Limits of the achievable symbol rate in flat fading MIMO systems

The irreducible error, introduced by the time dispersion of the radio channel for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with flat fading detection algorithms are investigated analytically and by link level simulations. Using an adequate synchronisation method, the error floor is determined only by the intersymbol interference, for which a formula is derived. The maximal data rate is not only determined by the value of this interference, but also by the modulation scheme, antenna configuration and channel condition.