| Abstract: | Recently, orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) was applied to VLC systems owing to its high rate capability. On the other hand, a real‐valued unipolar OFDM signal for VLC significantly reduces bandwidth efficiency. For practical implementation, channel estimation is required for data demodulation, which causes a further decrease in spectral efficiency. In addition, the large fluctuation of an OFDM signal results in poor illumination quality, such as chromaticity changes. This paper proposes a spectrally efficient method based on a hidden‐pilot‐aided precoding technology for VLC with less flickering than a conventional OFDM‐based method. This approach can obtain channel information without any loss of bandwidth efficiency while ensuring illumination quality by reducing the flickering effect of an OFDM‐based VLC. The simulation results show that the proposed method provides a 6.4% gain in bandwidth efficiency with a 4% reduction in flicker compared to a conventional OFDM‐based method. |
