EDMG Frame Structure for AGC and Channel Estimation in Bonded OFDM

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current OFDM frame transmission systems lack efficient mechanisms for automatic gain control (AGC), timing alignment, and channel estimation, particularly in bonded-channel and MIMO configurations, which hinders optimal reception and decoding.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves generating frames with distinct portions decodable by different protocols, including legacy and new protocol devices, utilizing Extended Directional Multigigabit (EDMG) Headers and training sequences like EDMG STF-A, EDMG STF-B, and EDMG CEF, to facilitate AGC, timing setup, and channel estimation across single-channel and bonded-channel OFDM and MIMO transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If legacy OFDM frame formats are used, then compatibility with existing devices is maintained, but AGC, timing, and channel estimation performance is insufficient for bonded-channel and MIMO configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAGC and channel estimation performanceVSAvoidProtocol compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into distinct portions: a legacy portion containing traditional fields that legacy devices can decode, and a new portion containing EDMG-specific fields (EDMG STF-A for AGC, EDMG STF-B for timing, EDMG CEF for channel estimation) that enable enhanced performance for bonded-channel and MIMO operations while maintaining backward compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary protocol version is introduced that includes both legacy-compatible fields and new EDMG fields. This intermediary format allows legacy devices to process the legacy portion while new devices can utilize the enhanced EDMG portion, serving as a bridge between old and new systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If higher modulation schemes and channel bonding are implemented, then data throughput increases, but device complexity and protocol requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveData throughputVSAvoidProtocol implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Training sequences (EDMG STF-A, EDMG STF-B, EDMG CEF) are transmitted in advance before the actual data transmission. These preliminary sequences allow the receiver to pre-adjust AGC, timing, and channel estimation parameters, simplifying the processing of subsequent high-throughput bonded-channel and MIMO data transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces new frame parameters and fields specific to EDMG operations, including modulation and coding scheme (MCS) indicators, spatial stream information, and channel bonding configuration fields. These parameter changes enable higher throughput while providing structured guidance for device implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3424192B1Apparatus and method for transmitting single channel, bonded channel, and MIMO OFDM frames with fields to facilitate AGC, timing, and channel estimation
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3424192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3424192B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3424192B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for wireless communications. The apparatus includes a processing system configured to generate a single-channel frame, a bonded channel frame, or a MIMO channel frame. Each of the frame types includes a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being decodable by a first device operating according to a first protocol, said second portion not being decodable by the first device, wherein the first and second portions are decodable by a second device operating according to a second protocol; and an interface configured to output the frame for transmission. The second portion includes a first field including frequency-domain PRBS data for AGC, a second field including a time-domain sequence for timing of input sample window for FFT processing, and a third field including frequency-domain pilots for channel estimation. For MIMO, these fields for different transmit chains are transmitted in a time aligned manner.