Joint channel estimation and MAP detection in time-selective CDMA channels

The application of maximum a posteriori (MAP) detection to DS-CDMA systems in time-selective fading channels is investigated. By sampling the outputs of a matched filter and combining antenna array elements, strong multiple-access interference (MAI) is estimated and suppressed. By incorporating channel approximations, Kalman filtering, and the probability density of the prediction error, a joint channel estimation and MAP detection algorithm is developed. Unknown channel parameters are identified by using an algorithm similar to the extended Kalman filter (EKF). Also, differential modulation is applied to eliminate the need for pilot insertion. Through computer simulations, a near-optimum bit-error-rate (BER) performance is found.