| ENTROPIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
| 20120046008 | Translational Switching System and Signal Distribution System Employing Same - A frequency translation system includes first and second translational switches, and a signal bus coupled therebetween. The first translational switch includes one or more inputs configured to receive a respective one or more first input signals, a first plurality of outputs, and a second plurality of outputs. The second translational switch includes one or more inputs configured to receive a respective one or more second input signals, a first output, and a second output. The signal bus, coupled between the first and second translational switches, includes (i) a first bus line coupled to a first one of the first plurality of outputs of the first translational switch, and to the first output of the second translational switch, and (ii) a second bus line coupled to a first one of the second plurality of outputs of the first translational switch, and to the second output of the second translational switch. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120027141 | Method and Apparatus for Cross Polarization and Cross Satellite Interference Cancellation - A method and apparatus in which a Tap-Weight Computer (TWC) calculates a Tap-Weight Vector (TWV). The TWV is coupled to a register in each of a plurality of adaptive filter modules. Each such adaptive filter module includes several adaptive filters that each include a tapped delay line. The input to the tapped delay line of each such adaptive filter is one of a plurality of potential interfering signals. The TWV controls the weighting of the outputs from the taps off the delay line. The weighted outputs from each tapped delay line are then subtracted from a received signal which potentially includes interference from the potential interfering signals. The TWC is multiplexed to each of the plurality of adaptive filters so that each adaptive filter is loaded with a TWV calculated by the TWC to reduce the amount of interference contributed by a particular potential interfering signal coupled to an input to that particular adaptive filter. In one embodiment, a plurality of such adaptive filter modules share the same TWC. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120013404 | Method and Apparatus for Broadband Input Matching with Noise and Non-Linearity Cancellation in Power Amplifiers - A CMOS differential power amplifier having broadband input matching with Noise and Non-linearity Cancellation. The broadband input match is realized by using two “Diode-Connected” NFETs (i.e., N-type Field Effect Transistors). Resulting noise degradation is reduced by using a noise cancellation structure. By using the same structure the disclosed method and apparatus also achieves non-linearity cancellation. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120008640 | Method and Apparatus for Using Dynamic Subchannels in a Communications Network - A method and apparatus for attaining the benefits of both an adjacent subchannel assignments and distributed subchannel assignments. That is, the following is a method and apparatus for providing dynamic subchannel assignments that provide the benefits of both adjacent subchannel assignments and distributed subchannel assignments. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110320859 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERFERENCE DETECTION AND MITIGATION - In a method for adjusting modulation on a network, a modulation profile of a network node on the network is set a specified density. A plurality of messages that are received at the network node are monitored on an ongoing basis. The modulation profile of the network node is updated continually based on the monitored messages. A determination is made that a predetermined class of messages is received incorrectly at the network node. The network node is disconnected from the network based on the incorrectly received predetermined class of messages and is reconnected to the network to initiate the network node on the network. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110317584 | NODE-BASED QUALITY-OF-SERVICE MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods for scheduling network communications in a managed network can include a Network Controller discovering a plurality of network nodes; the Network Controller classifying the discovered network nodes into two or more classifications of node for node-level prioritization of network communications; the Network Controller receiving reservation requests from at least some of the plurality of network nodes, wherein the reservation requests request one or more time slots for their respective network nodes in an upcoming communication window; and the Network Controller assigning time slots in the upcoming communication window to one or more network nodes in response to reservation requests, wherein the assignment is based on a priority of the network nodes and wherein the priority is assigned to the nodes according to their classification. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110305157 | Method and Apparatus for Preamble Reduction - A method of reducing resource overhead attributed to preambles in a communication system includes transmitting, at a transmitter, one or more signals including a first packet. The first packet is transmitted in a first time-frequency grant including a first set of one or more subcarriers. The first packet includes a full preamble including reference signal information for determining a total channel estimate for every subcarrier to be used in transmission of the first packet. A second packet is transmitted in a second time-frequency grant including a second set of one or more subcarriers without a full preamble when a receiver configured to communicate with the transmitter can determine a phase offset between the transmitter and the receiver from the signals received at the receiver. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110299630 | Method and Apparatus for Real Time Multiplexing with Receiver and Antenna Array Elements - A method of signal processing, or corresponding apparatus, includes providing multiple analog receive signals at respective antennas and selecting one antenna at a time in an iterative manner, to cycle through the antennas and provide a multiplexed analog signal. The multiplexed analog signal is filtered at a filter to pass a predetermined frequency band. The multiplexed analog signal is sampled at a single analog to digital converter to generate a multiplexed digital signal. The multiplexed digital signal is demultiplexed to generate multiple digital signals for digital processing. Sharing a receiver and ADC among multiple antennas results in reduced cost and power. Such cost and power reductions in turn enable larger antenna arrays than are available with prior art techniques, thereby promoting increased throughput and coverage. