Variable forgetting factor linear least squares algorithm for frequency selective fading channel estimation

In this article, the variable forgetting factor linear least squares algorithm is presented to improve the tracking capability of channel estimation. A linear channel model with respect to time change describes a time-varying channel more accurately than a conventional stationary channel model. To reduce the estimation error due to model mismatch, we incorporate the modified variable forgetting factor into the proposed algorithm. Compared to the existing algorithms-exponentially windowed recursive least squares algorithm with the optimal forgetting factor and linear least squares algorithm-the proposed method makes a remarkable improvement in a fast fading environment. The effects of channel parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio and fading rate are investigated by computer simulations.