Constrained detection for spatial-multiplexing multiple-input-multiple-output systems

A family of detectors that exploit signal constraints is developed for maximum-likelihood detection for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Real constrained detectors and decision-feedback detectors are proposed for real constellations by forcing the relaxed solution to be real. A generalized minimum mean square error (GMMSE) and constrained least squares MIMO detectors are also developed for unitary and nonunitary signal constellations. Using these constrained detectors, we propose a new ordering scheme to achieve a tradeoff between interference suppression and noise enhancement. Moreover, to mitigate the inherent error propagation, the decision-feedback MIMO detectors are integrated with signal constraints. The simulation results show that our combined detector achieves a significant performance gain over vertical Bell Laboratories layered space-time (V-BLAST) detection.