Dynamic Symbol Period Assignment in Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power line communication networks, selecting a single symbol period for efficient data transmission is challenging due to varying data amounts and channel characteristics among endpoints, which can lead to inadequate performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjust symbol periods based on signal-to-noise measures and data update rates for each endpoint, allowing for continuous monitoring and adaptation to changes in signal and channel characteristics, ensuring reliable data recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single symbol period is selected for all endpoints, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission efficiency and reliability deteriorate due to varying data amounts and channel characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single symbol period into multiple discrete symbol period options (e.g., 1ms, 2ms, 4ms, 8ms, 16ms, 32ms, 64ms, 128ms, 256ms, 512ms, 1s, 2s, 4s, 8s, 16s, 32s, 64s, 128s, 256s, 512s, 1024s). Each endpoint can be assigned a specific symbol period from this set based on its data update rate requirements and channel characteristics, allowing tailored optimization without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic symbol period adjustment where the symbol period assigned to each endpoint can be changed over time based on varying channel conditions and data update requirements. The system monitors signal-to-noise measures and data update rates, then adapts the symbol period assignment to maintain optimal transmission reliability under changing conditions.
2Reliability
If symbol periods are dynamically adjusted for each endpoint, then transmission efficiency and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the symbol period parameter based on measurable system conditions including signal-to-noise ratio and data update rate. By linking symbol period selection to these objective parameters, the system achieves adaptive optimization through rule-based adjustments rather than complex heuristic algorithms, managing complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors transmission performance metrics (signal-to-noise measures, data update rates) and uses this information to adjust symbol period assignments. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adaptation to changing conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex decision-making logic.
3Device complexity
If a fixed symbol period is used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to changing channel characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static symbol period assignment into a dynamic system that automatically adapts to changing channel characteristics. The symbol period for each endpoint is no longer fixed but can be adjusted in response to varying signal-to-noise measures and data update rate requirements, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the symbol period to vary based on measured channel conditions. The system monitors signal-to-noise ratio and data update rate, then adjusts the symbol period parameter accordingly, providing adaptability to changing environmental conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through discrete parameter options.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dynamically selecting symbol periods for communications signals and recovering symbols from the communications signals. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a plurality of communications signals over a plurality of different communications channels and determining symbol period end times for the communications signals used in a power line communication (PLC) network. A determination is made that a present time is coincident with an end of a sample period for the communications signals and that an end of the symbol period for the communications signals received over at least one of the communications channels is coincident with the present time. In turn, data are provided that represent a symbol received over each communications channel for which an end of the symbol period is coincident with the present time.