Programmable RS Coding for Variable Codeword Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Reed-Solomon (RS) coders in cable modems require complex and hardware-intensive structures to accommodate varying error correcting capacities and codeword lengths, especially in DOCSIS 2.0, which complicates the implementation of programmable error correction schemes.
Innovation Solution
A programmable error correcting device with a controller, preprocessor, and RS coding unit that dynamically adjusts its structure based on error correcting capacity, codeword length, and shortened codeword mode, using a control signal to manage the encoding process and support variable codeword lengths through zero-value insertion and switch configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the RS coder structure is made variable to accommodate different error correcting capacities and codeword lengths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RS coder architecture that can perform multiple RS coding functions (different values of n and t) using a single unified structure. The coder uses programmable parameters and control logic to adapt to various coding requirements without requiring separate hardware for each configuration, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the RS coder can change its operating parameters (codeword length n, error correcting capacity t, and shortened codeword mode) during operation based on control signals. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the RS coder supports shortened codeword mode with variable length, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements support for shortened codeword mode by introducing programmable parameters that control the codeword length and error correcting capacity. The device can be configured to operate in different modes (full-length or shortened codewords) by changing control parameters rather than requiring different hardware structures, making the device adaptable while maintaining ease of manufacture through parameter-based configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hardware structure is reduced for simpler implementation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified base hardware structure that is replicated or reconfigured through control logic to achieve different coding functions. Instead of building complex dedicated hardware for each RS coding variant, the invention uses a single simple structure that can be programmed to perform multiple functions, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving full adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable error correcting device is disclosed. The programmable error correcting device includes a controller for receiving information about a length of a codeword, an error correcting capacity, whether of not a shortened codeword mode is supported and a total byte number of burst data and outputting a control signal; a preprocessor for dividing input information data by a length of information byte in a codeword and outputting the divided input information data with a valid data indicating signal in response to the control signal input from the controller for an error correcting coding; and a coder for deciding a structure for an error correcting encoding according to the control signal inputted from the controller and performing an error correcting encoding on information data inputted from the preprocessor according to the decided structure.