OFDM signals with low crest-factor

The crest-factor (CF) of a signal is the ratio of its peak magnitude to its root mean-square (RMS) magnitude. An algorithm for the generation of information carrying OFDM signals with very low CF is presented. Such signals allow for the use of OFDM modulation together with power efficient amplifiers without causing out-of-band energy due to transmitter saturation. Since the complexity of the algorithm is completely located at the transmitter side, the proposed scheme is especially suitable for broadcasting services. The cost for the reduced CF is a certain loss in data rate, which can be varied by a parameter of the method. For example, in the case of only 25 percent loss in data rate a CF lower than 2.11 can be achieved.