Distributed Channel Decoding for UMTS NodeB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current channel decoding methods in communication systems, such as those used in the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), face challenges in achieving better decoding performance without incurring high processing overheads, particularly when using parallel list Viterbi algorithm (PLVA) decoders on NodeB, which can lead to heavy processing loads and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A distributed channel decoding method and apparatus that strategically deploy different levels of channel decoding apparatuses on various network nodes, using a Viterbi decoding algorithm (VA), list Viterbi algorithm (LVA), or parallel list Viterbi algorithm (PLVA) based on CRC check results to determine if a lower level decoding apparatus with superior performance should continue decoding, thereby optimizing processing and reducing overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PLVA decoder is deployed on NodeB to achieve better decoding performance, then decoding performance is improved, but processing load and algorithm overheads increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the decoding process into multiple stages with different algorithms (VA, LVA, PLVA) deployed at different network nodes. Each node performs decoding with a specific algorithm complexity, and results are combined progressively. This segmentation allows the system to achieve PLVA-level performance for critical substreams while using simpler algorithms for less critical data, thereby reducing overall processing load on any single node while maintaining high decoding performance where needed.
2Reliability
If PLVA decoder is deployed on NodeB to achieve better decoding performance, then decoding performance is improved, but algorithm overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different decoding algorithms with appropriate complexity for different substreams based on their importance. Critical substreams (e.g., speech data) use PLVA for high reliability, while less critical substreams use simpler VA or LVA algorithms. This localized application of algorithm complexity reduces overall algorithm overheads while maintaining high decoding performance for the most important data.
3Reliability
If centralized high-performance decoding apparatus is used, then decoding performance is improved, but system flexibility and distribution efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of spatial distribution by deploying decoding apparatus at multiple network nodes (NodeB, RNC, core network) rather than centralizing them. Each node contributes its decoding capabilities to the overall system, creating a distributed hierarchical structure. This dimensional change from centralized to distributed architecture improves system flexibility and adaptability while maintaining high decoding performance through coordinated multi-node operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a channel decoding method and apparatus, and a distributed decoder. A channel decoding apparatus includes: a decoding information acquiring unit, configured to acquire demodulation information of a channel; a channel decoding algorithm unit, configured to decode the demodulation information to obtain current decoding information, and perform a cyclic redundancy check CRC check on the current decoding information to obtain a current decoding CRC check result; and a lower level decoding determining unit, configured to: if the current decoding CRC check result is incorrect and a lower level channel decoding apparatus exists, determine that the lower level channel decoding apparatus continues to decode the demodulation information, where decoding performance of a channel decoding algorithm unit in the lower level channel decoding apparatus is superior to decoding performance of the channel decoding algorithm unit in the channel decoding apparatus. The embodiments of the present invention further disclose a channel decoding method and a distributed decoder.