QAM Constellation Mapping for Phase-Noise-Tolerant Wireless Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Higher-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) in wireless communication systems faces challenges with high error rates due to thermal noise and phase noise, especially at higher frequencies like 60 GHz, where phase noise from imperfect oscillators significantly degrades performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless communication using digital QAM, employing a mapping module to translate between constellation symbols and bit sequences based on specified signal constellations, optimized for various decimal precision levels and noise conditions, to mitigate phase noise and improve spectral efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If higher-order QAM is used to increase spectral efficiency, then data transmission capacity is improved, but error rate increases due to thermal noise and phase noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoiderror rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the QAM constellation geometry from traditional square arrangements to optimized constellations with adjusted amplitude and phase parameters. This includes varying the spacing and distribution of constellation points to maximize distance from decision boundaries, thereby improving noise tolerance while maintaining high spectral efficiency. The optimization involves changing multiple parameters simultaneously including amplitude levels, phase angles, and point distribution patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If higher-frequency communication (60 GHz and above) is used to increase bandwidth capacity, then data transmission rate is improved, but phase noise from imperfect oscillators degrades performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidperformance degradation due to phase noise
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform constellation point distributions where different regions of the constellation have different spacing characteristics. Specifically, points are positioned to maximize minimum distance to decision boundaries while allowing variable spacing between adjacent points. This local optimization ensures that each constellation point has adequate noise margin in its specific location, collectively improving overall phase noise tolerance across the entire signal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If traditional QAM constellations are used for simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but error performance deteriorates in noisy environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstellation structureVSAvoiderror performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive constellation selection and optimization capabilities. The system can dynamically choose from multiple pre-optimized constellation configurations based on channel conditions, signal-to-noise ratio, and phase noise characteristics. This allows the modulation scheme to adapt its complexity and structure in real-time, selecting simpler constellations when noise is high and more complex ones when conditions permit, thereby optimizing the trade-off between complexity and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10567210B2Method and apparatus for quadrature signal modulation
Publication Date: 2020.02.18 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US10567210B2 patent drawing
  • US10567210B2 patent drawing
  • US10567210B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for facilitating wireless communication using digital Quadrature Amplitude Modulation are disclosed. A mapping module electronic component of a wireless communication device utilizes a signal constellation for quadrature modulating a signal for transmission or quadrature demodulating a received signal. The signal constellation includes multiple constellation symbols and associated bit sequences. Specific signal constellations are disclosed. The signal constellations may be obtained through an optimization procedure which accounts for both phase noise and power amplifier nonlinearity.