High diversity multi-block space-time code for broadcasting applications

We propose a STBC that calls for a 2 times 2×2 matrix seen as a two-block matrix. It enjoys a flexible transmission rate and a diversity order of 8 for a 2×2 MIMO system by exploiting additional time diversity. Its decoding complexity is only proportional to the power of four of the constellation size. The STBC parameters have been optimized to suit fading channels with and without erasure events. These events are typical of single frequency networks that are becoming a popular topology thanks to their low bandwidth requirements. Unlike state-of-the art quasi-orthogonal structures, the proposed multi-block STBC can be jointly optimized for shaping and coding gain.