Relay Station Signalling via Amplitude Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for establishing a signalling channel between small cell base stations and gateways in wireless telecommunications require significant data processing, increasing power consumption and limiting energy-saving capabilities, especially in low-power nodes providing wireless backhaul links.

Innovation Solution

Embedding signalling information into the mobile communication signal itself through amplitude modulation or fixed code sequence injection, allowing for low-power signalling without impairing the main data channel, using methods like adjustable attenuation or CDMA-based signalling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated signalling channel is established alongside the main backhaul transport channel, then signalling functions can be performed, but power consumption increases due to significant data processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignalling channel establishmentVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the signalling channel and main data channel into a single shared medium. Signalling information is embedded within the mobile communication signal itself using amplitude modulation or fixed code sequence injection, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated signalling channel and its associated processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile communication signal serves dual purposes: it carries both the main data traffic and the signalling information simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the same transmission medium to handle both data and control functions, reducing overall system complexity and power consumption.

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If signalling information is embedded into the mobile communication signal through amplitude modulation or fixed code sequence injection, then power consumption is reduced, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the amplitude parameter of the mobile communication signal to embed signalling information. By varying the amplitude according to the signalling data (amplitude modulation), the system can convey control information without requiring complex processing architectures, leveraging a fundamental signal property for dual-purpose transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a separate dedicated signalling channel is used, then signalling data can be transmitted independently, but interference with the main data channel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignalling data transmissionVSAvoidchannel interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the signalling and data channels into a single unified transmission medium. By embedding signalling information within the mobile communication signal using techniques like amplitude modulation or orthogonal code sequences, the system eliminates the need for separate physical channels, thereby removing the source of inter-channel interference while maintaining reliable signalling transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces power consumption and maintains link quality by embedding signalling data within the existing radio frequency spectrum, enabling efficient and low-interference communication for status and performance data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the information-carrying signal received from the user terminal 2 at a first carrier frequency is frequency- up -converted to a higher carrier frequency which is used to transmit the information to the gateway 6

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency up-conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the received signal is down-converted to the downlink frequency of the user terminal 2 and transmitted to the user terminal 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency down-conversion:

Implementation Method 3

Embedding signalling information into the mobile communication signal itself through amplitude modulation or fixed code sequence injection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP2978143B1A method of transmitting information, a method of receiving information, and a relay station
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2978143B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2978143B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2978143B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method is provided of transmitting information associated with a relay station from the relay station via a signal, the method comprising: modulating by the relay station the information associated with the relay station onto the signal at a first frequency band or a second frequency band; and transmitting by the relay station the modulated signal; in which the signal carries data associated with a first node, the signal passing between the relay station and a second node connected to the relay station; the relay station communicating with the first node in the first frequency band and communicating with the second node in the second frequency band which is different to the first frequency band, in which the relay station receives the signal at one of the first frequency band and the second frequency band and converts the signal to the other of the first frequency band and second frequency band for transmission.