Beamforming Precoder for Power Line Communications EMI Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

MIMO and MISO communications systems face challenges in optimizing data throughput while adhering to electromagnetic interference (EMI) regulatory limits, particularly in power line communications, where signal interference and noise levels need to be managed effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a beamforming precoding/decoding scheme using singular value decomposition (SVD) to decompose the channel matrix, allowing for the reduction of interfering signal levels and optimization of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by configuring the transmission channel to achieve parallel and independent paths, and applying this scheme not only for payload data but also for synchronization data and training symbols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If beamforming is used to increase bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio, then data throughput is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases beyond regulatory limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmitted signal into multiple parallel independent paths through SVD decomposition of the channel matrix. Each path carries a portion of the data throughput while the beamforming weights control the spatial distribution of electromagnetic energy, allowing throughput optimization independent of EMI at monitored locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing signal characteristics at specific locations. The beamforming weights are calculated to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver while simultaneously minimizing electromagnetic interference at monitored locations, creating location-specific signal quality optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If signal levels are increased to improve data throughput, then productivity increases, but electromagnetic interference exceeds regulatory limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of signal transmission by introducing beamforming weights that independently control signal level at the receiver versus electromagnetic interference at monitored locations. This allows optimization of data throughput through parameter adjustment without proportionally increasing EMI

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If beamforming weights are optimized for maximum data throughput, then productivity improves, but signal-to-noise ratio at monitored locations increases causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidinterference at monitored locations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing signal characteristics at specific locations. The beamforming weights are calculated to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver while simultaneously minimizing electromagnetic interference at monitored locations, creating location-specific signal quality optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of signal transmission by introducing beamforming weights that independently control signal level at the receiver versus electromagnetic interference at monitored locations. This allows optimization of data throughput through parameter adjustment without proportionally increasing EMI

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2909951B1Communications device and method for transmitting at least two parallel transmit signals
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2909951B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2909951B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP2909951B1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

A communications device is provided including a transmitter unit configured to transmit at least two transmit signals via a transmission channel; a precoder unit configured to beamform the transmit signals based on a precode matrix that is adapted to reduce a signal level at at least one location in an area of the transmission channel; and an amplifier adapted to amplify at least one of the transmit signals to a value that results in a signal level at the at least one location that is below a predetermined signal level. A corresponding method for transmitting at least two parallel transmit signals is provided as well.