Blind deconvolution of impulsive signals using a modified Sato algorithm

Many blind deconvolution algorithms have been designed to extract digital communications signals corrupted by inter-symbol interference. Such algorithms generally fail when applied to signals with impulsive characteristics, such as acoustic signals. In this paper, we provide a theoretical analysis and explanation as to why Bussgang-type algorithms are generally unsuitable for deconvolving impulsive signals. We then propose a novel modification of one such algorithm, the Sato algorithm, to enable it to deconvolve such signals. Sufficient conditions on the source signal to guarantee local stability of the modified Sato algorithm about a deconvolving solution are derived. Computer simulations show the efficiency of the proposed approach as compared to the Shalvi-Weinstein algorithm for deconvolving impulsive signals.