Echo Cancellation and Channel Estimation for On-Channel Repeaters in DVB-T/H Networks

This paper investigates the design and performance of an echo canceller for on-channel repeaters in DVB-T/H network within the framework of the PLUTO project. The possible approaches for echo cancellation are briefly reviewed and the main guidelines for the design of such systems are presented. The main system parameters are discussed. The performance of a FIR echo canceller based on an open loop approach for channel estimation is tested for different radio channel conditions and for different number of taps of the FIR filter. It is shown that a minimum number of taps is recommended to achieve a certain mean rejection ratio or isolation depending on the type of channel. Channel estimation based on training sequences is then investigated. The performance of maximum length sequences and constant amplitude zero autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequences is compared for different channels. Recommendations are given for training sequence type, length and level for DVB-T/H on-channel repeater deployment in single frequency networks.