Spiking Neural Signal Decoding for Accurate Low-Power Wireless Links

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Decoding wireless signals using traditional methods consumes significant power, processing resources, and memory, and errors lead to retransmissions, increasing network overhead and congestion.

Innovation Solution

Implementing spiking neural networks (SNNs) for wireless signal decoding and encoding, which perform channel estimation, equalization, and symbol demapping, reducing the need for separate machine learning models and conserving resources while improving decoding accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional decoding methods are used, then decoding can be performed, but power consumption is high and processing resources are consumed significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddecoding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical decoding systems with spiking neural network-based decoding systems. The SNN processes wireless signals through biologically-inspired neural computations, substituting conventional signal processing algorithms with neuromorphic computing that achieves lower power consumption while maintaining or improving decoding accuracy through parallel processing and event-driven computation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the decoding system by implementing SNNs with adjustable spiking thresholds, synaptic weights, and neuron activation functions. These parameter optimizations enable the system to achieve high decoding accuracy while consuming less power, as the SNN can adapt its computational intensity based on signal complexity and required precision levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional decoding methods are used, then decoding can be performed, but processing resources and memory are consumed significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the decoding process into distinct neural network layers and processing stages, where each layer handles specific aspects of signal processing. This segmentation allows for distributed processing across multiple neurons and synapses, reducing the computational burden on any single processing unit and enabling parallel execution that improves overall processing efficiency while managing resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements replicated neural network architectures where multiple copies of processing units operate in parallel. Each neuron and synapse can be instantiated multiple times across different processing elements, enabling the system to handle complex decoding tasks through parallel copy-based computations that improve productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If traditional decoding methods are used, then decoding can be performed, but errors lead to retransmissions increasing network overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidretransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms within the spiking neural network where decoding results are continuously monitored and fed back to adjust synaptic weights and neuron thresholds. This feedback loop enables real-time error correction and adaptive learning, allowing the system to improve decoding accuracy over time and reduce retransmission requirements, thereby minimizing time loss without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4682766A1Spiking neural networks for wireless signal decoding and encoding
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)
  • EP4682766A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4682766A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4682766A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In some implementations, a wireless signal decoder may include a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal and convert the wireless signal into a digital signal. The wireless signal decoder may further include a processor configured to input the digital signal into a spiking neural network (SNN) and receive at least one predicted data symbol as output from the SNN. The at least one predicted data symbol may include a rate coded output or a latency coded output.