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110299441 | Method and Apparatus for Real Time Multiplexing with Transmitter and Antenna Array Elements - A method of signal processing, or corresponding apparatus, includes providing digital input signals representing beamforming data to be transmitted on respective antennas. One of the digital input signals is selected at a time among a plurality of times, to cycle through the digital input signals repeatedly and provide a multiplexed digital signal, which is converted to a multiplexed analog signal. The multiplexed analog signal is filtered to pass a predetermined frequency band and demultiplexed to provide analog output signals. One of the analog output signals is selected and provided to a corresponding antenna for transmission. Sharing a transmitter and DAC among multiple antennas results in reduced cost and power. Such cost and power reductions in turn enable larger antenna arrays than are available with prior art techniques, thereby promoting increased throughput and coverage. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110216781 | Method and Apparatus for Asynchronous Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access - A method of transmitting orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signals includes transmitting, at a first transmitter of a network, a first stream of data having a first number of symbols over a first time interval using a first set of one or more OFDMA subcarriers. At a second transmitter of the network, a second stream of data is transmitted having a second number of symbols over a second time interval, different in duration than the first time interval and overlapping the first time interval. The second burst of data is transmitted using a second set of one or more OFDMA subcarriers. The first time interval and first set of subcarriers define a first time-frequency grant, the second time interval and second set of subcarriers define a second time-frequency grant, and the first and second time-frequency grants are granted by a network coordinator node of the network. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216776 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASYNCHRONOUS ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISION MULTIPLE ACCESS - A method of transmitting orthogonal frequency division multiple access signals includes transmitting a first stream of data from a first node of a network. The first stream includes a preamble and payload. A second stream of data is transmitted from a second node of the network. The second stream includes a preamble and payload, and the second stream has a shorter total length than the first stream. The transmission of the second stream starts at essentially the same time as the transmission of the first stream. A third stream of data is transmitted from the second node of the network. The third stream includes a preamble and payload. The transmission of the third stream begins at the end of the payload of the second stream and prior to the end of the transmission of the remainder of the payload of the first stream. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110209186 | Variable Modulation Unicast System - A system is described that consists of a variable modulation unicast system that utilizes multiple modulation schemes in a cable network for unicast applications and is capable of assigning users to different channels of differing modulation schemes in the network based on a feedback signal received in response to a transmitted probe signal. The system may also, in response to the feedback signal from a remote device in the network, assign a channel from a plurality of channels having differing carrier frequencies and modulation schemes to the remote device and may also modify the carrier frequencies of the channels. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110205935 | Frequency Scanning to Form a Communication Network - A node forms a network by scanning for an existing network. If an existing network is not found, the node operates as a network controller node of the first network and admits at least one client node to the first network. As a network controller node, the node designates one of the client nodes as a scout node. The scout node removes itself from the first network and scans for a second network. If the scout node does not return to the first network after a predetermined time, it is assumed that the scout node has found a second network. The network controller node of the first network then designates the remaining client nodes as scout nodes, and then joins the second network as a client node. Therefore, multiple networks are avoided. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110205892 | Systems and Methods for Flow Control and Quality of Service - Various embodiments of methods and systems for pausing and shaping data flow while supporting both parameterized and prioritized Quality of Service are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for pausing and shaping data flow comprises an input buffer, a first pause controller coupled to the input buffer and an output buffer for flow control messages. Various embodiments also include a hop- | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110204966 | Transistor junction diode circuitry systems and methods - Methods and apparatus for capacitive voltage division are provided, an example apparatus having an input and an output and including a first switched capacitor circuit. In some embodiments, the capacitive voltage divider includes first and second MOSFETs. A first capacitor is coupled between the drain of the first MOSFET and the input to the capacitive voltage divider. A first circuit coupled to the drain of the first MOSFET is configured to pull down the drain of the first MOSFET and thus apply a reverse bias to a first junction diode internal to the first MOSFET between the drain and the bulk of the first MOSFET. A second capacitor is coupled between the source of the first MOSFET and the drain of the second MOSFET. A second circuit is configured to reverse bias a second junction diode between the drain and bulk of the second MOSFET. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110194636 | Broadband Network for Coaxial Cable Using Multi-carrier Modulation - A broadband local area data network uses coaxial cable wiring for interconnection of terminal devices. