FEC Decoder Gating Using Predicted Code Block Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In broadband wireless networks, the inefficient operation of forward error correction (FEC) decoders in receivers leads to significant power consumption and reduced battery life in mobile wireless communications devices, especially under poor signal conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for FEC avoidance in a communications device that determines a reliability metric for received code blocks and disables the FEC decoder when the metric is below a threshold, conserving power by predicting decoding success, and uses a HARQ unit to request retransmissions when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the FEC decoder operates on all received code blocks, then decoding reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing channel quality estimation and decoding success probability prediction before the FEC decoder operates. The receiver estimates channel quality metrics and predicts whether decoding will succeed, then selectively enables or disables the FEC decoder based on this prediction. This preliminary assessment prevents unnecessary decoder operations that would consume power, while ensuring the decoder is activated when needed to maintain decoding reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the FEC decoder operates continuously, then decoding success probability is maintained, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding success probabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the FEC decoder operation dynamic rather than static. The receiver continuously monitors channel quality metrics and adjusts decoder operation in real-time based on current conditions. When channel quality is good and decoding success probability is high, the decoder may be skipped. When channel quality degrades and decoding success probability drops below a threshold, the decoder is activated. This dynamic adaptation optimizes battery life while maintaining adequate decoding success probability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the FEC decoder processes code blocks in poor signal conditions, then decoding attempts are made, but power is wasted on low-probability decodings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding attempt completenessVSAvoidwasted power
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using channel quality estimation results to control decoder operation. The receiver estimates channel quality metrics from the received signal, uses these metrics to predict decoding success probability, and feeds this information back to the decoder control logic. This feedback loop enables intelligent decision-making about whether to activate the decoder, preventing waste of power on code blocks with very low decoding success probability while ensuring attempts are made when conditions are favorable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10256945B2Forward error correction decoding avoidance based on predicted code block reliability
Publication Date: 2019.04.09 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • US10256945B2 patent drawing
  • US10256945B2 patent drawing
  • US10256945B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and device for performing Hforward error (FEC) correction avoidance based upon predicted block code reliability in a communications device is provided. An avoidance unit comprising a metric computation unit and a decision unit generates a reliability metric based upon a received code block. The reliability metric is compared to a reliability threshold, and the forward error correction decoder in the communications device is disabled if the metric is below or equal to the threshold.