LDPC Code Block Segmentation Using Nmax for Better BLER
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing code block segmentation methods in wireless communication systems, such as LTE and 802.11n, are inefficient as they are based on maximum information block length, leading to low hardware area efficiency and poor block error rate performance for LDPC codes used in 5G New Radio (NR) due to provisioning for rare combinations of block length and code rate.
Innovation Solution
A method for code block segmentation in 5G NR that divides information bits into code blocks based on desired code rate and the minimum code rate supported by LDPC codes, using a fixed maximum codeword length to optimize hardware usage and increase average codeword length, thereby improving area efficiency and block error rate performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If code block segmentation is based on maximum information block length (Kmax), then hardware can handle the largest possible code blocks, but hardware area efficiency decreases and block error rate performance worsens for LDPC codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the segmentation parameter from maximum information block length (Kmax) to maximum codeword length (Nmax). This parameter change allows the system to optimize code block sizes based on the actual codeword length supported by hardware, rather than being constrained by information block size. By doing so, the patent achieves better hardware area efficiency and improved block error rate performance, as the code blocks are sized to match the actual processing capabilities of the LDPC decoder hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware is provisioned for maximum codeword length corresponding to Kmax, then the system can support rare combinations of block length and code rate, but hardware area efficiency becomes low for more commonly used combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the provisioning parameter from maximum information block length to maximum codeword length. This allows hardware to be provisioned based on the actual codeword length (Nmax) rather than the theoretical maximum information block length (Kmax). As a result, hardware area efficiency is improved for commonly used code rate combinations, while still maintaining the ability to support various code rates through rate matching techniques.
3Device complexity
If code block segmentation uses fixed maximum information block size, then hardware design is simplified, but the average codeword length decreases and BLER performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fixed parameter from maximum information block size to maximum codeword length. This allows the system to determine code block sizes based on the actual codeword length supported by hardware, which simplifies hardware design while simultaneously improving average codeword length and BLER performance. The segmentation logic becomes simpler as it only needs to consider codeword length constraints rather than information block length constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method in a wireless transmitter comprises: receiving a plurality of bits for a wireless transmission; determining a maximum code block size for the transmission based on code rate, maximum code word size Nmax, and design parameters of the channel code; segmenting the plurality of bits into one or more code block segments such that no one of the one or more code block segments is larger than the determined maximum code block size; and transmitting the one or more code block segments to a wireless receiver. In particular embodiments, the design parameters of the channel code limit the maximum code block size to Kmax for any code rate. The determined maximum code block size may be limited by code rate and Nmax such that the maximum code block size does not exceed code rate times Nmax.