Multi-Stage QAM De-Mapper with LDPC Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

QAM communication systems face challenges in accurately recovering data bits due to increased constellation density and signal distortions, leading to bit errors, as existing de-mapping methods do not effectively correct errors in low noise levels and are inefficient in high noise conditions.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage de-mapping process is implemented, where the first de-mapper estimates least significant bits (LSBs) of a QAM symbol, and an LDPC decoder provides feedback to correct these bits, allowing the second de-mapper to refine the estimation and reduce the constellation size based on feedback, improving accuracy and efficiency across varying noise levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the QAM constellation size is increased to increase data rate, then the data rate is improved, but the spacing between constellation points becomes smaller reducing the margin of error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidmargin of error
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The de-mapping process is divided into multiple stages: a first de-mapper performs initial de-mapping of the QAM signal, and a second de-mapper performs refined de-mapping using feedback from a decoder. This segmentation allows the system to handle high-order QAM constellations by breaking down the complex de-mapping task into manageable stages, improving accuracy without reducing the constellation size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A decoder generates feedback information based on the decoded output and feeds it back to the second de-mapper. This feedback mechanism allows the system to correct errors and refine the de-mapping process, maintaining high measurement precision even when using densely populated constellations for high data rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If conventional de-mapping methods are used to simplify the receiver structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of data recovery deteriorates in noisy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiver structureVSAvoiddata recovery accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver structure is segmented into multiple functional blocks: first de-mapper, decoder, and second de-mapper. Each block performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through collaborative processing while maintaining a structured and manageable receiver architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder acts as an intermediary between the first de-mapper and the second de-mapper. It processes the initial de-mapping output, generates feedback information, and enables the second de-mapper to perform refined de-mapping. This intermediary component bridges the gap between simple and complex processing, improving accuracy without creating an overly complicated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a single de-mapping stage is used to reduce processing time, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision of data bits deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddata bit accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The de-mapping process is segmented into multiple stages that can operate in parallel or sequentially. The first de-mapper handles the initial processing while the second de-mapper refines the results using feedback. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high processing speed while improving measurement precision through multi-stage processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first de-mapper performs preliminary de-mapping of the QAM signal before the second de-mapper performs refined de-mapping. This preliminary action prepares the data for subsequent refinement, allowing the system to maintain processing efficiency while achieving high accuracy through the coordinated effort of multiple stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2926517B1Enhanced decoding and demapping method and apparatus for QAM data signals
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2926517B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2926517B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2926517B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A receiver circuit, including a multi-stage QAM de-mapper, for receiving a QAM data signal is disclosed. A first de-mapper circuit recovers a set of encoded data bits from the QAM data signal by calculating a plurality of distances between a received QAM symbol and each of a plurality of possible constellation points. A second de-mapper circuit then generates a set of un-encoded data bits for the received QAM symbol based, at least in part, on the plurality of distances calculated by the first de-mapper circuit. The receiver circuit may further include a decoder circuit to decode the set of encoded data bits recovered by the first de-mapper circuit. The second de-mapper circuit may identify a subset of the plurality of possible constellation points based on a result of the decoding and select a constellation point that is associated with the shortest distance of the plurality of distances.