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with bit loading is used to overcome channel impairments and provide a path for terminal devices to transmit to and receive from other terminal devices. Probe messages are sent between devices to characterize the communication channel and determine optimum bit loading. The data network shares the cable spectrum with other services and uses frequency bands not used by other services. Adaptive power control can be used to maintain signal to noise ratio in a communication between terminal devices. Frequency coordination can be used to avoid interference between the LAN communications and other services transmitted on the cable. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110182199 | Method and Apparatus for use of Silent Symbols in a Communications Network - Systems and methods for characterizing a communication channel including transmitting silent symbols during periods of a packet. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110176549 | METHOD OF BUS CONFIGURATION TO ENABLE DEVICE BRIDGING OVER DISSIMILAR BUSES - Several local IEEE1394 buses are bridged together over a second bus type to create a global bus wherein each local bus node is able to address nodes across the global bus without the local nodes being aware of the bridging operation. A bridging device operates by translating local bus node addresses to a global bus for communication over the second bus type. Alternatively, the local bus node identification process is controlled by the bridging device operating as the root node to cause the local nodes to be identified with a node address that is unique for the global network. The second bus type operates as a backbone for the global network and can be any type of communication bus or network with capability to transport the local bus traffic. The bridging devices that interface the local IEEE1394 buses to the backbone contain portals specific to each bus type that can communicate data between the dissimilar buses. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110173435 | Secure Node Admission in a Communication Network - A system and method for node admission in a communication network having a NC and a plurality of associated network nodes. According to various embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, key determination in a communication network includes an NN sending to the NC a request for a SALT; the NN receiving the SALT from the NC, combining the SALT with its network password to calculate a static key, and submitting an admission request to the network coordinator to request a dynamic key. The SALT can be a random number generated by the NC, and the admission request can be encrypted by the NN using the static key. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110167466 | Method and Apparatus for Interface to Layer 2 of an Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Communication Protocol - A method of communicating with a layer | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110142114 | Echo Profile Probe - In an orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) communication network, a node transmits an echo profile probe to other nodes in the network. The echo profile probe is a message that allows characterization of the unique echo profile through the communication channel between each node pair. The echo profile is used to calculate the cyclic prefix length needed for optimum communication from one node to the other. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110134786 | Broadband Cable Network Utilizing Common Bit-Loading - A broadband cable network (“BCN”) for determining a common bit-loading modulation scheme for communicating between a plurality of nodes in the BCN is disclosed. The BCN may include a transmitting node within the plurality of nodes where the transmitting node is capable of sending a probe signal to the plurality of nodes, and at least one receiving node within the plurality of nodes in signal communication with the transmitting node. The at least one receiving node is capable of transmitting a first response signal in response to receiving the probe signal. The first response signal includes a first bit-loading modulation scheme determined by the at least one receiving node. The transmitting node is further capable of determining the common bit-loading modulation scheme from the first response signal. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110128852 | Method and Apparatus for Communicating Unicast PQoS DFID Information - Methods and apparatus for communicating unicast PQoS DFID information in a MoCA network are disclosed. In a transmitting apparatus, values are assigned in a first set of fields of a reservation request element, the first set adapted to indicate a unicast PQoS flow with a DFID value. Values are assigned in a second set of fields of the reservation request element, the second set adapted to represent the DFID value. A message comprising the reservation request element is transmitted to a network coordinator. In a receiving network coordinator, a message comprising a reservation request element is received, the reservation request element comprising a first set of fields and a second set of fields. It is determined whether the first set is indicative of a unicast PQoS flow with a DFID value. The DFID value is determined from the second set if the first set is indicative of a unicast PQoS flow with a DFID value. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110115063 | Integrated Circuit Packaging with Split Paddle - An IC package includes ground paddle(s), power paddle(s), a lead frame, a die, and electrically conductive input/output circuit pads, ground circuit pads, and bond wires. The lead frame may include input/output (I/O) pads positioned near the perimeter of the lead frame and around the ground paddle(s) and power paddle(s). The die may be positioned on one of the ground paddles and may include die terminals. Each I/O circuit pad may be positioned on and connected with one of the I/O pads. The ground circuit pads may be positioned on said one ground paddle around the die between the die and the I/O circuit pads. Each ground circuit pad may be connected to said one ground paddle. Each bond wire may connect a die terminal to an I/O circuit pad and/or a ground circuit pad. A bond wire may connect a die terminal to a power paddle. