Single-carrier frequency domain equalisation with hierarchical constellations: an efficient transmission technique for broadcast and multicast systems

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) schemes are the choice modulation for broadband wireless broadcast and multicast systems. However, OFDM schemes have important limitations such as high-envelope fluctuation of the transmitted signals and its sensibility to carrier frequency errors. When these limitations prove critical the authors consider single-carrier frequency-domain equalisation (SC-FDE) schemes, that allow much higher power efficiency because of lower envelope fluctuations. The overall performance can be further improved if the conventional linear FDE is replaced by an iterative FDE such as an iterative block decision feedback equaliser (IB-DFE). Conventional IB-DFE are usually designed for a quadrature phase shift keying constellation. However, it is strongly recommended that broadcast and multicast systems employ hierarchical constellations with several classes of bits with different error protection. In this study the authors consider the use of SC-FDE schemes combined with IB-DFE receivers in broadband wireless broadcast and multicast systems. The authors emphasise the advantages of these schemes and the authors present IB-DFE designs suitable for hierarchical constellations with several classes of bits with different error protection.