PLC-to-DSL Crosstalk Estimation via Channel State Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power line communication (PLC) modems and digital subscriber line (DSL) modems experience significant crosstalk interference, particularly in shared frequency ranges, which affects data throughput and quality of service, and existing methods do not adequately address these issues to enable higher data rates or coverage without compromising performance.

Innovation Solution

The development of apparatus and methods for determining PLC-to-DSL and DSL-to-PLC crosstalk estimates, utilizing components like PLC re-encoders, channel estimators, and crosstalk processors within the modems to estimate and compensate for crosstalk, including the use of clock interpolators and error correction units, to isolate and mitigate unwanted signal contributions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If PLC modems use higher frequency ranges above 30 MHz with increased power spectral density to achieve higher data rates, then data throughput is improved, but interference to FM radio broadcast and crosstalk to DSL communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidcrosstalk interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful crosstalk signal into a useful component by estimating the PLC-to-DSL crosstalk contribution from received PLC data and channel state information, then subtracting this estimated crosstalk from the composite signal to recover the original DSL signal, thereby transforming interference into a compensable parameter

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces channel state information as an intermediary element that characterizes the PLC-to-DSL coupling path, enabling the system to model and compensate for crosstalk effects without requiring direct measurement of the interference itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If PLC and DSL modems operate in shared frequency ranges, then spectrum utilization is improved, but mutual crosstalk interference increases affecting quality of service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidquality of service

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the composite received signal into distinct components (DSL signal and PLC-to-DSL crosstalk contribution) and processes each separately through estimation and subtraction operations, allowing independent optimization of each communication channel despite frequency overlap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where PLC data and channel state information are continuously used to estimate current crosstalk conditions, which are then applied to compensate the DSL signal in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing interference conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9634720B2Apparatuses and a method for crosstalk estimations

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

It is described an apparatus for determining a PLC-to-DSL crosstalk estimate. The apparatus comprises a PLC-to-DSL channel estimator which is arranged to receive an input signal, comprising a DSL contribution and a PLC-to-DSL crosstalk contribution, and which is arranged to determine channel state information of a PLC-to-DSL channel responsible for the PLC-to-DSL crosstalk contribution in the input signal. The apparatus further comprises a crosstalk processor which is arranged to determine the PLC-to-DSL crosstalk estimate based on the channel state information and a reconstructed PLC transmit signal.