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110113455 | System and Method for a Managed Network with Quality-of-Service - Systems and methods for establishing Parameterized QoS flows in a managed network can include a Designated Network Node (like a Network Controller or any network node) discovering a plurality of network nodes. The Designated Network Node discovering one or more of the plurality of network nodes; classifying the discovered network node or nodes based on node type; determining from the classification which node or nodes are designated for supporting Parameterized QoS flows; and invoking a request to a MoCA layer to create Parameterized QoS flows between the network node or nodes classified as designated for Parameterized QoS flows and the source nodes (like BHR and DVRs); wherein the bandwidth designated for the individual Parameterized QoS flows is either a nominal value or actual value specified by the Designated Network Node such that the actual aggregate bandwidth for the Parameterized QoS flows does not exceed the network bandwidth available for actual Parameterized QoS flows; wherein when actual bandwidth is specified for each flow, the Designated Network Node can preempt some PQoS flows in order to release PQoS bandwidth for a new PQOS flow; wherein the Designated Network Node is provisioned with a trusted device list designating nodes for supporting PQoS flows, and preemption rules that can be used for preemption. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110075780 | Method and Apparatus for Bandpass Digital to Analog Converter - Systems and methods for providing a mechanism by which digital signals can be converted to analog signals with an efficient structure that reduces the number of filters required by providing a mechanism for cancelling images that would otherwise be generated. By adjusting three parameters in the system, a selection can be made as to whether to generate upper sidebands, lower sidebands and in which direction the envelope of the output from the system will be skewed. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110037628 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACCELERATED ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERSION - Techniques for accelerated processing associated with analog to digital signal conversion are disclosed. Accelerated processing is provided for sample-and-hold and track-and-hold circuits used with analog to digital converters in various embodiments. An abbreviated sampling state, an abbreviated reset state, or both are employed in various embodiments. By accelerating processing so as to avoid the need for waiting for a signal to settle within a predetermined tolerance, errors of different types may be incurred. Such errors are determined during calibration and stored for future retrieval and error compensation. Techniques for online and offline calibration are disclosed, whereby calibration may or may not impact normal signal conversion processing. Techniques disclosed herein find broad applicability in analog to digital conversion and yield faster processing in a variety of contexts. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110035647 | Broadband satellite system for the simultaneous reception of multiple channels using shared iterative decoder - Multiple channels of received data are processed by a multiple channel demodulation and error correction decoding engine. The statistical uncertainty of processing channels with an iterative decoder are averaged across all the channels to reduce the total processing power required of the decoding engine compared to processing each channel with a separate engine. A set of input buffers holds blocks of data for each channel needing decoding. A quality measure is computed on each input block to set the priority and iteration allocation of decoding in the common decoder. The input RF signal is digitized by a broadband tuner that processes some or all of the channels to feed the multiple channel demodulator and decoder. Multiple decoded video data streams are output. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110007731 | Method and Apparatus for LDPC Transmission Over a Channel Bonded Link - A particular overall architecture for transmission over a bonded channel system consisting of two interconnected MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) 2.0 SoCs (“Systems on a Chip) and a method and apparatus for the case of a “bonded” channel network. With a bonded channel network, the data is divided into two segments, the first of which is transported over a primary channel and the second of which is transported over a secondary channel. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100322134 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Multicast in Communications Network - Systems and methods for managing multicast transmissions in a communication network. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100321590 | System and Method for Reducing Intra-Channel Interference - The present invention provides a method for determining a local oscillator frequency for a baseband converter, comprising obtaining characteristics of a channel comprising a plurality of radio signals at corresponding radio frequencies; using the channel characteristics to select a local oscillator frequency to use in baseband conversion of the plurality of radio signals of the channel to form a first baseband converted signal and a second baseband converted signal; and programming a local oscillator to operate the selected local oscillator frequency; wherein the local oscillator frequency is selected such that an image rejection ratio of the baseband converted second signal to an image of the baseband converted first signal is above a predetermined threshold. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100296522 | Packet Data Transmission With Optimum Preamble Length - In a communication network, a sending node transmits a message with a multi-segment preamble and data to a receiving node. The receiving node calculates characteristics of the sending unit, channel, or transmitted signal by processing preamble segments. Once an unknown characteristic is determined, a segment of the preamble can be eliminated or reduced in length for subsequent messages, which increases efficiency of the message transmissions. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100277230 | TRANSISTOR JUNCTION DIODE CIRCUITRY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods and apparatus for capacitive voltage division are provided, an example apparatus having an input and an output and including a first switched capacitor circuit. In some embodiments, the capacitive voltage divider includes first and second MOSFETs. A first capacitor is coupled between the drain of the first MOSFET and the input to the capacitive voltage divider. A first circuit coupled to the drain of the first MOSFET is configured to pull down the drain of the first MOSFET and thus apply a reverse bias to a first junction diode internal to the first MOSFET between the drain and the bulk of the first MOSFET. A second capacitor is coupled between the source of the first MOSFET and the drain of the second MOSFET. A second circuit is configured to reverse bias a second junction diode between the drain and bulk of the second MOSFET. