Differential detection of GMSK with channel estimation for equalization of nonlinear multipath fading channels

Noncoherent demodulators have practical advantage over the coherent ones; however, in dispersive channels the nonlinear intersymbol interference introduced by them precludes the use of conventional linear equalization. We present an alternative noncoherent receiver followed by a nonlinear equalizer capable of equalizing nonlinear multipath fading channels. In addition, we describe a new channel estimation algorithm specifically for noncoherent demodulators. We use the HIPERLAN (HIgh PErformance Radio LAN) Type I physical layer as a platform with typical expected propagation parameters. By means of simulations, we report the performance and complexity trade-offs of the receiver/equalizer structure.