Parameter Acquisition for Higher-Order QAM Constellation Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual analysis of received-signal constellation diagrams is not applicable to higher-order QAM schemes, and the accuracy of fault analysis depends on the technical level of the engineer, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in network maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A parameter obtaining method and apparatus that automatically determine complex-plane distribution feature parameters by calculating error signals and their relationships, allowing for accurate network maintenance without modulation order restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual analysis of constellation diagrams is used, then network maintenance can be performed, but the accuracy depends on engineer's technical level and it is not applicable to higher-order QAM schemes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault analysis accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis of constellation diagrams with automatic digital signal processing. A parameter calculation unit automatically computes error signals, constellation point deviations, and quality metrics without requiring engineer intervention, thereby eliminating dependency on technical expertise while maintaining high accuracy for fault analysis in HFC networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the analysis approach by changing from visual inspection of constellation diagrams to calculation of specific parameters including error signals between received and decision signals, constellation point deviations, and quality metrics. These quantified parameters enable automatic evaluation of signal quality and fault detection applicable to various modulation schemes including higher-order QAM

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual analysis of constellation diagrams is used, then network maintenance can be performed, but it is not applicable to higher-order QAM schemes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodulation scheme compatibilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual analysis with automated parameter calculation that can process any modulation scheme uniformly. The system calculates error signals and constellation point deviations algorithmically, making it adaptable to different modulation orders including higher-order QAM without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary automatic calculation of error signals and constellation point parameters continuously in the background. This preliminary action enables rapid fault detection and analysis when needed, eliminating time loss associated with manual constellation diagram analysis while maintaining compatibility with various modulation schemes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automatic parameter calculation is implemented, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the parameter acquisition system into distinct functional modules: a parameter calculation unit that computes error signals and constellation point deviations, a parameter storage unit that stores calculated parameters, and a network maintenance unit that performs fault analysis. This modular segmentation improves maintenance efficiency through automated operation while managing system complexity through clear functional separation and standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3139507B1Parameter acquiring method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3139507B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3139507B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3139507B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention discloses a parameter obtaining method and apparatus, so as to resolve a problem that manual analysis of a received-signal constellation diagram is not applicable to a higher-order quadrature amplitude modulation QAM scheme, and an analysis result depends on an technical level. In this method, multiple signals are received over a communications link on a network, where each of the received signals is corresponding to a point on a complex plane; decision is performed on each of the received signals, so as to obtain a decision signal; for each of the received signals, an error signal between the received signal and a corresponding decision signal is determined; and a complex-plane distribution feature parameter used to indicate a distribution feature, on the complex plane, of the signals received over the communications link is determined according to all the determined error signals. In this method, maintenancean inaccurate maintenance result in manual analysis of a constellation diagram is avoided, and in addition, there is no modulation order restriction because the complex-plane distribution feature parameter is obtained by using the error signals.