QAM Constellation Mapping for Phase-Noise-Robust Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Higher-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) in wireless communication systems faces challenges due to noise, particularly phase noise at higher frequencies, leading to unacceptably high error rates, especially in systems operating above 60 GHz.

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 noise conditions, including phase noise and power amplifier nonlinearity, to mitigate error rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoiderror rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using non-uniform constellation point distributions where different regions of the constellation have different spacing characteristics. Specifically, constellation points are arranged with larger minimum distances in directions more susceptible to phase noise, while maintaining tighter packing in other directions to preserve spectral efficiency. This localized optimization of point spacing resolves the contradiction by adapting the constellation geometry to the specific noise characteristics of the channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the constellation by using non-square aspect ratios and non-uniform scaling between in-phase and quadrature components. By adjusting these parameters, the constellation can be optimized for specific noise conditions, particularly phase noise at higher frequencies. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain higher spectral efficiency while improving robustness against noise through careful geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If higher-order QAM is used to increase data rate, then spectral efficiency is improved, but system becomes more sensitive to phase noise and thermal noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidnoise sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry by using non-square constellation geometries where the scaling factors for in-phase and quadrature components differ. This asymmetric design allows the constellation to be rotated and scaled independently in different directions, enabling optimization for phase noise conditions. The asymmetric structure provides greater resilience to phase noise by creating larger effective distances in phase-affected directions while maintaining high data rates through efficient packing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the constellation geometry adaptable through selective scaling and rotation operations. The system can dynamically adjust the effective constellation orientation and spacing based on channel conditions, particularly phase noise characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the higher-order QAM to maintain robustness against noise while preserving spectral efficiency, resolving the contradiction between data rate and noise sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional QAM constellations are used, then implementation is simple, but performance degrades at higher frequencies due to phase noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidperformance at higher frequencies
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the QAM constellation into independently scalable in-phase and quadrature components with different scaling factors. This segmentation allows separate optimization of each component's contribution to noise resilience. By treating the I and Q components differently through distinct scaling, the system can compensate for phase noise effects while maintaining a relatively simple implementation structure that builds upon conventional QAM frameworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal constellation framework that can be adapted to different frequency bands and noise conditions through parameter adjustment. The non-square constellation with independent scaling factors serves multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with standard QAM implementations, provides enhanced phase noise resilience at higher frequencies, and can be configured for various spectral efficiency requirements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system both simple to implement and robust at higher frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9794104B1Method and apparatus for quadrature signal modulation
Publication Date: 2017.10.17 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US9794104B1 patent drawing
  • US9794104B1 patent drawing
  • US9794104B1 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.