QAM Constellation Mapping for Phase-Noise-Resistant Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Higher-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) systems face high error rates due to thermal noise and phase noise, especially at higher frequencies like 60 GHz, which degrades communication performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless communication using digital QAM with optimized signal constellations, specified in Tables 17-26C, that translate between bit sequences and constellation symbols, mitigating phase noise and power amplifier nonlinearity through constellation optimization and mapping modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If higher-order QAM is used to increase data transmission rate, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to high error rates from thermal noise and phase noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoiderror rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the constellation point parameters (amplitude and phase values) to achieve better performance. Specifically, the patent uses non-uniform constellation designs where the distances between constellation points are adjusted to maximize the minimum distance, thereby improving reliability while maintaining higher-order modulation for high data rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by using non-uniform constellation designs rather than symmetric uniform QAM. The constellation points are strategically positioned with varying distances from the origin and different spacing between adjacent points, creating an asymmetric structure that optimizes performance in the presence of phase noise and thermal noise while maintaining high spectral efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If higher-order QAM constellations are used to improve spectral efficiency, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in accurately detecting constellation points under noise conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidconstellation point detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes constellation point parameters by carefully selecting amplitude and phase values to maximize the minimum distance between adjacent constellation points. This parameter optimization ensures that even under noise conditions, the detected constellation points can be accurately distinguished, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while achieving high spectral efficiency through higher-order modulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary optimization of constellation point positions before transmission. The constellation design pre-compensates for expected noise effects by positioning points to maximize separation margins, making the system more robust against detection errors without requiring complex real-time correction mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3406063B1Method and apparatus for quadrature signal modulation
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3406063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3406063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3406063B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.