Broadcast communication on fading channels using hierarchical coded modulation

Since Cover´s (1972) pioneering work on broadcast channels, it has been known that a substantial gain in transmission rate can be achieved by hierarchical modulation with respect to time-sharing. Here, this work is extended in two directions. First, Rayleigh and Rice fading channels are included. Second, limitations imposed by the use of standard signal constellations, such as M-QAM, are discussed. These extensions lead to a refined understanding of the broadcast channel structure as well as practical design rules for hierarchical coded modulation