Dual Equalizer Signal Selection for Inter-Cell Interference Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE mobile radio communication networks, signal interference between base stations can lead to decreased data rates, particularly for short information bit transmission channels like the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), where effective signal processing methods are needed to mitigate inter-cell interference.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a receiver, first and second equalizers, and calculating circuits that process signals assuming either the presence or absence of inter-cell interference, generating equalized signal sets with predefined characteristics, allowing a selecting circuit to choose the appropriate signal set for further processing based on calculated characteristics, thereby reducing block error rates and improving data reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single equalization process is used for all signal conditions, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying interference levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblock error rateVSAvoidequalization process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The equalization process is segmented into multiple distinct modes (first equalization process assuming interference presence, second equalization process assuming interference absence). Each mode is optimized for specific interference conditions, allowing the system to achieve high reliability across varying signal conditions without requiring a single complex universal equalizer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different equalization processes based on the detected interference conditions. The selecting circuit adapts the equalization approach in real-time based on signal characteristics, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across changing radio environment conditions without fixed complex processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If interference is always assumed present during equalization, then reliability improves in interfering conditions, but productivity deteriorates due to suboptimal processing in clean signal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing reliabilityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the equalization parameters and processing approach based on the detected presence or absence of inter-cell interference. By adjusting the equalization model parameters according to actual signal conditions, the system achieves optimal balance between reliability and processing efficiency for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses signal characteristics as feedback to determine which equalization process to apply. The selecting circuit receives information about the signal condition and feeds back the appropriate equalization mode, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes both reliability and productivity based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple equalization processes are implemented, then adaptability to different interference scenarios improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference scenario adaptabilityVSAvoidequalizer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device implements multiple equalization processes that can be universally applied across different interference scenarios. Each equalization process is designed to handle specific conditions (interference present/absent) while maintaining a structured approach that reduces overall system complexity through modular design.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of signal characteristics to determine the appropriate equalization process before actual signal processing. This preliminary action (interference detection) guides the selection of pre-designed equalization modes, avoiding the need for complex real-time equalization algorithm generation and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3139528B1Communication device and method for signal determination in radio communication
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 INTEL CORP
  • EP3139528B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3139528B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3139528B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication device is provided including a receiver to receive a signal set. A first equalizer equalizes the signal set in accordance with a first equalization process taking into account that the signal set includes an inter cell interference signal, thereby generating a first equalized signal set. A first calculating circuit is configured to calculate a predefined characteristic of the first equalized signal set. A second equalizer equalizes the signal set in accordance with a second equalization process taking into account that the signal set is free from an inter cell interference signal, thereby generating a second equalized signal set. A second calculating circuit is configured to calculate a predefined characteristic of the second equalized signal set. A selecting circuit is configured to select the first equalized signal set or the second equalized signal set for further processing based on the determined predefined characteristics.