Layered space-time coding for high data rate transmissions

In the spirit of BLAST systems, this paper proposes a novel layered space-time (ST) coding scheme. By slicing the two-dimensional ST code into a stack of one-dimensional so-called layer codes, ST coding and decoding are performed in a layer by layer fashion. Because different layers are transmitted independently, the proposed scheme is capable of supporting considerably higher transmission rates than (non-layered) ST coding. In addition to retaining most advantages of BLAST systems, the proposed scheme offers additional flexibility and superior performance that is confirmed by simulations.