Iterative detection for MC-CDMA system with base station antenna array for fading channels

The performance of a multi-carrier CDMA (MC-CDMA) system using iterative detection over a fading channel can be improved by incorporating an antenna array at the base station (BS). We propose a new MC-CDMA system with a BS antenna array to combat fading effects. We consider only the uplink and derive the frequency selective MC-CDMA channel model using a matrix algebraic approach. Due to the linear nature of the channel we use a previously published technique that combines iterative decoding and interference cancellation to reduce the multiuser interference present (MUI) in the system. We show that maximal ratio combining together with the iterative detection can improve the system performance significantly.