EM-based Joint Data Detection and Channel Estimation for Uplink MC-CDMA Systems over Frequency Selective Channels

This paper is concerned with joint channel estimation and data detection for uplink multicarrier code-division multiple-access (MC-CDMA) systems in the presence of frequency fading channel. The detection and estimation algorithm, implemented at the receiver, is based on a version of the expectation maximization (EM) technique which is very suitable for the multicarrier signal formats. Application of the EM-based algorithm to the problem of iterative data detection and channel estimation leads to a receiver structure that also incorporates a partial interference cancellation. Computer simulations show that the proposed algorithm has excellent BER end estimation performance.