Multicarrier signal detection and parameter estimation in frequency-selective Rayleigh fading channels

A new joint signal detection and channel parameter estimation scheme is proposed for multiple subcarrier signaling with pilot symbol-assisted modulation (PSAM) schemes. The proposed scheme estimates a pair of parameters associated with the generation process of the fading frequency selectivity, which is common to all the subcarriers. This parameter estimation can effectively extract information regarding the fading frequency selectivity through the pilot symbols received not only by the subcarrier of interest, but by other ones as well. The fading complex envelope with each subcarrier is derived from the estimates of the parameter pair. With the proposed scheme, performances are evaluated through simulations and are compared with the performance of a subcarrier-by-subcarrier detection scheme.