Joint optimization of pilot assisted channel estimation and equalization applied to space-time decision feedback equalization

Traditionally, channel estimation and equalization are optimized separately and independently. The channel estimate is simply plugged into the equalizer as if it had no errors. We propose a new method for joint pilot symbol assisted channel estimation and equalization and apply it to the design of the space-time decision feedback equalizer. The explicit solution of this joint approach is obtained with the same order of complexity as a separate design and results in a significant performance improvement. Furthermore, we discuss its relation to robust optimization and regularization techniques for equalizer design.