Second order blind equalization in multiple input multiple output FIR systems: a weighted least squares approach

Multipath propagation appears to be a typical limitation in mobile digital communications where it leads to severe intersymbol interference. The classical techniques to overcome this problem use either periodically sent training sequences or blind approaches. This paper addresses the blind identification of FIR multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transfer functions in the case where the number of inputs is strictly less than the number of outputs. We consider a second order identification providing signals extraction up to a regular instantaneous mixture matrix. A novel method of second order channel estimation is presented. Basically exploiting the simultaneous MA and AR nature of the observations, it displays however a considerable improvement as compared to the original linear prediction approach. Performance study and comparison with the existing approach is provided by computer simulations.