Pilot-symbol-aided iterative channel estimation for OFDM-based systems

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a pilot-symbol-aided iterative channel estimation for coded OFDM-based systems. We use the symbol APP provided by the channel decoder to form groups of virtual pilots. According to their reliabilities, we combine these groups to improve the channel estimation. We also compare the proposed algorithm with the EM algorithm.

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based systems are strong candidates for an air interface of future fourth-generation mobile wireless systems which provide high data rates and high mobility. In order to achieve the potential advantages of OFDM-based systems, the channel coefficients should be estimated with minimum error. The channel estimation can be improved using more pilot symbols [1]. However, it causes data rate reduction or bandwidth expansion. Therefore, spectrally efficient channel estimation techniques should be considered. In this case, the iterative techniques provide an improvement on the channel estimator performance without requiring additional pilots.