Edinburgh: New and simple algorithm for wireless data transmission

Licensing opportunity

A new algorithm has been developed by scientists at Edinburgh University which they say provides a low power, ready to use method for increasing the amount of data that can be transmitted over wireless networks, without the need to without increase bandwidth. At the same time the level of interference is reduced.

The use of multiple antennae at both receiver and transmitter, or multiple input/multiple output, has the potential to dramatically increase the rate of data transmission. But adoption of this technology for use in wireless communications requires improved reliability of data transmission, while avoiding inter-channel interference, and without increasing the use of power or bandwidth.

Trellis Coded Spatial Modulation is a new algorithm that requires only one active transmitter antenna to achieve an equivalent rate of data transmission to multiple parallel transmissions. This approach reduces use of both power and bandwidth, which are both limited resources in wireless networks.

The scientists claim the algorithm is 90 per cent simpler than any alternative, is ready to adopt, and could be used with current mobile phones. In addition, it has a reduced power requirement, uses cheaper and simpler hardware and is easily scalable.

Computer simulations have demonstrated the technology improves data transmission, power efficiency and computational complexity, compared to alternative solutions.

A patent was filed on the Trellis Coded Spatial Modulation in 2009 and Edinburgh University is seeking to license the technology to an organisation that can take it through the next generation wireless standardisation process.

For more information, visit the project’s website: http://www.university-technology.com/details/new-and-simple-algorithm-for-wireless-data-transmission