Polar Encoder Branch Segmentation for Early Codeword Output

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polar encoding techniques suffer from high encoder latency due to not considering inter-branch dependencies, resulting in delayed output of codeword bits until the most dependent bit is calculated, which affects system performance in wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dividing encoding branches into subsets based on inter-branch dependencies, allowing for the output of codeword bits from independent subsets before those that depend on other branches, thereby reducing latency and simplifying memory access for decoders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional polar encoding techniques are used without considering inter-branch dependencies, then the encoding process is simpler, but encoder latency increases and system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding process complexityVSAvoidencoder latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The encoding process is segmented into multiple independent stages based on inter-branch dependency analysis. Encoding branches are divided into subsets where branches in earlier subsets can be executed independently of branches in later subsets. This segmentation allows the encoder to process and output codeword bits from independent subsets before completing the entire encoding process, thereby reducing encoder latency without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If all input bits are loaded before outputting codeword bits, then the encoding process is simpler to implement, but transmission efficiency decreases and decoding delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder performs preliminary actions by identifying and executing encoding operations for independent branch subsets before all input bits are fully loaded. By analyzing inter-branch dependencies in advance, the system determines which codeword bits can be generated and output early, allowing transmission to begin before the complete encoding process finishes. This preliminary action approach improves transmission efficiency while maintaining reasonable implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If encoding branches are processed in dependency order, then decoder memory access is simplified, but the encoding process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoder memory accessVSAvoidencoding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Encoding branches are segmented into subsets based on their dependency relationships, creating a staged encoding process. This segmentation simplifies decoder memory access because codeword bits from independent subsets can be decoded in the same order they were encoded, creating a natural correspondence between encoding and decoding sequences. The segmentation approach organizes the encoding complexity in a structured way that benefits the decoding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different encoding branch subsets are processed with different levels of detail and resource allocation based on their local characteristics and dependency relationships. Branches that are independent and can be processed early receive appropriate attention, while branches with higher dependencies are processed subsequently. This local quality approach optimizes both encoding complexity and decoder memory access patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3497838B1Outputting of codeword bits for transmission prior to loading all input bits
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3497838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3497838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3497838B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for outputting of codeword bits for transmission prior to loading all input bits. An example encoder may have multiple encoding branches. The encoder may divide the encoding branches into first and second encoding branch subsets, outputs of the first encoding branch subset being independent of inputs to the second encoding branch subset. The encoder may generate first and second subsets of output bits of a codeword in first and second encoding operations, the generating comprising inputting information bits of an information bit-vector and at least one frozen bit into respective encoding branches of the plurality of encoding branches and generating the first subset of output bits using the first encoding branch subset prior to generating the second subset of output bits using the second encoding branch subset. The encoder may output the first subset of output bits prior to outputting the second subset of output bits.