MODCOD SNR Threshold Tuning Using FEC Iteration Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems, particularly in satellite communications, face challenges in dynamically adapting modulation and coding schemes to varying channel conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and capacity utilization due to inefficient SNR estimation and MODCOD selection.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that computes the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) based on received data headers, maintains an ACM trajectory table, and adjusts SNR threshold values to select the most suitable MODCOD, allowing for real-time adaptation of modulation and coding schemes to ensure efficient data transmission by monitoring iterations and adjusting SNR thresholds accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If SNR threshold values are fixed based on initial ACM trajectory tables, then the system maintains simple operation and structure, but the system cannot adapt to varying channel conditions leading to suboptimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to channel conditionsVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors the actual number of decoder iterations required to successfully decode frames and uses this information to adjust SNR threshold values. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying channel conditions by comparing actual performance (iteration counts) against expected performance, automatically tuning the ACM trajectory tables to optimize MODCOD selection under different channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates and stores ACM trajectory tables with SNR threshold values for different MODCOD options before operation. These preliminary tables provide a foundation for rapid MODCOD selection, and the system builds upon this pre-computed data structure by adding iterative monitoring and adjustment capabilities, rather than computing optimal parameters in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the system uses a fixed number of decoder iterations, then the decoder operation is simple and fast, but the system cannot optimize for different channel conditions and MODCODs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDecoder throughputVSAvoidSNR estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of decoder iterations based on channel conditions and the specific MODCOD being used. Rather than fixing the iteration count, the system monitors actual iteration requirements and uses this information to refine SNR threshold values, enabling the decoder to adapt its operation to match varying channel conditions while maintaining efficient throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the SNR threshold parameters in the ACM trajectory tables based on observed decoder iteration counts. By adjusting these parameters according to actual performance data, the system optimizes the balance between decoder throughput and SNR estimation accuracy, allowing flexible adaptation without requiring complete re-computation of decoding parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the system adjusts SNR thresholds dynamically based on iteration monitoring, then the system achieves optimal performance and capacity utilization, but the operation becomes more complex with additional monitoring and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFrame Error Rate performanceVSAvoidOperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically monitoring decoder iteration counts and adjusting its own SNR threshold values without external intervention. The ACM trajectory tables are self-tuned based on observed performance, enabling the system to improve its own reliability and Frame Error Rate performance while maintaining ease of operation, as no manual configuration or complex external control is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the system uses preliminary ACM trajectory tables with fixed SNR thresholds, then the MODCOD selection is fast and simple, but the system cannot optimize capacity under varying channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem capacityVSAvoidTime for SNR estimation and MODCOD selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-computes and stores ACM trajectory tables with SNR threshold values for multiple MODCOD options before operation. This preliminary preparation enables rapid MODCOD selection during operation, as the system can quickly reference pre-calculated thresholds rather than computing optimal parameters in real-time, thus minimizing time loss while maintaining the ability to optimize capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system efficiently adjusts SNR threshold parameters based on monitored iteration counts, making incremental updates to the pre-computed ACM trajectory tables. This approach allows the system to adapt to varying channel conditions and optimize capacity without requiring complete re-computation, balancing the need for up-to-date performance optimization with the constraint of minimizing time for parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3563500B1Method and apparatus for SNR threshold adjustment using monitoring of FEC iterations
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 HUGHES NETWORK SYST
  • EP3563500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3563500B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3563500B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for ACM trajectory include receiving data at a communications receiver; decoding the received data based on a selected MODCOD; monitoring a number of iterations used to decode the data using the selected MODCOD; comparing the number of iterations used to decode the data using the first selected MODCOD to a reference number of iterations; and adjusting a SNR threshold value for the selected MODCOD where the number of iterations used to decode the data using the first selected MODCOD is greater than the reference number of iterations.