US 6968001

US Patent 6968001: Communication Receiver with Virtual Parallel Equalizers

Title: Communication receiver with virtual parallel equalizers

Current Assignee: Qualcomm Inc.

Inventors:

• Srikant Jayaraman
• Ivan Jesus Fernandez Corbaton
• John E. Smee
• Michael A. Howard

Filing Date: August 21, 2002

Issue Date: November 22, 2005

Abstract:
The patent describes a method for optimizing an equalizer in a communication system receiver by utilizing "virtual parallel equalizers." This involves applying multiple configurations for training a single equalizer and then determining a performance measurement or estimate for each configuration. By comparing these performance measures, the optimum configuration is identified. The training and selection process is designed to operate at a rate significantly higher than the received sample rate, allowing for optimization to occur between the processing of data samples.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

Independent Claim 1: Method of estimating a transmitted signal
This claim outlines a method for improving signal reception using an equalizer. It involves a repetitive process of:

1. Establishing a first setup: Defining a first set of operational values (parameters) for the equalizer.
2. Learning and updating: Training the equalizer based on these values to refine them.
3. Assessing performance: Measuring how well the equalizer performs with the updated first set of values.
4. Establishing a second setup: Defining a second, different set of operational values for the equalizer, which effectively changes its configuration.
5. Learning and updating again: Training the equalizer with these second values to refine them.
6. Assessing second performance: Measuring the equalizer's performance with the updated second set of values.
7. Comparing results: Directly comparing the performance results from the first and second setups.
8. Making a choice: Selecting the better performing set of values.
9. Applying the best setup: Configuring the equalizer to operate using the chosen best set of values.

Independent Claim 11: Apparatus for estimating a transmitted signal
This claim describes a device (apparatus) that performs the method of Claim 1. It lists the "means for" carrying out each step of the method:

• Means for determining a first set of values.
• Means for training the equalizer to generate updated first values.
• Means for estimating a first performance parameter.
• Means for setting a second set of values.
• Means for training the equalizer to generate updated second values.
• Means for estimating a second performance parameter.
• Means for comparing the first and second performance parameters.
• Means for selecting one of the sets of values.
• Means for configuring the equalizer using the selected values.

Independent Claim 12: Wireless apparatus
This claim describes a wireless device that includes an equalizer designed to estimate a transmitted signal. This equalizer is specifically configured to perform the core steps of the method described in Claim 1, essentially acting as the "means" without explicitly using the "means for" language:

• Determine a first set of parameter values.
• Train itself to generate updated first values.
• Estimate a first performance parameter.
• Set a second set of parameter values, changing its configuration.
• Train itself to generate updated second values.
• Estimate a second performance parameter.
• Compare the two performance parameters.
• Select the better set of values.
• Configure itself using the selected values.

Independent Claim 13: A method comprising
This claim presents another method, similar to Claim 1, but explicitly centers the training and performance measurement around a "received pilot signal":

1. Initial configuration: Set up the equalizer with a first set of parameters.
2. Train on pilot (first): Adjust the equalizer's settings using a known pilot signal with the first parameters.
3. Measure performance (first): Determine a performance level based on the pilot signal using the first configuration.
4. Second configuration: Set up the equalizer with a second, different set of parameters.
5. Train on pilot (second): Adjust the equalizer's settings using the same received pilot signal with the second parameters.
6. Measure performance (second): Determine a performance level based on the pilot signal using the second configuration.
7. Compare performance: Contrast the first and second performance measures.
8. Select best parameters: Choose either the first or second set of parameters based on which performed better.
9. Final configuration: Configure the equalizer with the chosen (best) set of parameters.

Independent Claim 15: An apparatus comprising
This claim describes a device that contains a "configurable equalizer" and a "configuration selection unit" that together implement the method of Claim 13. The configuration selection unit is responsible for:

• Configuring the equalizer with a first set of parameters.
• Training the equalizer on a received pilot signal with the first parameters.
• Determining a first performance measure.
• Configuring the equalizer with a second set of parameters.
• Training the equalizer on the received pilot signal with the second parameters.
• Determining a second performance measure.
• Comparing the performance measures.
• Selecting the optimal set of parameters.
• Configuring the equalizer with the selected parameters.

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CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not yield any specific cases or decisions directly mentioning US Patent 6968001. The patent's legal status is listed as "Expired - Lifetime", expiring on December 29, 2022, according to the provided patent text.