IBOC Radio Signal Coding With CLDPC for Interference Robustness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital radio broadcasting systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving digital signals, particularly in maintaining high-quality digital signals while coexisting with analog signals, and in providing robust error correction in interference-prone environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Complementary Low-Density Parity Check (CLDPC) forward error correction coding, which partitions codewords into semi-codewords for sideband diversity and uses iterative decoding to achieve robust error correction, combined with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for signal modulation, allowing for flexible mapping of logical channels and improved resistance to interference and fading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If digital radio broadcasting signals are transmitted in the existing MF and VHF radio bands using IBOC technology, then digital audio and data services can be delivered to mobile, portable, and fixed receivers, but the system faces challenges in maintaining high-quality digital signals while coexisting with analog signals and providing robust error correction in interference-prone environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal quality and error correctionVSAvoidinterference from analog signals and fading
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitted signal is divided into multiple orthogonal subcarriers, each carrying a portion of the data stream. This segmentation allows the system to distribute information across multiple frequency components, improving robustness against interference and fading on individual subcarriers while maintaining overall signal quality in the IBOC environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs forward error correction coding that transforms the data stream into coded symbols with enhanced error correction capability. By changing the parameter representation of the data through coding and modulation, the system achieves robust error correction in interference-prone environments where analog and digital signals coexist

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If OFDM modulation is used to transmit digital signals with multiple orthogonal subcarriers, then flexible mapping of logical channels to different groups of subcarriers is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible channel mappingVSAvoidmodulation and decoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data stream is segmented into multiple parallel substreams that are independently mapped to different groups of orthogonal subcarriers. This segmentation enables flexible logical channel mapping while managing complexity by processing data in parallel rather than as a single complex stream

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The OFDM modulation scheme provides a universal framework that can accommodate multiple logical channels and service types through flexible subcarrier allocation. The same physical layer infrastructure supports diverse applications including digital audio, data services, and various modulation schemes, reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid format transmission is used with analog modulated carrier combined with digitally modulated carriers, then broadcasters can continue transmitting analog AM and FM simultaneously with higher-quality digital signals, but the device complexity and transition management become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalog-to-digital transition capabilityVSAvoidtransmitter and receiver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges analog and digital transmission modes within the same frequency allocation by combining an analog modulated carrier with multiple digitally modulated carriers. This merging allows broadcasters to maintain analog service while introducing digital capabilities, enabling gradual transition without requiring new frequency allocations or replacing existing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid transmission system provides dynamic operation where the analog and digital components can be independently controlled and adjusted. Broadcasters can vary the power levels, modulation parameters, and service allocations of each component separately, allowing flexible transition management and adapting to different operational requirements during the analog-to-digital migration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2974102B1Method and apparatus for transmission and reception of in-band on-channel radio signals including complementary low density parity check coding
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 IBIQUITY DIGITAL CORP
  • EP2974102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2974102B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2974102B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of transmitting digital information includes: receiving a plurality of information bits representing audio information and/or data; encoding the information bits using complementary low density parity check coding to produce a composite codeword and a plurality of independently decodable semi-codewords; modulating at least one carrier signal with the forward error corrected bits; and transmitting the carrier signal(s). Transmitters that implement the method, and receivers that receive signals produced by the method, are also provided.