Channel estimation for MIMO-OFDM systems using a novel STBC pilot pattern

Due to the high bandwidth utilization efficiency, multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) techniques have become a major trend for modern communications. However, MIMO-OFDM techniques need precise synchronization and channel estimation methods to compensate the frequency offset and utilize the multiple antenna diversity. In our previous research, we have proposed a novel space-time block coded (STBC) pilot pattern for frequency and timing synchronizations. In this paper, we use this previous proposed pilot to estimate the channel information for MIMO-OFDM systems. From computer simulations, we show that this unique pilot pattern is also suitable for channel estimation and would be able to achieve a good system performance for MIMO-OFDM systems.