APSK Constellation Bit Labeling for Satellite Power Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in satellite transmission, face challenges in optimizing power consumption and performance due to limitations in signal constellation designs and bit labeling, which affect the efficiency of higher order modulation schemes.

Innovation Solution

The development of improved signal constellation designs, such as 8-ary, 16-ary, and 32-ary APSK constellations with specific bit labeling configurations, including 1+7APSK, 6+10APSK, 16+16APSK, and 4+12+16APSK, that optimize power usage and performance by arranging constellation points for minimal average energy while maintaining adequate distance between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional signal constellation designs (e.g., DVB-S2 16-APSK, 32-APSK) are used, then transmission compatibility and standard compliance are maintained, but power consumption is higher and performance is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcompatibility with existing standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of signal constellation designs by introducing new ring structures (e.g., 4+12+20-APSK, 8+16+24-APSK) and optimizing phase positions and amplitude levels. These parameter modifications enable lower power consumption and improved performance while maintaining compatibility with existing satellite communication standards through careful design of the constellation geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The signal constellation is segmented into multiple rings with different numbers of phase positions (e.g., inner ring with 4 positions, middle ring with 12 positions, outer ring with 20 positions). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each ring's contribution to power efficiency and data transmission, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and standard compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If higher order modulation (e.g., 64-QAM, 256-QAM) is employed to increase data rate, then transmission bandwidth efficiency improves, but power consumption increases and signal detection becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional QAM constellations to multi-ring APSK constellations with varying phase positions and amplitude levels. This dimensional reorganization allows achieving high data rates (e.g., 6 bits per symbol) while distributing signal points more efficiently in the complex plane, reducing average power requirements and improving detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The signal constellation employs asymmetric ring structures where different rings have different numbers of phase positions (e.g., 4, 12, 20) rather than uniform distribution. This asymmetric design optimizes the trade-off between data rate and power consumption by placing more points in regions that require lower transmit power while maintaining adequate spacing for reliable detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Use of energy by moving object

If signal constellation points are placed closer together to reduce average power, then power consumption decreases, but signal detection accuracy deteriorates due to reduced distance between points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaverage signal powerVSAvoidsignal detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different rings in the constellation are designed with locally optimized properties: inner rings use fewer phase positions with larger angular separation for robust detection, while outer rings use more positions for higher data rate. This local quality variation allows the system to achieve low average power consumption while maintaining adequate detection accuracy in each local region of the constellation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-ring constellation structure nests multiple concentric rings with different numbers of phase positions (e.g., 4+12+20-APSK). Each nested ring contributes differently to the overall performance, with inner rings providing robust low-power transmission and outer rings enabling higher data rates. This nesting allows the system to achieve both low average power and good detection accuracy simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2605437B1Method and apparatus for improved high order modulation
Publication Date: 2017.02.22 HUGHES NETWORK SYST
  • EP2605437B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2605437B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2605437B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Methods, systems and software are provided for high order signal modulation based on improved signal constellation and bit labeling designs for enhanced performance characteristics, including decreased power consumption. According to the improved signal constellation and bit labeling designs for enhanced performance characteristics, designs for 8-ary, 16-ary, 32-ary and 64-ary signal constellations are provided. According to an 8-ary constellation, improved bit labeling and bit coordinates are provided for a 1+7APSK signal constellation. According to a 16-ary constellation, improved bit labeling and bit coordinates are provided for a 6+10APSK signal constellation. According to three 32-ary constellations, improved bit labeling and bit coordinates are provided for a 16+16APSK signal constellation and two 4+12+16APSK signal constellations. According to two 64-ary constellations, improved bit labeling and bit coordinates are provided for an 8+16+20+20APSK signal constellation and a 12+16+16+20APSK signal constellation.