A calculation-efficient algorithm for decision feedback equalizers

We describe a method for decision feedback equalizers used in high speed digital receiver demodulators such as terrestrial digital television (DTV) receivers. The new algorithm uses the sparse channel characteristics of the DTV transmission. A variation of the decision feedback equalizer, namely the partial feedback equalizer, is also introduced. The sparseness of the channel is combined with the partial feedback equalizer to develop the new algorithm. Similarity with subspace based filtering is noted, which results in robust performance in the presence of noise. The new algorithm has a superior convergence speed and lower steady state mean squared error, as compared to conventional approaches.