Power Line Communication Eigenbeamforming Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power line communication (PLC) systems face limitations in bandwidth, particularly due to severe channel conditions such as multipath fading and interference, which existing MIMO schemes struggle to effectively address.

Innovation Solution

The method combines adaptive OFDM with eigenbeamforming MIMO, utilizing channel estimation to generate an OFDM tonemap and eigenbeamforming encoding matrix, and compressing feedback signals to optimize throughput in PLC systems. This involves transmitting a training sequence, calculating channel properties, and using singular value decomposition to decompose the channel matrix, enabling efficient data transmission by adapting modulation schemes and beamforming based on channel conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MIMO schemes are used to increase bandwidth in PLC systems, then bandwidth is improved, but the system becomes more complex and struggles with severe channel conditions like multipath fading and interference

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MIMO channel into multiple independent subchannels through singular value decomposition (SVD) of the channel matrix. This transforms the complex MIMO channel into parallel single-input single-output channels, simplifying the transmission system while maintaining high bandwidth utilization. The channel matrix H is decomposed into H = UΣVH, where the singular values represent independent subchannel gains, allowing separate optimization of each subchannel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts transmission parameters based on channel conditions by calculating the tonemap (modulation and coding scheme) for each subchannel based on its signal-to-noise ratio. The system changes modulation order, coding rate, and power allocation according to the singular values and channel state information, optimizing bandwidth utilization while adapting to severe fading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If adaptive OFDM with eigenbeamforming MIMO is implemented to enhance throughput, then bandwidth and throughput are improved, but feedback data volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidfeedback data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential feedback information needed for transmitter optimization. Instead of feeding back complete channel state information or full tonemap data, the system feeds back only the singular values from SVD decomposition and essential tonemap parameters. This selective extraction maintains throughput optimization while dramatically reducing feedback data volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary channel analysis and SVD decomposition at the receiver before feedback transmission. The receiver pre-calculates the optimal tonemap and identifies key channel characteristics, preparing compressed feedback data in advance. This preliminary processing reduces the complexity and volume of real-time feedback requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2387161B1Method for transmitting a signal between a transmitter and a receiver in a power line network, transmitter, receiver, power line communication modem and powerline communication system
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2387161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2387161B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2387161B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A method for transmitting a signal from a transmitter over a channel to a receiver on a Power Line Network, wherein said signal is OFDM-modulated on a set of sub-carriers, is proposed, wherein an OFDM tonemap and an eigenbeamforming encoding matrix are determined based on a channel estimation for each sub-carrier, a tonemap feedback signal and an eigenbeamforming feedback signal are generated, which are descriptive of said OFDM tonemap and said eigenbeamforming encoding matrix, respectively, and transmitted to the transmitter. A corresponding receiver, a transmitter, a power line communication and a power line communication system are described as well.