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100238790 | METHOD FOR QUICK MAP RECOVERY IN CASE OF ERROR IN MOCA - A method comprises receiving a predetermined length of information, the information including a first MAC Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) being of variable length and including at least one Sub-MPDU; independently decoding the first Sub-MPDU and a plurality of additional portions of the received information, each portion having a length equal to the length of one Sub-MPDU; processing data from the first Sub-MPDU; and determining from the processed data how many of the other decoded portions constitute Sub-MPDUs of the received MPDU. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100229015 | Method and Apparatus of Power Management - A power management system for home entertainment networks having three power states. The network controller is empowered to move nodes within the home entertainment network between the power states. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100214916 | Flexible Reservation Request and Scheduling Mechanisms in a Managed Shared Network with Quality of Service - Systems and methods for scheduling network communications in a managed network can include receiving in a Network Coordinator a submission from each of a plurality of network nodes requesting, for their respective flows, reservation of communication slots in a communication window, the submission including scheduling information such as latency tolerance maximum aggregation amount; the Network Coordinator checking available bandwidth in the communication window; and the Network Coordinator allocating the available bandwidth to a first flow from a first requesting node based on the first flow's scheduling information and the bandwidth availability, and deferring allocation of bandwidth to a second flow from a second requesting node until a later window based on the second flow's scheduling information and the bandwidth availability, thereby reallocating peak demand among the plurality of requesting nodes across a plurality of communication windows. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100183027 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BLOCK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A method includes receiving a request for bandwidth from a first network node of a coordinated network and broadcasting a first transmission schedule to a plurality of network nodes including the first network node. The first transmission schedule allocates bandwidth for the first network node to transmit data to a second network node. An acknowledgement (ACK) message is received from the second network node identifying that the second network node successfully received the data from the first network node. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100180112 | Secure Node Admission in a Communication Network - A system and method for key determination in a communication network having a network control node and a plurality of associated network nodes. According to various embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, an entry node sends to the network control node a submission requesting a salt; the entry node receives the salt from the network control node, wherein the salt is a random number generated by the network control node; the entry node combines the salt with its network password to calculate a network admission key; and the entry node submits an admission request to the network controller requesting admission to the network, wherein the admission request is encrypted by the entry node using the admission key. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100177833 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF CHANNEL ESTIMATION SYMBOLS BASED ON THE CHANNEL COHERENCE BANDWIDTH - Various systems and methods are provided for channel estimation. These systems and methods (a) determine a coherence bandwidth for the channel, (b) adapt the channel estimation based on the coherence bandwidth, and (c) perform channel estimation by transmitting a channel estimation symbol over a channel. In some embodiments, the channel estimation is adapted based on the coherence bandwidth. This may include selecting a number of channel estimation symbols to transmit in a packet. Additionally, the number of channel estimation symbols transmitted in a packet can be selected by increasing the number of channel estimation symbols when the coherence bandwidth of the channel is high or decreasing the number of channel estimation symbols when the coherence bandwidth of the channel is low. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100158171 | Estimation of noise variance combined with narrow-band interference detection - Method and apparatus are provided for estimating noise variance using a long-term data aided algorithm and an interference variance using a short-term data aided algorithm. Using these estimations, an interference hypothesis may be determined. Some embodiments compute the variance for a decision directed noise sample, convert the variance for the decision directed noise to a true noise variance per packet, and convert the variance for the decision directed noise to a true noise variance per symbol. The interference hypothesis may be based on the noise variance estimations per symbol and the noise variance estimation per packet. Some embodiments determine the presence of noise based on a comparison of the noise variance per packet, the noise variance per symbol, and each hypothesis and compute the long-term noise variance. Using the long-term noise variance in place of the variance for a decision directed noise sample for a subsequent determination of interference. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100158015 | PACKET AGGREGATION AND FRAGMENTATION AT LAYER-2 OVER A MANAGED NETWORK - A method and apparatus for receiving packets from a node within a first network in accordance with a first protocol. A descriptor associated with each received packet is read by a direct memory access (DMA) controller that stores the received packet. A value for a controllable parameter is selected to efficiently communicate the content of the received packet over a second network that operates in accordance with a second protocol. The information in the received packet is then organized into newly formed packets, the size of which makes them efficient for communication over the network in the second protocol. The newly formed packets are stored in a transmit line buffer and associated with a Protocol Descriptor. The Protocol Descriptor provides information to a transmit controller to allow the transmit controller to select and aggregate packets from the transmit line buffer in order to make efficient use of the second protocol. