Channel estimation algorithm for space-time block coded OFDM systems

Accurate channel estimates are needed in space-time coded OFDM systems for decoding purposes. In this paper, a novel channel tracking algorithm based on space-time coded training and information symbols is presented. The algorithm takes advantage of the orthogonality properties of the space-time block codes and it is therefore capable of providing channel estimates without performance degradation due to estimation errors from adjacent channels. The algorithm is tested via Monte Carlo computer simulations using both slowly Rayleigh fading channels and time-invariant frequency selective channels and Alamouti space-time block coding. Computer simulations also show that this simple algorithm outperforms LMS-based approach without additional complexity.