Joint blind and semi-blind detection and channel estimation for space—time trellis coded modulation over fast faded channels

A method for decoding of space—time trellis coded modulation (STTCM) without a need to transmit separate training sequences is developed. The novel technique uses only a single initial estimate to acquire and track multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels while performing STTCM detection. The technique is akin to blind trellis search techniques (per-survival processing. PSP) and adaptive Viterbi. The solution consists of the deployment of a bank of Kalman filters. The bank of Kalman fillers is coupled with Viterbi-type decoders, which produce tentative decisions based on Kalman channel predictions. In return the bank of Kalman filters use the tentative decisions to update and track the MIMO channels corresponding to a number of tracked hypotheses. The proposed technique is applicable to space—time single carrier systems in rapidly fading environments, and also to space—frequency coded MIMO-OFDM.