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100150216 | Systems and methods for probing wired communication channels - Various systems and methods for probing a communication channel. These systems and methods transmit an error vector probe packet from a first transmitter while a second transmitter is active and transmitting. A network device may receive the error vector probe packet and measure an error vector magnitude based on the received error vector probe packet. Using the error vector magnitude, the network device estimates channel characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio, data capacity, etc. The transmission can occur when more than one transmitter is active and transmitting. At least some of the other transmitters are active and transmit an analog zero signal, e.g., all digital zeros on the input to the digital-to-analog converter of a network device when an error vector probe packet is transmitted. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100150016 | Receiver Determined Probe - According to various embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, nodes on a network are programmed to generate a probe transmission in response to a request from the node that will be receiving the probe. The receiving node may generate a probe request that specifies a plurality of parameters, such as a modulation profile for the probe; the payload content of the probe; the number of times to transmit the probe; a number of symbols for the payload of the probe; a preamble type for the probe; a cyclic-prefix length for the payload of the probe; a transmit power for the probe; and a transmit power scaling factor for the payload of the probe. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100146361 | Multiple input hardware reuse using LDPC codes. - A network controller receives data substantially simultaneously from multiple client nodes. The network controller assigns to each client node one or more sub-carriers of an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing access frequency spectrum. The client nodes transmit substantially simultaneously M LDPC codewords that are encoded in a parity check matrix so that the number of rows m′ depend on the code rate and are mapped on its assigned sub-carriers. The network controller computes a bit log-likelihood ratio for each received bit of the codewords and arranges the bit LLR by codeword to align with an equivalent parity check matrix. The network controller decodes the codewords with the equivalent parity check matrix. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100111147 | Variable PHY Margin to Combat Ingress Noise - A method includes determining a first aggregate received power level of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) signal received at a first network node, adjusting a nominal PHY Margin an amount that is dependent upon a measurement of an aggregate received power level of the OFDM signal, determining a data transmission rate based on the adjusted nominal PHY Margin, and receiving data being transmitted in accordance with the data transmission rate at the first node. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100100795 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Forward Error Correction in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed Communication Network - According to some embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, systems and methods are provided that utilize extra payload capacity present in a symbol pad of a PHY payload to decrease the coding rate of an FEC coding scheme without increasing the symbol rate or decreasing the PHY rate of a corresponding data transmission. If a symbol pad length that would result from encoding a MAC frame using a default coding scheme would be at least as great as a parity length of the default coding scheme, and a new coding scheme maintaining the same parity length but having a reduced information bit length may be determined and used to encode the MAC frame. Owing the reduced information bit length, the new coding scheme has a reduced coding rate, but maintains the same number of OFDM symbols as the default coding scheme. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100098257 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Constellation Scrambling in a Multimedia Home Network - Systems and methods are provided that allow multiple transmitting network devices to transmit under an orthogonal frequency divisional multiple access (OFDMA) mode to a receiving network device. The multiple transmitting network devices may be configured to perform constellation scrambling on the symbols they will be transmitting using a predetermined scrambling sequence. They may be further configured to synchronize their use of the sequence, for example, by advancing the sequence for each available subcarrier, such that the receiving device may view the payload as if it were sent by a single transmitter. Accordingly, these multiple transmissions may be descrambled using only one instance of a sequence generator. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100098110 | Method and Apparatus for Using Ranging Measurements in a Multimedia Home Network - According to various embodiments of the disclosure, systems, methods and apparatuses are provided for using ranging to improve network efficiency. In particular, various embodiments of the disclosure provide ranging to improve local clock time synchronization. According to one embodiment, a method for synchronizing a plurality of nodes on a communication network is provided, comprising: exchanging local clock times between a first node and a second node over the communication network; performing a ranging method between the first and second nodes based on the local clock times exchanged between the first and second nodes, wherein the ranging method results in an estimated propagation delay between the first and second nodes; and adjusting the local clock times of the first and second nodes based on the estimated propagation delay, thereby resulting in a synchronized local clock time at the first and second nodes. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100094995 | Silent Probes in a Communication Network - A system, device and process to enable a “silent probe” on a network to facilitate network analysis by nodes within a network. A network node requests the silent probe. During the silent probe, all nodes remain silent so that all nodes can listen, hear, and/or analyze the spectrum of the communications medium. