Power control optimization: PCMAX, P0, alpha, TPC commands

UL Power Control Fundamentals

Uplink power control determines how much transmit power the UE uses. The goal is to ensure the signal arrives at the gNB with sufficient quality while minimizing interference to neighboring cells and conserving UE battery. The UE maximum transmit power (PCMAX) is the regulatory limit — typically 23 dBm (200 mW) for commercial UEs in most bands. The UE will never exceed this regardless of power control commands. For some bands like n77/n78/n79 with power class 2, higher power of 26 dBm is specified for improved uplink coverage. Open-loop power control sets initial transmit power using a…