Scaled SP-QAM Constellation Optimization for Optical Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional QAM schemes in optical systems face limitations in performance, particularly in terms of bit-error-rate (BER) and generalized mutual information (GMI), especially over long distances and in noisy conditions, due to the fixed constellation point arrangements.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a scaled set-partitioning QAM (SP-QAM) scheme, where constellation points are modified with non-zero offsets and adjusted scaling parameters, enhancing the Euclidean distances and bit labeling, thereby improving performance metrics like BER and GMI.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional QAM schemes with fixed constellation point arrangements are used, then device complexity is kept simple, but bit-error-rate performance deteriorates in noisy conditions and over long distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit-error-rate performanceVSAvoidmodulation scheme complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the constellation point arrangements in the QAM scheme. Specifically, it introduces scaled set-partitioning QAM where constellation points are adjusted with non-zero offsets and scaling parameters are optimized to enhance Euclidean distances between points. This changes the geometric parameters of the modulation constellation to improve noise resistance and bit-error-rate performance without fundamentally altering the QAM modulation framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional QAM schemes are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but generalized mutual information performance worsens in noisy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeneralized mutual information performanceVSAvoidmodulation implementation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the constellation diagram have different properties. The scaled set-partitioning QAM divides the constellation into subsets with different scaling factors and offsets applied locally to different regions. This allows optimization of Euclidean distances in specific high-probability error regions while maintaining overall constellation structure, thereby improving generalized mutual information performance in noisy conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fixed constellation point arrangements are used, then manufacturing precision requirements are kept low, but noise resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise resistanceVSAvoidconstellation point arrangement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing scalable and adjustable constellation parameters that can be dynamically optimized. The scaled set-partitioning QAM allows the constellation points to be scaled and positioned according to optimized parameters rather than being fixed. This dynamic adjustment of constellation geometry enables better noise resistance while the parameters can be precisely controlled through digital signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3580862B1Modulation systems and methods in optical transceivers
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 ACACIA COMMUNICATIONS INC
  • EP3580862B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3580862B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3580862B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) techniques for use in optical systems are described. An optical transceiver may include a modulator configured to modulate data according to a scaled set-partitioning QAM (SP-QAM) scheme. The modulator may be configured to receive a plurality of bits, associate the plurality of bits with a plurality of symbols according to the scaled (SP-QAM) scheme; and transmit the plurality of symbols over an optical channel. A demodulator in an optical receiver may receive the plurality of symbols transmitted over the optical channel and associate the received symbols with a plurality of bits according to the scaled (SP-QAM) scheme; and provide the plurality of bits to a forward error correction decoder.