16QAM LDPC Puncturing Patterns for Flexible Codeword Lengths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LDPC code systems, such as DVB-S2, are limited to only two codeword lengths, which restricts their extendibility and flexibility, particularly in high-order modulation communication systems where various data rates are required, and storing independent parity-check matrices for each codeword length reduces memory efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to generate LDPC codes with various codeword lengths using a given parity-check matrix through puncturing or shortening techniques, allowing for efficient support of different data rates without the need for new parity-check matrices, by applying specific puncturing patterns that consider the structural characteristics of the DVB-S2 LDPC code and the modulation scheme.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent parity-check matrices are stored for each codeword length, then decoding performance is maintained, but memory efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding performanceVSAvoidmemory usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single parity-check matrix that can serve multiple codeword lengths through puncturing and shortening techniques. The base parity-check matrix of size 16200×10800 can generate various codeword lengths (e.g., 8100, 12150, 14400) by selectively puncturing or shortening, eliminating the need to store separate matrices for each length while maintaining decoding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the effective size and structure of the parity-check matrix through puncturing (removing columns) and shortening (removing rows and corresponding columns) operations. These parameter modifications allow a single base matrix to adapt to different codeword lengths and code rates, reducing memory requirements while preserving error correction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If LDPC codes are limited to two fixed codeword lengths, then implementation is simplified, but adaptability to different data rates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation complexityVSAvoidflexibility for various data rates
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the LDPC code system to adaptively adjust codeword length and code rate based on channel conditions and data rate requirements. Through controlled puncturing and shortening of the base parity-check matrix, the system can dynamically generate appropriate code parameters without changing the fundamental matrix structure, achieving both simplicity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses segmentation by dividing the base parity-check matrix into column groups that can be selectively punctured. The matrix is structured with 360 column groups of 45 columns each, allowing flexible combination of punctured and non-punctured groups to achieve different codeword lengths while maintaining the overall matrix framework, thus balancing implementation simplicity with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If puncturing patterns are optimized for specific modulation formats, then decoding performance is improved, but complexity of determining appropriate patterns increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding performanceVSAvoidcomplexity of determining puncturing patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by developing modulation-specific puncturing patterns that optimize the puncturing ratio and distribution according to the characteristics of different modulation schemes (e.g., QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM). Each modulation format has optimized patterns that account for its bit reliability characteristics, improving decoding performance while the patterns themselves are predetermined to avoid real-time complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-determining and storing optimized puncturing patterns for different modulation formats and code rates. These patterns are calculated in advance based on modulation-specific characteristics and stored for direct application during encoding, eliminating the need for complex real-time optimization while achieving near-optimal decoding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3490157B1Modulation format specific puncturing pattern for LDPC codes in combination with 16qam
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3490157B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3490157B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3490157B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for channel encoding and decoding in a communication system using punctured Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) code is provided. The puncturing pattern depends on the modulation scheme and is based on puncturing of parity bit sets that reflect the properties of the LDPC codes, which are preferably LDPC codes as defined in the context of the DVB-S2 specification.