Space-Time-Color (STC) Scheme With Symbol-Hopping for Color Shift Keying (CSK) Modulation

This letter proposes a novel coding scheme for Visible Light Communications (VLC) systems using symbol mapping permutations on the color domain. The permutation is done through symbol-hopping over the points of an optimized 4-CSK constellation. This scheme provides diversity gains, promises robustness against monochromatic channel degradation, and increases the information security of the communication link. It can also be used in conjunction with Single-Input and Single-Output (SISO) systems, as well as in Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. Monte Carlo computational simulations evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme over the conventional QuadLED (QLED) CSK system and other codes, showing superior coding and diversity gains over two direct competitors, under a Rician flat-fading channel.