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100082791 | Data transmission over a network with channel bonding - A system that transmits data over multiple networks receives data packets at a client node and forms a plurality of data aggregates from the data packets. The system then sends a request for a duplicate transmission to a coordinator node on a first network. In response to the request, the system receives a first transmission slot on the first network and a second transmission slot on a second network for transmission of the data aggregates. The system then splits the data aggregates among the first transmission slot and the second transmission slot and transmits the data aggregates on the first transmission slot and the second transmission slot. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100061403 | High Efficiency Preambles for Communications Systems Over Pseudo-Stationary Communication Channels - A method includes appending a preamble to a data packet and transmitting the preamble and data packet over a communication channel in the network. The preamble may be a Beacon, Admission, Broadcast, or High-Throughput Preamble. The Beacon Preamble includes the following symbols SS, SS, SS, SS, SS, SS, SS, SS, SS, SS, SS, SS, LS | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100034250 | IQ imbalance equalization system and method. - Systems and methods for performing channel equalization in a communication system are presented. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus are directed toward systems and methods for performing channel equalization in an OFDM system. One example of a method of negating the effects of IQ imbalance can include the operations of transmitting a channel estimation string across a channel. The channel estimation string comprises a plurality of known channel estimation symbols. The method further includes logically inverting predetermined symbols within the known channel estimation string; transmitting a second channel estimation string across the channel, the second channel estimation string including the logically inverted predetermined symbols; and estimating the IQ image noise based on received first and second channel estimation symbols. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100030972 | Device, system and method of accessing data stored in a memory. - Device, system and method of accessing data stored in a memory. For example, a device may include a memory to store a plurality of data items to be accessed by a processor; a cache manager to manage, a cache within the memory, the cache including a plurality of pointer entries, wherein each pointer entry includes an identifier of a respective data item and a pointer to an address of the data item; and a search module to receive from the cache manager an identifier of a requested data item, search the plurality of pointer entries for the identifier of the requested data item and, if a pointer entry is detected to include an identifier of a respective data item that matches the identifier of the requested data item then, provide the cache manager with the pointer from the detected entry. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100002795 | Low Complexity High-Speed Communications Transceiver - A communication system is disclosed that allows high data-rate transmission of data between components. N-bit parallel data is transmitted in K-frequency separated channels on the transmission medium so as to fully take advantage of the overall bandwidth of the transmission medium. As a result, a very high data-rate transmission can be accomplished with low data-bit transmission on individual channels. A transmitter system and a receiver system are described for the communication system. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090307305 | NETWORK ALLOCATION - A method and apparatus of supporting more than the maximum number of clients allowed in a network. Such limitations exist because of resource limitations, such as memory and other hardware. In one embodiment of the disclosed method and apparatus, a network controller temporarily drops a client out of a network to allow another client, which is currently not in the network and wishes to be active, to join the network. Information about the link between the dropped client and the network controller is stored to allow the dropped client to easily rejoin the network. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090296611 | Broadband Network for Coaxial Cable Using Multi-carrier Modulation - A broadband local area data network uses coaxial cable wiring for interconnection of terminal devices. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with bit loading is used to overcome channel impairments and provide a path for terminal devices to transmit to and receive from other terminal devices. Probe messages are sent between devices to characterize the communication channel and determine optimum bit loading. The data network shares the cable spectrum with other services and uses frequency bands not used by other services. Adaptive power control can be used to maintain signal to noise ratio in a communication between terminal devices. Frequency coordination can be used to avoid interference between the LAN communications and other services transmitted on the cable. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090290659 | Channel stacking system and method of operation - A channel stacking system includes first and second downconverting stages, first and second analog to digital converters, and a digital switching and signal processor. The first downconverting stage includes a first downconverter circuit having an input for receiving a first RF input signal which includes a multitude of first channels. The first downconverter circuit frequency downconverts the first RF input signal to a first IF signal which includes the multitude of first channels. The first analog-to-digital converter converts the first IF signal to a first digital IF signal. The second downconverter stage includes a second downconverter circuit having an input for receiving a second RF input signal which includes a multitude of second channels. The second downconverter circuit frequency downconverts the second RF input signal to a second IF signal including said multitude of second channels. