Hierarchical Modulation for MBSFN Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face challenges in increasing capacity as networks become congested, with existing methods not effectively utilizing hierarchical modulation to enhance data rates and system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of hierarchical modulation in wireless communication systems, where a base modulation layer and an enhancement modulation layer are concurrently transmitted, allowing for superpositioned data streams and reference signals to be used for decoding, enabling efficient interference cancellation and improved data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hierarchical modulation is implemented with superpositioned base and enhancement layers, then system capacity and data rates are improved, but device complexity and signal processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission signal is segmented into two distinct hierarchical layers: base layer and enhancement layer. Each layer is modulated separately and superpositioned, allowing receivers to decode the base layer independently while enhanced receivers can decode both layers for higher data rates. This segmentation enables backward compatibility while improving system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension in signal processing by implementing power-domain multiplexing where the enhancement layer is superpositioned on top of the base layer with different power levels. This dimensional approach allows concurrent transmission of multiple data streams without requiring additional time or frequency resources, thereby increasing system capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If reference signals are transmitted during MBSFN data resource elements, then decoding accuracy for enhancement layer is improved, but signal interference and measurement precision challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference signals as intermediary elements that are specifically transmitted during MBSFN data resource elements. These reference signals act as mediators that enable accurate channel estimation and decoding of the enhancement layer without requiring separate dedicated resources. The reference signals are designed to be distinguishable from data signals, allowing receivers to accurately measure and decode despite the superpositioned transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3167583B1Overlay unicast or mbsfn data transmission on top of mbsfn transmission
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3167583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3167583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3167583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices are described for increased wireless communications system capacity through hierarchical modulation of multiple transmission layers during certain transmission subframes in a wireless communications system. Various deployment scenarios may be supported that may provide communications modulated on both a base modulation layer as well as on an enhancement modulation layer that is superpositioned on the base modulation layer. Reference signals may be provided for channel estimation for both the base modulation layer and enhancement modulation layer.