Power Control Overview

1. During handover, MS will access the target cell with the maximum transmitting power (associated
handover command) allowed by the target cell. But if MS power prediction after HO is enable,
then MS will use the optimized power to access the target cell.
2. During intra-cell handover, the current power will be retained.
3. Power control can be implemented on TCH carriers only, BCCH carrier is not allowed power
control. Because MS needs to measure the receiving level of BCCH from the adjacent cell. It will be
inaccurate when power control is performed on BCCH.
4. Power control is performed independently for each channel.


When MS accesses the network via RACH channel, its transmitting power is the MS max. TX
power level get from the system information sent on BCCH. MS send the first message on dedicated
channel also uses the MS max TX power level ,this is not under the control of the system before the
power control command which carried on SACCH of SDCCH or TCH. The implementation procedure is
as follows:

1. According to the uplink receiving level and receiving quality reported by BTS, consider the
maximum transmitting power of MS, BSC calculates the proper transmitting power for the MS.
2. Power control command and the TA value will be transmitted to MS at layer 1 header carried by
each downlink SACCH block.
3. MS receives the power control command carried by SACCH header at the end of each SACCH
report period, Then MS will carry out the command in the beginning of next report period. MS
can change power 2dB per 13 frames (60ms) maximum.
4. After MS executed the power control command, it will set the current power class at the layer 1
message header of the next uplink SACCH, and transmit it to BTS in the measurement report.
Therefore, it will take 3 measurement report periods for the new power class (in each power
control command) to be available.

Note : Each integral SACCH message block (measurement report) is composed of 4 burst. A power
control implementation process in whole takes the time of 3 measurement reports.