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090237068 | Wideband CMOS RMS power detection scheme - A system includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit includes a first MOS transistor having a gate and a drain. The first circuit is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal at the gate of the first MOS transistor. The drain of the first MOS transistor is configured to output a first current that is proportional to the square of the input voltage of the RF signal while receiving the RF signal. The second circuit includes a second MOS transistor having a source configured to receive a first current from the first circuit. The second MOS transistor is biased in a triode region and has a channel resistance between the source and a drain. The second circuit is configured to output a voltage proportional to the value of the power of the RF signal received by the first circuit. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090232193 | Echo profile probe - In an orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) communication network, a node transmits an echo profile probe to other nodes in the network. The echo profile probe is a message that allows characterization of the unique echo profile through the communication channel between each node pair. The echo profile is used to calculate the cyclic prefix length needed for optimum communication from one node to the other. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090102706 | Satellite interference canceling - A satellite interference canceling system cancels the interference between two or more signals received by a satellite receiver. The signals can be two signals experiencing cross polarization interference or signals that experience interference from other satellite signals. Gain and phase are applied to the received signals and then combined with the other signals to result in cancellation by subtraction. The gain and phase values needed to cancel the interference are derived from measurements of carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N) as an indication of the interference level. The C/N can be measured in the set-top box indoor unit. Coherency restoration is performed in receivers that downconvert the signals before performing interference cancellation. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090003245 | Method of bus configuration to enable device bridging over dissimilar buses. - Several local IEEE1394 buses are bridged together over a second bus type to create a global bus wherein each local bus node is able to address nodes across the global bus without the local nodes being aware of the bridging operation. A bridging device operates by translating local bus node addresses to a global bus for communication over the second bus type. Alternatively, the local bus node identification process is controlled by the bridging device operating as the root node to cause the local nodes to be identified with a node address that is unique for the global network. The second bus type operates as a backbone for the global network and can be any type of communication bus or network with capability to transport the local bus traffic. The bridging devices that interface the local IEEE1394 buses to the backbone contain portals specific to each bus type that can communicate data between the dissimilar buses. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080279219 | AGGREGATING NETWORK PACKETS FOR TRANSMISSION TO A DESTINATION NODE - A node for transmitting digital data over a network receives a plurality of packet data units and identifies at least two of the packet data units that have the same aggregation identifier. The node then forms an aggregate packet from the packet data units that have the same aggregation identifier and transmits the aggregate packet to a common destination node or nodes. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080250133 | PROBING NETWORK NODES FOR OPTIMIZATION - A method is disclosed for optimizing a network that is formed from a plurality of nodes. The NC node of the network compiles an order that the plurality of nodes perform a probing operation. The order is typically round robin. The NC node receives a request from a client that identifies a next node to perform the probing operation. Based on the request, the NC node changes the order so that the next node performs the probing operation after the current node that is performing the probing operation has completed the operation. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080247334 | FREQUENCY SCANNING TO FORM A COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A node forms a network by scanning for an existing network. If an existing network is not found, the node operates as a network controller node of the first network and admits at least one client node to the first network. As a network controller node, the node designates one of the client nodes as a scout node. The scout node removes itself from the first network and scans for a second network. If the scout node does not return to the first network after a predetermined time, it is assumed that the scout node has found a second network. The network controller node of the first network then designates the remaining client nodes as scout nodes, and then joins the second network as a client node. Therefore, multiple networks are avoided. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080212591 | PARAMETERIZED QUALITY OF SERVICE IN A NETWORK - A method for managing data transmission comprising making a bandwidth on a network resource available to at least one requester for transmitting or receiving data according to a first request of a first type, the first type have a prescribed quality of service guarantee; transmitting first data in accordance with the first type to or from the at least one requestor on the network resource using a first portion of the bandwidth, if the first data are available to be transferred to or from the at least one requestor; transmitting second data according to a second request of a second type on the network resource to or from the at least one requestor or a second requester, the second data transmitted without a quality of service guarantee using a second portion of the bandwidth, if the first portion of the prescribed bandwidth is less than the entire bandwidth. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080209004 | FULL MESH RATES TRANSACTION IN A NETWORK - In one embodiment a communication method comprises the steps of receiving a query at Layer 2 from an entry node by way of a coordinated network, the query requesting data rates of network resources of the coordinated network; transmitting a Layer 2 request for an available data rate to each of a plurality of nodes connected to the coordinated network in response to the query; receiving a first Layer 2 response to said request from one or more of the plurality of nodes, wherein the first response includes a data rate with which each of the one or more nodes is capable of transmitting or receiving data; and transmitting a list of the received data rates to at least the entry node on the coordinated network. | 08-28-2008 |