Low complexity channel estimation for space-time coded wideband OFDM systems

In this article, channel estimation for space-time coded orthogonal-frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is considered. By assuming that the channel frequency response is quasi-static over two consecutive OFDM symbols, we develop channel parameter estimators based on the use of space-time block coded (STBC) training blocks. Using an STBC training pattern, a low-rank Wiener filter-based channel estimator with a significant complexity reduction is proposed. A simplified approach for the optimal low-rank estimator is also proposed to further reduce the estimator complexity while retaining an accurate frequency domain channel estimation. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed low complexity channel estimators for space-time trellis coded OFDM systems.