Pilot signal enhancements for a wireless communication system
US8208447B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W52/16
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a method and apparatus suitable to convey timely information for facilitating accurate reception of transmitted data, a pilot signal is modulated to convey information. The information may facilitate efficient interpretation of an associated traffic signal. Modulation of a pilot signal frame may be limited to ensure early detection, and/or to minimize impairment of pilot functionality. In one embodiment, a Secondary Pilot Channel (SPICH) is transmitted at one of several selectable power levels to boost effectiveness of a phase reference, and is modulated to indicate the selected level. Such timely information enables prompt optimal combining of the SPICH with a primary Pilot Channel (PICH), and/or permits processing efficiencies for an associated traffic channel. Pilot signal frames may be transmitted at a predetermined level during a detection preamble portion of a frame to ensure accurate and early detection, and at a more optimal level thereafter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.