Non-Uniform Constellation Decoding for Adaptive SNR Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern communications systems face challenges in maximizing coding and modulation capacity, particularly in non-fading and fading channels, due to the limitations of regular constellation grids and fixed SNR conditions, which affect decoding complexity and error-free transmission.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a receiving apparatus and method utilizing non-uniform constellations (NUCs) optimized based on channel characteristics and SNR, where constellation points are strategically placed on a Cartesian coordinate system to enhance coding and modulation capacity, allowing for adaptive selection and optimization of constellation points for improved data throughput and error-free decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If regular constellation grids are used, then device complexity is reduced, but coding and modulation capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding and modulation capacityVSAvoiddecoding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the positions of constellation points based on channel characteristics and SNR values. Instead of using fixed regular grids, the system dynamically adjusts constellation point parameters to maximize coding and modulation capacity while managing decoding complexity through adaptive selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by adaptively selecting and switching between different non-uniform constellations based on varying channel conditions and SNR. This allows the coding and modulation capacity to be optimized for current conditions while keeping decoding complexity manageable through pre-computed constellation designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If fixed SNR conditions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission reliability deteriorates in varying channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror-free transmissionVSAvoidadaptive selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by measuring channel characteristics and SNR at the receiver, then using this information to adaptively select the most appropriate non-uniform constellation. This feedback loop ensures reliable error-free transmission by matching constellation characteristics to current channel conditions while managing complexity through structured adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If non-uniform constellations optimized for specific SNR are used, then coding and modulation capacity is maximized, but adaptability to different SNR conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding and modulation capacityVSAvoidSNR condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the SNR range into different segments or conditions, with each segment having its own optimized non-uniform constellation. The system segments the adaptation task by maintaining multiple pre-optimized constellations for different SNR ranges, allowing capacity maximization for each segment while achieving overall adaptability through selective switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3442189B1Coding and modulation apparatus using non-uniform constellation
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3442189B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3442189B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5B
  • EP3442189B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

A receiving apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving one or more transmission streams, a deconverter for deconverting the received one or more transmission streams into constellation values, and a demodulation and decoding apparatus for demodulating constellation values of a constellation into cell words and for decoding cell words into output data words, wherein sixteen constellation points of the constellation are used, the sixteen constellation points defining position on a Cartesian coordinate system representing complex numbers with real components on a first axis and imaginary components on a second axis.