Blind equalization of MIMO-FIR channels driven by white but higher order colored source signals

The goal of the article is to find a minimal amount of statistical information (or a much weaker condition) about source signals for which blind equalization is possible for multiple-input multiple-output finite-impulse response (MIMO-FIR) channels. First, a sufficiently broad framework is set up within which such a theoretical problem is well posed. Within this framework, it is shown that second-order statistics (SOS) alone are not sufficient for blind equalization when the source signals are white. Additional higher order statistics (HOS) are needed. Then we show that the only additional higher order statistical information needed is spatial fourth-order cumulants. Though it has not yet been proved to be minimal, it is interesting to note that this is the same as the weakest known condition on the source signals even for an instantaneous mixture. We then show a necessary and sufficient condition for blind equalization when the source signals are white and spatially fourth-order uncorrelated. Based on this condition, criterion (A) for blind equalization of MIMO-FIR channels is developed by exploiting the temporal fourth-order statistics. Finally, based on this criterion, a new necessary and sufficient condition in terms of cumulants for the blind equalization of MIMO-FIR channels is obtained.