Joint Channel Coding and Modulation for Telemetry Data Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling fluid telemetry systems face challenges in increasing data rate while maintaining low error rates, primarily due to noise interference from mud pump noise, which affects the accuracy of signal transmission from downhole to surface locations during oil well drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a set partitioning encoding scheme to modulate and encode messages, selecting appropriate data rates and carrier frequencies, and employing trellis coded modulation (TCM) to enhance data transmission efficiency, thereby increasing data rate without increasing error rates, through the use of a system comprising downhole and surface processors, sensors, and signal generators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional modulation schemes are used to increase data rate, then data rate improves, but error rate increases due to noise interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoiderror rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines channel coding and modulation into a single integrated process. The encoder simultaneously performs coding operations and modulation mapping, creating a unified system that optimizes both data rate and error performance. This merging allows the system to achieve higher data rates without proportionally increasing error rates by leveraging the synergistic effects of coding and modulation together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs trellis coded modulation which dynamically adjusts modulation parameters based on channel conditions and coding constraints. By changing modulation parameters (such as constellation mapping and code rate) adaptively, the system can optimize the trade-off between data rate and error performance, achieving higher productivity while maintaining reliability through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If filtering is applied to reduce noise interference, then error rate improves, but data rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror rateVSAvoiddata rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies channel coding before modulation and transmission, performing error correction operations in advance. This preliminary coding action protects the signal against noise interference before it reaches the receiver, eliminating the need for post-transmission filtering that would reduce data rate. The coding is performed beforehand to optimize the signal for transmission conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional analog filtering mechanisms with digital channel coding operations. Instead of using filtering to reduce noise, the system uses coding techniques (such as convolutional codes and trellis structures) to encode error correction information, substituting the mechanical filtering process with a more efficient digital approach that maintains higher data rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If complex encoding schemes are used to improve error performance, then error rate decreases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror rateVSAvoidencoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the encoding process into distinct functional components: channel coding operations and modulation mapping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability. The trellis structure divides the coding complexity into sequential stages, making the complex encoding scheme more implementable without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the encoder to perform multiple functions simultaneously: channel coding, modulation mapping, and signal generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high error performance. The unified encoder structure achieves multiple objectives without requiring proportional increases in system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8164477B2Joint channel coding and modulation for improved performance of telemetry systems
Publication Date: 2012.04.24 BAKER HUGHES CO
  • US8164477B2 patent drawing
  • US8164477B2 patent drawing
  • US8164477B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Jointly designed channel coding and modulation are used in an uplink telemetry system for transmitting a message signal from a bottomhole location to a surface location. A constant envelope quadrature-quadrature phase-shift keying may be used.