Carrier Frequency Offset Estimation using Data-Dependent Superimposed Training

In this letter we propose, for the first time, a solution to the problem of carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation within the data dependent superimposed training (DDST) framework for channel estimation. While time division multiplexed (TDM) trained systems can use the TDM sequence to determine the CFO, the original attraction of DDST for channel estimation was that it avoided any TDM training. So in this letter we show how CFO estimation can still be very effectively performed with the DDST algorithm, while continuing to preclude the need for any additional bandwidth-consuming TDM training. Finally, simulations are presented that verify the theoretical results.     

Channel estimation using implicit training

In this paper, a new method to perform channel estimation is presented. It is shown that accurate estimation can be obtained when a training sequence is actually arithmetically added to the information data as opposed to being placed in a separate empty time slot: hence, the word "implicit." A closed-form solution for the estimation variance is derived, as well as the Cramer-Rao lower bound. Conditions are derived for the training sequences that result in a channel estimation performance that is independent of the channel characteristics. In addition, estimation performance is shown to be independent of the modulation format. A procedure to synthesize optimal training sequences is presented, and the problem of synchronization is solved. The performance of the algorithm is then compared with other methods that use explicit training under GSM-like environmental conditions, and the new algorithm is shown to be competitive with these. Finally, comparisons are also carried out against blind methods over realistic bandlimited channels, and these show that the new method exhibits good performance.     

Joint I/Q imbalances estimation using data-dependent superimposed training

In this paper, we address the joint estimation of the channel impulse response and frequency-dependent in-phase and quadrature-phase (I/Q) imbalances using data-dependent superimposed training (DDST). The analysis developed shows that it is possible to use the first-order statistics of the received process to achieve synchronization and identify the resulting widely linear system that encompasses the radio frequency impairments considered. Furthermore, it is also verified that for the joint estimation of the transmitter and the receiver I/Q imbalances, additional constraints than those required for strictly linear systems should be imposed on the training sequences employed. The results of numerical simulations show that DDST has comparable performance with methods reported in the literature.     

Full-Hardware Architectures for Data-Dependent Superimposed Training Channel Estimation

Channel estimation based on superimposed training (ST) has been an active research topic around the world in recent years, because it offers similar performance when compared to methods based on pilot assisted transmissions (PAT), with the advantage of a better bandwidth utilization. However, physical implementations of such estimators are still under research, and only few approaches have been reported to date. This is due to the computational burden and complexity involved in the algorithms in conjunction with their relative novelty. In order to determine the suitability of the ST-based channel estimation for commercial applications, the performance and complexity analysis of the ST approaches is mandatory. This work proposes two full-hardware channel estimator architectures for a data-dependent superimposed training (DDST) receiver with perfect synchronization and nonexistent DC-offset. These architectures were described using Verilog HDL and targeted in Xilinx Virtex-5 XC5VLX110T FPGA. The synthesis results of such estimators showed a consumption of 3 % and 1 % of total slices available in the FPGA and frequencies operation over 160 MHz. They have also been implemented on a generic 90 nm CMOS process achieving clock frequencies of 187 MHz and 247 MHz while consuming 3.7 mW and 2.74 mW, respectively. In addition, for the first time, a novel architecture that includes channel estimation, training/block synchronization and DC-offset estimation is also proposed. Its fixed-point analysis has been carried out, allowing the design to produce practically equal performance to those achieved with the floating-point models. Finally, the high throughputs and reduced hardware consumptions of the implemented channel estimators, leads to the conclusion that ST/DDST can be utilized in practical communications systems.     

Multiple packet reception in wireless ad hoc networks using polynomial phase-modulating sequences

This paper proposes a blind interference cancellation algorithm that is able to provide multiple packet reception capability for asynchronous random access wireless mobile ad hoc networks. The algorithm exploits the fact that the baseband signal exhibits cyclostationarity properties, which are induced at the transmitters by means of modulating the symbols with polynomial phase sequences. This modulation does not expand the bandwidth and can be considered as a "color code" that can be used to distinguish one transmission from the others (i.e., packets from other users). The proposed technique does not require knowledge of the starting time of transmission of the desired signal and can also be applied to time-dispersive multipath channels. In addition, a practical way of assigning the color codes via the use of a common codebook known to all nodes is proposed, and the impact on local throughput of such a scheme is analyzed. Simulation results illustrate the excellent performance of the proposed approach.     

Blind channel equalization using chirp modulating signals

This paper addresses the problem of blind channel equalization in the context of digital communications. Recent results have shown that certain operations applied to the source signal at the transmitter help in the blind identification and equalization of the channel at the receiver. In this paper, the baseband data signal is multiplied with a chirp sequence. Exploiting certain structural properties arising from this operation, a batch-type algorithm is obtained for calculating the equalizer's coefficients. Conditions on the chirp sequence parameters are obtained that guarantee an equalization solution. A low-complexity adaptive algorithm is also proposed. Finally, extensive simulations, and comparisons with other well-known blind techniques, illustrate the excellent performance of this algorithm.