4096-QAM and 16384-QAM Non-Uniform Constellations for WLAN

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly those adhering to IEEE 802.11 standards, face limitations in achieving higher peak data rates using conventional quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) techniques, necessitating advancements in modulation methods to enhance data transmission efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of 4096-QAM and 16384-QAM with both uniform and non-uniform constellations in wireless local area networks (WLANs), utilizing advanced constellation mapping and gray mapping techniques to increase data rate capabilities without requiring additional transmission power or bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional QAM techniques (up to 1024-QAM) are used, then system compatibility and simplicity are maintained, but peak data rates are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak data rateVSAvoidmodulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the modulation order parameter from conventional 1024-QAM to higher order 4096-QAM and 16384-QAM, increasing the number of constellation points from 1024 to 4096 and 16384 respectively. This parameter change enables higher peak data rates by transmitting more bits per symbol (12 bits for 4096-QAM, 14 bits for 16384-QAM) while maintaining the same bandwidth and transmission power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If higher order QAM (4096-QAM, 16384-QAM) is implemented, then peak data rates increase, but receiver complexity and error susceptibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak data rateVSAvoidreceiver complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different constellation designs tailored to specific requirements: uniform constellations provide regular spacing for balanced performance, while non-uniform constellations concentrate points near the origin to reduce peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). This localized optimization allows the system to achieve high data rates while managing receiver complexity through targeted constellation configurations rather than uniform approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces non-uniform constellations that break the symmetry of traditional QAM designs by concentrating constellation points closer to the origin rather than uniform distribution. This asymmetric arrangement reduces the peak amplitude requirements and PAPR, making high-order modulation more practical for wireless systems with power amplifiers operating near saturation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform constellations are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidpeak-to-average power ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Use of energy by moving object

If non-uniform constellations are used, then PAPR is reduced, but implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak-to-average power ratioVSAvoidconstellation mapping complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific non-uniform constellation parameter sets that optimize the balance between PAPR reduction and implementation complexity. By establishing standardized parameter configurations for 4096-QAM and 16384-QAM non-uniform constellations, the patent enables practical implementation while achieving lower PAPR compared to uniform constellations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10616031B2Apparatus and methods for uniform constellations and non-uniform constellations in wireless local area networks

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

This disclosure provides systems, devices, apparatus and methods, including computer programs encoded on storage media, for techniques for 4096 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (4096-QAM) with Uniform Constellations and Non-uniform Constellations and 16384 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16384-QAM) with Uniform Constellations and Non-uniform Constellations in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN). These 4096-QAM and 16384-QAM techniques can be implemented in a QAM modulator circuit on the transmit side and in a QAM demodulator circuit on the receive side to increase peak data rate without the need for additional transmission power or bandwidth.