.

It has more range of commands compared to accumulation mode, to compensate for

not being able to sum multiple commands over time.

 
  

What is the ROLE OF Po_PUSCH?

 

Let’s repeat the definition of this Po_PUSCH once again.

“Po_PUSCH represents the eNodeB received power per Resource Block assuming
a path loss of 0 dB.
The received power per Resource Block is maintained as the path loss increases
when using conventional power control alone.
The received power per Resource Block is decreased as the path loss increases
when using fractional power control.”
 
eNodeB takes into account the following factor to receive a target power from UE:

 Target SINR

 Interference and noise per Resource Block at the eNB

 UE maximum power to transmit

 Number of allocated resource blocks

 Factor to enable / disable Fractional Power Control.

Keeping above factors in mind. The way to calculate Po_PUSCH is:

PO_PUSCH = ɑ × (SINR + IN) + (1 – ɑ) × (PCMAX – 10 × LOG(MPUSCH))

 

Po_PUSCH Use Cases

 
For Alpha (ɑ) = 1:
Value of Po_PUSCH is smallest

For Alpha (ɑ)  < 1 :

Value of Po_PUSCH increases as value of Alpha. UE transmit power only partially
compensates the path loss when fractional power control is enabled.

For Alpha (ɑ) = 0:

Value of Po_PUSCH is maximum when alpha = 0. Corresponds to maximum
transmit capability of the UE, irrespective of the path loss.

 
  

Po_PUSCH Components:
 

Po_PUSCH depends on two factors as listed in the equation above.

 Po_NOMINAL_PUSCH

 Po_UE_PUSCH

 
Therefore, Po_PUSCH is signaled to the UE as a combination of the above two factors.
In equation form, it can be written as shown below.

 
PO_PUSCH(i) = PO_NOMINAL_PUSCH(i) + PO_UE_PUSCH(i)
 

Nominal: Specifies the cell specific factor / component. Its value can be anywhere
between – 126 to 24 dBm.
 
Po_PUSCH (0) It can be signaled during RRC Connection Setup, RRC Connection
Reconfiguration and RRC Connection Re-establishment messages.
Po_PUSCH(1): It is broadcast in SIB2 or can be signaled within RRC configuration
message.
Po_PUSCH (2): We will not discuss it in this post    
 
Po_UE_PUSCH:  represents the UE specific component.
 
 Performance Engineers Note:  So far we have discussed about the ins and out of
Power control on PUSCH and the factors affecting it. Configuring and changing any
of the above mentioned parameters, will dramatically change any of the following:
 

  power control on PUSCH,

 UE battery consumption,

 interference,

 Performance KPIs such Accessibility, Retainability etc.

In practice, usually the value of P0_NOMINAL is the only one available parameter most
Telecom vendors offer to operators in order to change or configure uplink power
control parameters in Uplink for PUSCH. 
Increasing the value of P0_NOMINAL   avoid interference. It improves uplink throughput
and accessibility but will result in increase of inter cell interference. Therefore, care
should be taken while keeping an eye on network performance when changing this
value.  
 

QUICK SUMMARY    (Approx. 4.4 Minutes Read )

 

Having said enough about PUSCH power control. Let’s go through the quick
summary now and
 review what we have learned so far.

Ready let’s jump right in  !!!

In order to perform power control in the Uplink, keep in mind there are two portions.

 Open Loop Power control

 Closed Loop Power Control.

 
What factors Uplink Power for PUSCH depends on?
Thinking about, on what factors power control depends upon?

To make your life easier. Power control in the uplink on PUSCH channel depends on
the following factors shown below in the picture.

 
 

(In order to understand why power control in Uplink for PUSCH depends on the

factors listed below in the picture. Read the article from the start once again   )

Ideally, uplink power needs to be 0nly minimally required as needed to avoid

interference and decrease UE batter consumption. Therefore, Power on PUSCH is
computed as minimum

among the UE max power and power computed taking factors into account

Power on Uplink PUSCH =  Min (UE max power ,  Power computed through
dependency factors listed above on red canvas )

Writing this mathematically , it becomes.

PPUSCH = min { Pcmax , 10×LOG(MPUSCH(i)) + PO_PUSCH(i) + [PL × ɑ(i)] + ∆TF(i) + f(i)}

 

Where,
1. PCMAX = configured UE transmitted max power defined in TS 36.101

2. Po_PUSCH = Target Power Spectral Density

3. MPUSCH = Number of assigned resource blocks

4. PL = Estimated Downlink Path Loss

5. α = Factor to enable or disable Fractional Power Control (also termed as Cell

Specific factor)

6. f(i) = Closed loop component of Power control (TPC commands)

7. ∆TF    = Modulation and coding scheme (transport format-depending compensation)  

 

Open Loop Portion of the above Equation is Shown as:

 

POPEN_LOOP_PUSCH = min { Pcmax , 10×LOG(MPUSCH(i)) + PO_PUSCH(i) + [PL × ɑ(i)] + ∆TF(i)

 

Closed Loop Portion of the above Equation is Shown as:

 

PCLOSED_LOOP_PUSCH = f(i)
 

 
 

MAIN OPERATION
 

First UE will set up the operating point of Target power to be received by the eNodeB
in the uplink, using Open Loop Power control.

In order to compensate for any effects such as slow fading etc. Close Loop portions
kicks in , once eNodeB gives feedback using TPC commands.

Taking that feedback into account, UE will increase or decrease its power in the
uplink.

 
  

The procedure will run, based on the TPC commands being received. In case of LTE
for uplink. Power control command is received every 5 th sub frame, which means
power control takes place 200 times a second, which is much lesser than previous
technologies, where power control can take place up to 1500 times a second.

Alright good deal.  This quick summary , gives you a high level idea on :

 How power control takes place on PUSCH channel.

 What factors are involved in power control.

 What can be configured to improve performance and/or optimize the network.

 
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Sources:

TS 36.213, TS 36.101, LTE in Bullets, TS 36.331