Experimental results on digital decision feedback equalizers in a multilevel QAM digital radio system

Addresses problems related to the conceptual design of a fully digital synchronous DFE (decision feedback equalizer) and investigates the effects of the necessary quantization of the input signals and coefficients on DFE performance in static and dynamic operation. The analysis is performed taking into account the following topics: the influence of the dynamic range and quantization levels of the input signal and coefficients: the tracking and acquisition algorithm capabilities; comparison of DFE structures; and the extension of robust algorithms to DFEs. An experimental setup including a digital baseband equalizer is described. Results are reported for two kinds of DFE structures and a 16-AQM (quadrature amplitude modulation) modulation format. Specific problems related to the operation of DFEs in digital radio modems are discussed. It is established that the DFE structure is able to track continuous minimum-phase to nonminimum-phase transitions and vice versa without getting out of lock. This is an important result since the DFE outperforms current linear equalizers