Channel Bonding Throughput via Segmented Training Sequences

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-frequency wireless communication systems, such as those operating in the 60 GHz band, face challenges with high atmospheric attenuation and free space loss, which can be compensated by using phased arrays, but channel bonding techniques struggle with efficient channel estimation and antenna configuration, particularly when coexisting with legacy devices.

Innovation Solution

The use of channel estimation training sequences, including Golay sequences and complementary codes, to facilitate channel bonding and beamforming, allowing receivers to switch from omnidirectional to directional modes for improved link budget and throughput in multi-channel environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If channel bonding is implemented to increase bandwidth, then throughput is improved, but channel estimation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidchannel estimation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel estimation process by using separate training sequences for each bonded channel. Each channel's training sequence is transmitted independently, allowing the receiver to estimate each channel's impulse response separately through correlation operations. This segmentation reduces the overall estimation complexity compared to treating the bonded channels as a single complex channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting channel estimation training sequences before actual data transmission on each bonded channel. These training sequences (including Golay sequences and complementary codes) are sent in advance to establish channel impulse responses, enabling the receiver to have channel state information ready before receiving data, thus simplifying the overall communication process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If phased arrays are used to compensate for high atmospheric attenuation, then signal loss is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatmospheric attenuationVSAvoidphased array complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the antenna configuration universal by enabling it to operate in multiple modes: omnidirectional mode for initial detection and directional mode for optimized communication. The same antenna array can switch between these modes based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate antenna systems for different functions and reducing overall device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the antenna configuration to dynamically switch between omnidirectional and directional modes. The receiver can adapt its antenna beamforming based on the detected signal characteristics and channel conditions, optimizing performance while managing complexity through adaptive rather than static configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If legacy devices are supported in multi-channel environments, then compatibility is improved, but signal detection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelegacy device compatibilityVSAvoidsignal detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces training sequences as an intermediary element that facilitates communication between legacy devices and modern channel bonding systems. These known sequences are transmitted on each bonded channel, allowing legacy devices to detect and synchronize to the signal without needing to understand the full channel bonding protocol, thus mediating the interaction between different device generations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling legacy devices to autonomously detect and synchronize to transmissions using correlation-based detection of training sequences. The legacy devices can independently identify channel characteristics and adjust their reception parameters without requiring complex coordination with the channel bonding system, reducing the detection burden on the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3427407B1Technique for increasing throughput for channel bonding
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3427407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3427407B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3427407B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for performing communications using a bonded channel across multiple channels.