Peak-to-average power ratio reduction of SFBC MIMO-OFDM signals using unused tones

Multiple input multiple output techniques combined with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) provide a promising approach for wireless systems. However, a serious drawback of the OFDM system is the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), which may severely affect the power efficiency of RF power amplifiers. In this paper, we propose a simple method to reduce the PAPR of MIMO-OFDM signals based on the use of unused subcarriers. Instead of processing the signals at each transmitter separately, a peak cancelling signal is generated at one antenna and is then applied to all the others with only simple modifications. Simulation has shown that a minimum 2 dB reduction in PAPR can be achieved for all transmit signals using this approach. As the signal processing is nearly all done at a single transmitter, repetition of the operations at each transmitter is avoided, and therefore the overall cost of the system can be significantly reduced.