MIMO Precoding Matrix Optimization for Channel Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MIMO and OFDM signal transmission technologies, particularly in DVB standards, face limitations in maximizing channel capacity and minimizing fading, especially in unfavourable conditions such as reflections and obstructions, which affect error-free reception and data throughput.

Innovation Solution

The method involves deriving and applying optimized precoding matrices for MIMO systems to enhance channel capacity and using new phase rotation techniques across OFDM sub-carriers, including cyclic delay diversity, to improve signal processing and diversity across transmit antennas, thereby maximizing channel capacity and reducing fading risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional MIMO and OFDM signal transmission technologies are used, then system implementation is straightforward, but channel capacity is not maximized and fading cannot be minimized in unfavourable conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror-free receptionVSAvoidprecoding matrix derivation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing precoding matrices for different channel conditions before actual transmission. The system derives optimal precoding matrices in advance based on channel state information, allowing the receiver to directly apply these pre-computed matrices without real-time calculation, thus ensuring error-free reception while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing precoding matrix parameters (such as phase rotations and amplitude weights) to adapt to different channel conditions. By adjusting these parameters based on channel state feedback, the system maximizes channel capacity and minimizes fading effects, improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If optimized precoding matrices are derived to maximize channel capacity, then data throughput increases, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary computation of precoding matrices during periods when channel conditions are stable or known, storing these optimized matrices for later use. This allows high data throughput to be achieved during transmission using pre-computed matrices, while the computational burden is distributed over time rather than requiring peak performance during actual data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by deriving precoding matrices only for the necessary subset of antenna combinations or frequency subcarriers that contribute most to channel capacity. Rather than optimizing all possible matrix combinations exhaustively, the system focuses computational resources on the most impactful parameters, achieving high throughput with reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If phase rotation techniques are applied across OFDM sub-carriers, then fading is reduced, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefading reductionVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by applying different phase rotation parameters to different OFDM sub-carriers based on their individual channel conditions. Rather than using a uniform phase rotation across all sub-carriers, the system tailors the phase rotation locally to each sub-carrier's fading characteristics, effectively reducing fading while keeping the processing complexity manageable through selective application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2997665B1Precoding techniques for optimized channel capacity in MIMO systems
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 BRITISH BROADCASTING CORP
  • EP2997665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2997665B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2997665B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of deriving a precoding matrix for a MIMO signal operates by maximising a function of channel capacity over values of precoding matrices so as to maximise the minimum channel capacity for the set of channel realisations. In this way, the least worst channel capacity may be achieved in broadcast arrangements in which the actual channel may be unknown.