Orthogonal Time Frequency Space Modulation-Part I: Fundamentals and Challenges Ahead

This letter is the first part of a three-part tutorial on orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation, which is a promising candidate waveform for future wireless networks. This letter introduces and compares two popular implementations of OTFS modulation, namely the symplectic finite Fourier transform (SFFT)- and discrete Zak transform (DZT)-based architectures. Based on these transceiver architectures, fundamental concepts of OTFS modulation, including the delay-Doppler (DD) domain, DD domain information multiplexing, and its potential benefits, are discussed. Finally, the challenges ahead for OTFS modulation are highlighted.

Automated summary

This letter is the first part of a three-part tutorial introducing orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation, a potential waveform for future wireless networks. Two popular implementations of OTFS modulation, SFFT- and DZT-based architectures, are compared and discussed. The fundamental concepts of OTFS modulation, such as the delay-Doppler (DD) domain and its information multiplexing, as well as the challenges ahead, are explored.