Reconfigurable Transceiver Logic for Adaptive Channel Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional channel adaptive communication systems require dedicated hardware for ISI distortion removal, which consumes power and increases costs, even when the communication channel is stabilized.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically reconfigurable communication system using transceivers with reconfigurable logic, where a transmitter and receiver can dynamically reconfigure to measure and correct channel frequency responses, eliminating the need for constant adaptive equalization circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated adaptive equalization circuitry is used to remove ISI distortion, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption and device cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the equalization circuitry reconfigurable rather than fixed. The FPGAs can dynamically switch between performing channel estimation (when needed) and data transmission (when channel is stable), allowing the system to adapt its functionality over time and reduce power consumption during stable periods while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the FPGA logic by reconfiguring it between different functional states. The logic can be programmed to perform channel estimation tasks or data transmission tasks, and can be reprogrammed based on channel conditions, thereby changing the system's operational parameters to optimize power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dedicated adaptive equalization circuitry is used to remove ISI distortion, then communication reliability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the FPGA logic to perform multiple functions. The same reconfigurable logic can serve as a channel estimator, a pre-equalizer, or be reconfigured for data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each function, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent discards the need for permanent dedicated equalization hardware by using reconfigurable FPGA logic. The logic can be discarded (reconfigured) after performing channel estimation and then recovered (reprogrammed) for data transmission or other tasks. This approach eliminates the need for constant dedicated circuitry, reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Use of energy by moving object

If reconfigurable logic is used to enable dynamic channel equalization, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing reconfigurable FPGA logic that can change its functionality based on operational needs. The logic can dynamically switch between channel estimation mode and data transmission mode, allowing the system to reduce power consumption during stable channel periods while maintaining the capability to handle complex equalization tasks when needed, thus balancing power savings with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If adaptive equalization is performed continuously, then communication reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases when channel is stabilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by performing channel estimation only at appropriate intervals rather than continuously. The system can estimate the channel response periodically (e.g., during preamble transmission) and then use these estimates for equalization during stable periods, reducing the frequency of power-intensive estimation operations while maintaining communication reliability through periodic updates when channel conditions change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS7583725B1Dynamically reconfigurable adaptive communication device and system

Publication Date: 2009.09.01 XILINX INC

AI summary

Method and apparatus for transmission of information is described. A first transceiver has transmitter reconfigurable logic and a second transceiver has receiver reconfigurable logic. The first transceiver communicates with the second transceiver via a communication channel. The transmitter reconfigurable logic is configured to transmit preamble information and to receive a measurement of the preamble information. The receiver reconfigurable logic is configured to measure the preamble information and to transmit the preamble information measured. The preamble information is communicated via the first transceiver to the second transceiver via the communication channel. The receiver reconfigurable logic of the second transceiver measures the preamble information communicated. The measurement of the preamble information is sent via the receiver reconfigurable logic of the second transceiver to the first transceiver via the communication channel.