Multi-input multi-output fading channel tracking and equalization using Kalman estimation

This paper addresses the problem of channel tracking and equalization for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) time-varying frequency-selective channels. These channels model the effects of inter-symbol interference (ISI), co-channel interference (M), and noise. A low-order autoregressive model approximates the MIMO channel variation and facilitates tracking via a Kalman filter. Hard decisions to aid Kalman tracking come from a MIMO finite-length minimum-mean-squared-error decision-feedback equalizer (MMSE-DFE), which performs the equalization task. Since the optimum DFE for a wide range of channels produces decisions with a delay Delta > 0, the Kalman filter tracks the channel with a delay. A channel prediction module bridges the time gap between the channel estimates produced by the Kalman filter and those needed for the DFE adaptation. The proposed algorithm offers good tracking behavior for multiuser fading ISI channels at the expense of higher complexity than conventional adaptive algorithms. Applications include synchronous multiuser detection of independent transmitters, as well as coordinated transmission through many transmitter/receiver antennas, for increased data rate.