4G ALE Handshake Using TLC Block Lookup for Faster Link Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 4G Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) protocols for high-frequency radios face challenges in balancing call linking time and data rate, as they often require lengthy handshakes to determine signal quality, which can be inefficient and delay data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that uses a lookup table to optimize the number of Transmit Level Control (TLC) blocks during the ALE handshake, allowing for faster call linking by using a small number of blocks to reduce time and determining signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance with a larger number of blocks to ensure data quality, thereby negotiating a suitable data rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large number of TLC blocks are used during ALE handshake, then signal quality measurement accuracy is improved, but call linking time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal quality measurement accuracyVSAvoidcall linking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TLC blocks into two distinct sets: a first set used during the ALE handshake phase for initial link establishment, and a second set used during the data transfer phase for optimized performance. This segmentation allows the system to use fewer blocks during handshake (reducing time) while maintaining the ability to measure signal quality accurately during data transfer when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adapts the number of TLC blocks used based on the operational phase. During ALE handshake, the system uses a smaller number of blocks from the first set to reduce linkage time. During data transfer, the system switches to using blocks from the second set to optimize data rate and signal quality measurement. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If more TLC blocks are transmitted during ALE handshake, then data rate negotiation accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rate negotiation accuracyVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides TLC blocks into two sets with different characteristics. The first set contains blocks optimized for quick transmission during ALE handshake, while the second set contains blocks optimized for accurate data rate negotiation during data transfer. This segmentation enables the system to prioritize speed during handshake and accuracy during data transfer, resolving the contradiction between negotiation accuracy and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the TLC blocks between different operational phases. By switching from the first set of blocks to the second set, the system changes the transmission parameters to better suit data rate negotiation requirements, thereby improving accuracy without permanently reducing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If ALE handshake uses standard protocol, then compatibility is maintained, but call linking time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcall linking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TLC blocks into two sets that can be selectively used. The first set maintains compatibility with standard ALE handshake protocols, while the second set optimizes for reduced call linking time during data transfer. This segmentation allows the system to maintain protocol compatibility when needed while achieving faster linkage times during actual data communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3855863B1System and method for 4g automatic link establishment protocol enhancement
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC
  • EP3855863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3855863B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3855863B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for 4G Automatic Link Establishment protocol enhancement may include, but is not limited to, determining a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value with a called participating unit (called PU) from a first protocol data unit (PDU) including a first number of transmit level control (TLC) blocks transmitted by a calling participating unit (calling PU), determining a second SNR value corresponding to the first SNR value from a lookup table stored on the called PU, determining a third SNR value with the calling PU from a second PDU including a second number of TLC blocks transmitted by the called PU, determining a fourth SNR value corresponding to the third SNR value from a lookup table stored on the calling PU, and determining a fifth SNR value with the called PU from a third PDU including a third number of TLC blocks transmitted by the calling PU.