Channel estimation pilots for Single Frequency Networks

In this work, we introduce a new approach for channel estimation in single frequency networks (SFN). The intention is to exploit the a-priori knowledge of the SFN scenario. Conventional pilot schemes for SFN design the pilot scheme to deal with the aggregate channel. In this paper, we show that by being aware of how this long channel is generated, we can design a more efficient pilot scheme. The core idea consists in assigning orthogonal pilot sequences to the transmitters belonging to the same SFN. This allows the receivers for a separate estimate of each of the propagation channels. We have proposed a new pilot scheme for the DVB-T standard in which we assign orthogonal pilot sequences to the different transmitters in the SFN.