Non-Uniform Constellation Modulation for Channel Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current coding and modulation systems face limitations in maximizing coding and modulation capacity, particularly in adapting to varying signal-to-noise ratios and channel characteristics, leading to suboptimal performance in error correction and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A coding and modulation apparatus that employs an n-dimensional non-uniform constellation, where constellation points are optimized based on the signal-to-noise ratio, channel characteristics, and dimensionality, allowing for adaptive selection and optimization of constellation points to enhance data throughput and error correction capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional uniform QAM constellations are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the coding and modulation capacity is limited and cannot adapt to varying channel conditions

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the traditional uniform QAM constellation into a non-uniform constellation where the amplitude and phase parameters of constellation points are optimized based on channel conditions. The modulation scheme adjusts the distribution of constellation points in the complex plane, creating different radial distances and angular separations to maximize coding and modulation capacity under specific SNR conditions and channel characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the constellation configuration adaptive rather than static. The non-uniform constellation parameters are dynamically selected based on feedback about channel conditions, allowing the system to optimize performance for different SNR levels and channel characteristics. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to switch between different constellation configurations to match varying transmission environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the number of constellation points is increased to提高 data throughput, then the coding capacity increases, but the system becomes more sensitive to noise and error correction performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveData throughputVSAvoidError correction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform spacing between constellation points, where different regions of the constellation diagram have different point densities and spacing characteristics. Inner constellation points may be more densely packed to increase throughput, while outer points maintain larger separations to improve noise tolerance. This localized optimization of point distribution allows the system to simultaneously achieve high data rates and maintain error correction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by designing non-uniform constellation patterns that break the symmetry of traditional QAM grids. The constellation points are arranged with varying radial distances and angular separations, creating an asymmetric distribution that optimizes the trade-off between packing density (for throughput) and minimum distance (for error correction). This asymmetric arrangement allows more points to be effectively utilized without uniformly increasing noise sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Loss of information

If traditional BICM or CM approaches are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but the coding and modulation capacity does not reach the theoretical maximum for given channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCoding and modulation capacityVSAvoidConstellation design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-optimizing the non-uniform constellation parameters for different channel conditions and SNR levels. Instead of performing complex real-time optimization during transmission, the system pre-calculates optimal constellation configurations and stores them for quick selection based on current channel state. This preliminary preparation reduces the computational burden during actual operation while still achieving near-theoretical maximum capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms to monitor channel conditions and SNR levels, using this information to select the appropriate pre-optimized non-uniform constellation configuration. The receiver provides feedback about channel quality, and the transmitter adjusts the constellation parameters accordingly to maximize coding and modulation capacity. This closed-loop feedback system enables the system to adapt to varying conditions and operate close to the theoretical capacity limit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10511466B2Coding and modulation apparatus using multi-dimensional non-uniform constellation
Publication Date: 2019.12.17 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US10511466B2 patent drawing
  • US10511466B2 patent drawing
  • US10511466B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A coding and modulation apparatus and method are presented. The apparatus (10) comprises an encoder (11) that encodes input data into cell words, and a modulator (12) that modulates said cell words into constellation values of a non-uniform constellation. The modulator (12) is configured to use, based on the total number M of constellation points of the constellation, the signal-to-noise ratio SNR in dB and the number n of the dimension of the constellation, an n-dimensional non-uniform constellation from a group of constellations, wherein each constellation point of an n-dimensional constellation diagram is defined by an n-tupel of constellation values, said n-tupel of constellation values defining parameter settings of a transmission parameter used by a transmission apparatus for transmitting a transmission stream obtained by conversion of said constellation values.