Dynamic Frame Structure for Millimeter-Wave Wireless Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current millimeter-wave wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting multiple header rates and PHY modes, particularly for low-power devices, due to the lack of adaptability in frame structures, which leads to increased power consumption and decoding difficulties in synchronizing with superframes.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an improved frame structure that supports multiple header rates and PHY modes by using Golay codes with varying lengths and SFD code blocks, along with a timestamp for efficient superframe timing detection, enabling devices to differentiate between single carrier and OFDM packets and adapt preamble lengths based on data rates, reducing spectral lines and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed frame structure is used in millimeter-wave wireless communication systems, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different PHY modes and header rates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structure complexityVSAvoidsupport for multiple PHY modes and header rates
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is made dynamic by introducing variable-length Golay codes (different code lengths) and multiple SFD code blocks that can be selectively used based on the PHY mode and data rate requirements. This allows the same basic frame structure to adapt to different communication scenarios without requiring multiple completely different frame designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes key parameters of the frame structure including the length of Golay codes, the number and position of SFD code blocks, and the use of timestamps. These parameter variations enable the system to support multiple PHY modes (single carrier and OFDM) and different header rates while maintaining a unified frame structure approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If traditional frame structures are used without optimized timing detection, then device simplicity is maintained, but power consumption increases due to inefficient superframe synchronization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization mechanism complexityVSAvoidpower consumption for superframe synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The SFD code blocks are placed at predetermined positions within the frame structure, allowing devices to quickly locate and synchronize to superframe boundaries without extensive searching. This preliminary positioning of synchronization markers reduces the time and energy required for superframe synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The timestamp field acts as an intermediary that carries explicit timing information, enabling receiving devices to accurately determine superframe boundaries and timing without complex correlation or search algorithms. This intermediary element simplifies the synchronization process and reduces power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If Golay codes with varying lengths are used to support multiple header rates, then adaptability to different data rates is improved, but decoding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for varying header ratesVSAvoiddecoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is segmented into distinct parts with clear delimiters (SFD code blocks) that separate the header from the data payload. This segmentation allows receiving devices to efficiently identify and process different code lengths without having to analyze the entire frame structure, reducing decoding complexity while maintaining support for multiple header rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2534922B1Method and apparatus for signaling transmission characteristics in a wireless communication network
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2534922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2534922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2534922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless network uses an improved frame structure to increase timing acquisition capabilities as well as reduction of spectral lines. In one aspect, the frame packet can be used to communicate the different modes of operation under which the packet was created.