The application of concatenation scheme (MLC-STBC) for image transmission

In this paper, based on the characteristics of multilevel codes (MLC) and space-time block codes (STBC), a concatenation scheme (MLC-STBC) combining MLC and STBC is presented over Rayleigh fading channels. The unequal error protection (UEP) of MLC-STBC in Rayleigh fading channels for image transmission is investigated. Furthermore, taking 8ASK modulation as the example, a non-uniform signal constellation for realizing UEP of MLC-STBC is designed. Both theoretical analysis and computer simulation show that MLC-STBC scheme is a high rate and high power efficiency scheme, UEP is its inherent character and non-uniform signal constellation can improve its UEP ability. Its UEP character can enhance the transmission quality in the same bandwidth over a Rayleigh fading channel. MLC-STBC is an excellent scheme for image transmission.