Loading techniques for OFDM systems with nonlinear distortion effects

In this paper we study the impact of nonlinear distortion effects on adaptive OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) systems. An analytical statistical characterization of the transmitted signals is included which is obtained taking advantage of the Gaussian-like nature of the OFDM signals when the number of subcarriers is high. This statistical characterization is used to evaluate loading algorithms in the presence of strong nonlinear distortion effects and to redefine loading algorithms taking into account nonlinear distortion issues.