LDPC Parity Matrix Structure for Unequal Error Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current channel coding methods for GNSS and satellite radio navigation systems lack fine optimization of the trade-off between bit rate and protection level, particularly failing to provide differentiated protection for data of varying priority levels, leading to inefficient error correction and transmission latency.

Innovation Solution

A new parity matrix structure for LDPC codes is introduced, allowing for two distinct levels of protection by separating data into high and low priority bits, enabling independent transmission and decoding of each block, thereby optimizing protection and transmission time based on priority.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple error-correcting code is applied to the entire data frame, then the implementation is simple and the bandwidth consumption is uniform, but the protection level cannot be optimized for different priority levels of data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding implementation simplicityVSAvoiddifferentiated protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The data frame is segmented into multiple groups based on priority levels (e.g., high-priority navigation data, medium-priority ephemeris data, low-priority almanac data). Each group is then encoded with appropriate error correction codes tailored to its specific protection requirements, allowing differentiated protection while maintaining implementation feasibility through modular processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If differentiated protection is applied to all data, then the protection optimization is achieved, but the processing complexity and signaling overhead increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferentiated protection capabilityVSAvoidcoding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different error correction code rates and structures are applied locally to different data groups based on their priority levels. High-priority data receives stronger protection with lower code rates, while low-priority data uses higher code rates. This local differentiation achieves protection optimization without requiring complete restructuring of the entire coding system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The error correction code parameters (code rate, block length, parity bits) are changed according to data priority levels. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on the importance of each data group, the system achieves differentiated protection while managing complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If high-priority data is given maximum protection, then the reliability of critical data is improved, but the bandwidth efficiency and transmission time for other data deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-priority data reliabilityVSAvoidoverall transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Optimal code rates are selected for each priority level based on channel conditions and data importance. High-priority data uses lower code rates (e.g., 1/2 or 2/3) for maximum reliability, while medium and low-priority data uses progressively higher code rates (e.g., 3/4 or 7/8) to maintain overall bandwidth efficiency. This parameter optimization ensures critical data reliability without excessive bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Maximum error correction protection is applied only to the extent necessary for each priority level. High-priority data receives stronger protection than lower-priority data, but not excessive protection that would waste bandwidth. The protection level is matched to the actual requirements of each data group, achieving reliability optimization without sacrificing overall transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If the entire coded frame must be received for decoding, then the error correction is comprehensive, but the latency for high-priority data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror correction capabilityVSAvoiddecoding latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coded frame is segmented into independently decodable blocks corresponding to different priority levels. High-priority data is organized into self-contained code blocks that can be decoded independently without waiting for the entire frame. This segmentation enables partial decoding of critical data while maintaining comprehensive error correction within each block, significantly reducing latency for time-sensitive applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

High-priority data blocks are structured to be self-sufficient with all necessary parity and check bits included within each block. This preliminary organization allows the receiver to decode high-priority data as soon as those specific blocks are received, without needing to wait for low-priority data blocks. The error correction capability is built into each segment in advance, enabling immediate decoding when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3751744B1LDPC coding with unequal error protection
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 THALES SA
  • EP3751744B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3751744B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3751744B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention proposes a new method of unequal error protection which is based on a particular parity matrix structure for LDPC type codes.