Method and apparatus for uplink transmit power adjustment

A user equipment for use in a wireless communication system, the user equipment comprising a plurality of antennas adapted for simultaneous uplink transmission and transmit power control circuits configured to control the transmit power of the plurality of antennas, wherein the transmit power control circuits are configured to perform a first transmit power adjustment phase that comprises:

• decreasing the transmit power of a selected antenna by a selected decrease amount during a first measurement period, wherein the transmit power of the selected antenna prior to the decrease was lower than or equal to the transmit power of another antenna of the plurality of antennas;
• analyzing a plurality of transmit power control (TPC) commands corresponding to the first measurement period to determine a result of the decreased transmit power of the selected antenna as indicated by a change in received power at a base station;
• completing the first transmit power adjustment phase by selectively (i) resuming the transmit power of the selected antenna prior to the decrease if the result of the decreased transmit power is above or equal to a decrease threshold value or (ii) continuing the uplink transmission with the decreased transmit power of the selected antenna if the result of the decreased transmit power indicates a change in received power at the base station that is below the decrease threshold value.