Combined linear-decision feedback sequence estimation: an improved system design

Decision feedback sequence estimation (DFSE) is a reduced state alternative to maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE). In this paper, we examine the performance of a system composed of a linear pre-filter in conjunction with a DFSE. In addition, we present a new optimization approach for the linear pre-filter. This approach has an advantage over MSE-based approaches in that it takes into account the effects of noise correlation and error distance variations. The performance of the proposed optimization approach is evaluated and compared with several existing optimization techniques.