Optimizing Zero-Forcing Precoders for MIMO Broadcast Systems

In this paper, we develop optimization techniques for linear zero-forcing (ZF) multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) broadcast (BC) precoders. A computationally efficient technique based on QR-update algorithms for implementing this optimization is then proposed. The application of the proposed ZF precoders and decoders to systems with both large and small numbers of users is considered. The proposed optimization technique is also shown to perform very well in conjunction with nonlinear Tomlinson--Harashima precoding. Both coded and uncoded performances are considered.