OFDM Data Allocation for Single-Branch Receiver ICI Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual branch orthogonal frequency division multiplexing receivers face in-phase/quadrature-phase imbalance and inter-carrier interference (ICI) when using a single branch receiver, which affects data transmission efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method involves allocating data streams to sub-carriers in a way that sets certain sub-carriers as null or conjugate values, preventing ICI by using a single branch receiver with either the in-phase or quadrature-phase path, and performing data allocation and processing to eliminate interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dual branch receiver with both in-phase and quadrature-phase paths is used, then signal reception capability is improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception capabilityVSAvoidhardware cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary path (in-phase or quadrature-phase) from the dual branch receiver structure, eliminating the redundant path while maintaining signal reception capability through specific data allocation methods on sub-carriers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses data copying and conjugate allocation strategies where data on one path is replicated or conjugated on corresponding sub-carriers, allowing single path reception to achieve performance comparable to dual path receivers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If a single branch receiver is used to reduce hardware cost, then device complexity is reduced, but in-phase/quadrature-phase imbalance and inter-carrier interference occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware costVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-allocation of null sub-carriers and conjugate sub-carriers before signal reception, which prevents inter-carrier interference from occurring in the first place rather than attempting to correct it afterward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter allocation on sub-carriers (using null values and conjugate values strategically) to compensate for the absence of the second path, maintaining signal quality despite using only a single branch receiver

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If data is allocated on all sub-carriers to maximize transmission efficiency, then productivity is improved, but inter-carrier interference increases in single branch reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidinter-carrier interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sub-carrier spectrum into different functional regions (data sub-carriers, null sub-carriers, conjugate sub-carriers), allocating data only to specific segments while leaving other segments for interference prevention, thereby maintaining transmission efficiency without ICI

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of unused sub-carriers into a benefit by using them as null or conjugate sub-carriers that actively prevent inter-carrier interference, transforming what would be wasted resources into protective elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3131248B1Methods of data allocation and signal receiving, wireless transmitting apparatus and wireless receiving apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 ACER INC
  • EP3131248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3131248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3131248B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Methods of data allocation and signal receiving, a wireless transmitting apparatus, and a wireless receiving apparatus are provided based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology. The wireless transmitting apparatus obtains a data stream and allocates the data stream to a first sub-carrier set. Each of the first sub-carrier set and a second sub-carrier set has sub-carriers with opposite frequencies to each other, respectively. The second sub-carrier is emptied or allocated according the data stream allocated to the first sub-carrier set. The data stream is converted into an OFDM signal transmitted through a transmitting module. The wireless receiving apparatus includes a single branch receiver for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal and outputting a baseband signal. Subsequently, the data stream is restored from the baseband signal.