Crosstalk Cancellation Resource Allocation via Coprocessor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crosstalk cancellation methods in voice and data communication systems, such as POTS and DSL, are inefficient as they require overbuilding processing capacity to handle worst-case scenarios, leading to ineffective cancellation due to interference from signal lines not on the same line interface card.

Innovation Solution

A coprocessor aggregates signal data from multiple line interfaces to apply crosstalk cancellation resources where they are most effective, using signal quality metrics and a variable threshold to allocate resources based on measured interference and noise levels, allowing for iterative optimization of resource distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crosstalk cancellation processing is provided at the line interface card for worst case scenario, then processing capacity is sufficient for maximum interference, but processing resources are dramatically overbuilt and ineffective for actual average conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk cancellation effectivenessVSAvoidprocessing capacity overbuild
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic allocation of crosstalk cancellation resources by the coprocessor, allowing the system to adapt processing capacity to actual interference conditions rather than being fixed at worst-case levels. The coprocessor can adjust which signal lines receive cancellation processing based on measured crosstalk levels, making the system flexible and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coprocessor autonomously manages crosstalk cancellation resource allocation without requiring manual configuration or overprovisioning. It automatically identifies which signal lines need cancellation processing and assigns resources accordingly, enabling the system to serve itself efficiently based on actual needs rather than predetermined capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If crosstalk cancellation is performed only by individual line interface cards, then each card can process its own signal lines, but interference from signal lines on other cards cannot be effectively cancelled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline interface card autonomyVSAvoidcrosstalk cancellation completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the crosstalk cancellation functionality from individual line interface cards into a centralized coprocessor that has access to signal line data from multiple cards. This allows the coprocessor to perform comprehensive cancellation processing that considers interference across card boundaries, eliminating the limitation of isolated card-based processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coprocessor acts as an intermediary between multiple line interface cards, collecting signal line data from various cards and coordinating crosstalk cancellation processing across them. This mediator role enables comprehensive interference cancellation that spans multiple cards while maintaining the operational independence of individual cards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If coprocessor aggregates signal data from multiple line interfaces, then crosstalk cancellation can be applied more effectively across more signal lines, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal quality improvementVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the coprocessor measures crosstalk interference levels on signal lines and uses this information to dynamically allocate cancellation resources. The system continuously monitors signal quality metrics and adjusts resource distribution accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes performance while managing complexity through data-driven decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8848505B1Crosstalk canceller initialization
Publication Date: 2014.09.30 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD
  • US8848505B1 patent drawing
  • US8848505B1 patent drawing
  • US8848505B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for optimizing resource allocation for signal conditioning of DSL or other signal lines includes developing a signal quality metric using crosstalk interference and, optionally, signal to noise level. Use of existing pilot tone training selectively assigned to signal lines allows determination of the signal quality metric. A threshold level is selected and all signal lines having a signal quality metric above the threshold level are assigned crosstalk cancellation resources. Because the total number of signal lines requiring crosstalk cancellation is not known at the beginning, a particular threshold level may result in allocation of more than the available resources or allocation of significantly less than the available resources. When this happens the threshold level may be adjusted and the process repeated until crosstalk cancellation resources are assigned up to a usable limit.