Systems and methods for implementing receiver transparent Q-mode

Abstract

In a receiver transparent Q-mode, i.e., a Q-mode that is only implemented by a transmitter, the receiver is unaware of the Q-mode state of the transmitter. In this type of Q-mode configuration, the transmitter could enter and exit Q-mode as desired while the receiver, could, for example, continue to function as if operating normally, such as in “showtime.” Through this approach, it is not necessary for the receiver to detect the transmitter's entry and exit of Q-mode.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for a transmitter to enter a Q-mode comprising: 
 receiving an all zeros bit pattern;    transmitting a Q-mode symbol; and    entering a Q-mode, wherein the entry and exit of the Q-mode is independent of an operational state of a receiver.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining one or more fine gain values and a number of bits modulated on each of a plurality of carriers.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising mapping an all zeros word to a predetermined constellation point.  
     
     
         4 . A protocol for a transmitter to enter a Q-mode comprising: 
 receiving an all zeros bit pattern;    transmitting a Q-mode symbol; and    entering a Q-mode, wherein the entry and exit of the Q-mode is independent of an operational state of a receiver.    
     
     
         5 . The protocol of  claim 4 , further comprising determining one or more fine gain values and a number of bits modulated on each of a plurality of carriers.  
     
     
         6 . The protocol of  claim 4 , further comprising mapping an all zeros word to a predetermined constellation point.  
     
     
         7 . A means for a transmitter to enter a Q-mode comprising: 
 means for receiving an all zeros bit pattern;    means for transmitting a Q-mode symbol; and    means for entering a Q-mode, wherein the entry and exit of the Q-mode is independent of an operational state of a receiver.    
     
     
         8 . The means of  claim 7 , further comprising means for determining one or more fine gain values and a number of bits modulated on each of a plurality of carriers.  
     
     
         9 . The means of  claim 7 , further comprising means for mapping an all zeros word to a predetermined constellation point.  
     
     
         10 . An information storage media comprising information that allows a transmitter to enter a Q-mode comprising: 
 information that receives an all zeros bit pattern;    information that transmits a Q-mode symbol; and    information that allows the transmitter to enter a Q-mode, wherein the entry and exit of the Q-mode is independent of an operational state of a receiver.    
     
     
         11 . The media of  claim 10 , further comprising information that determines one or more fine gain values and a number of bits modulated on each of a plurality of carriers.  
     
     
         12 . The media of  claim 10 , further comprising information that maps an all zeros word to a predetermined constellation point.  
     
     
         13 . A method of conserving power in a multicarrier communication system comprising: 
 transmitting a Q-mode symbol indicating a transmitter is entering a Q-mode;    seamlessly transitioning into and out of the Q-mode, wherein a receiver demodulates both the Q-mode symbol and one or more information bits.