Abstract: This paper gives an overview of some so-called link performance models used in system level simulations to determine the link packet error rate (PER) at reduced complexity. A subset of link performance models is evaluated in terms of PER prediction accuracy focusing on a single receive and transmit antenna OFDM link with different coding options and channel characteristics. The results demonstrate that a mutual-information based metric which accounts for the modulation alphabet is preferable in the considered cases and, furthermore, applicable to the large class of MIMO-OFDM transmission techniques with linear pre- and post-processing

Abstract: We propose and analyze a low-complexity channel estimator for a multiuser multicarrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) downlink in a time-variant frequency-selective channel. MC-CDMA is based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The time-variant channel is estimated individually for every flat-fading subcarrier, assuming small intercarrier interference. The temporal variation of every subcarrier over the duration of a data block is upper bounded by the Doppler bandwidth determined by the maximum velocity of the users. Slepian showed that time-limited snapshots of bandlimited sequences span a low-dimensional subspace. This subspace is also spanned by discrete prolate spheroidal (DPS) sequences. We expand the time-variant subcarrier coefficients in terms of orthogonal DPS sequences we call Slepian basis expansion. This enables a time-variant channel description that avoids the frequency leakage effect of the Fourier basis expansion. The square bias of the Slepian basis expansion per subcarrier is three magnitudes smaller than the square bias of the Fourier basis expansion. We show simulation results for a fully loaded MC-CDMA downlink with classic linear minimum mean square error multiuser detection. The users are moving with 19.4 m/s. Using the Slepian basis expansion channel estimator and a pilot ratio of only 2%, we achieve a bit error rate performance as with perfect channel knowledge.

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) scheme combining transmit antenna selection and receiver maximal-ratio combining (the TAS/MRC scheme). In this scheme, a single transmit antenna, which maximizes the total received signal power at the receiver, is selected for uncoded transmission. The closed-form outage probability of the system with transmit antenna selection is presented. The bit error rate (BER) of the TAS/MRC scheme is derived for binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) in flat Rayleigh fading channels. The BER analysis demonstrates that the TAS/MRC scheme can achieve a full diversity order at high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), as if all the transmit antennas were used. The average SNR gain of the TAS/MRC is quantified and compared with those of uncoded receiver MRC and space-time block codes (STBCs). The analytical results are verified by simulation. It is shown that the TAS/MRC scheme outperforms some more complex space-time codes of the same spectral efficiency. The cost of the improved performance is a low-rate feedback channel. We also show that channel estimation errors based on pilot symbols have no impact on the diversity order over quasi-static fading channels.

Abstract: The use of multiple laser transmitters combined with multiple photodetectors (PDs) is studied for terrestrial, line-of-sight optical communication. The resulting multiple-input/multiple-output channel has the potential for combatting fading effects on turbulent optical channels. In this paper, the modulation format is repetition Q-ary PPM across lasers, with intensity modulation. Ideal PDs are assumed, with and without background radiation. Both Rayleigh and log-normal fading models are treated. The focus is upon both symbol-/bit-error probability for uncoded transmission, and on constrained channel capacity.

Abstract: In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to the joint optimal transceiver design for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) communication systems. In this paper, we propose a joint transceiver design that combines the geometric mean decomposition (GMD) with either the conventional zero-forcing VBLAST decoder or the more recent zero-forcing dirty paper precoder (ZFDP). Our scheme decomposes a MIMO channel into multiple identical parallel subchannels, which can make it rather convenient to design modulation/demodulation and coding/decoding schemes. Moreover, we prove that our scheme is asymptotically optimal for (moderately) high SNR in terms of both channel throughput and bit error rate (BER) performance. This desirable property is not shared by any other conventional schemes. We also consider the subchannel selection issues when some of the subchannels are too poor to be useful. Our scheme can also be combined with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for intersymbol interference (ISI) suppression. The effectiveness of our approaches has been validated by both theoretical analyses and numerical simulations.

Abstract: The impulsive noise and multipath effects are the main reasons to cause bit errors in power line communications. In this paper, the bit error rate (BER) performance of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system under the impulsive noise and multipath effects are theoretically analyzed in terms of closed form formulas. Through the analysis, it is shown that OFDM can mitigate the adverse effect of the impulsive noise and only the heavily disturbed impulsive noise will interfere the BER performance of the OFDM system. It is also shown that the adverse effect of multipath is more serious than that of impulsive noise. In this paper, the guard interval is used to improve the BER performance of the OFDM system. As the longer guard interval is inefficient in using the signal power, the optimum guard interval that can achieve the best BER performance is studied.

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a self-synchronization algorithm for audio watermarking to facilitate assured audio data transmission. The synchronization codes are embedded into audio with the informative data, thus the embedded data have the self-synchronization ability. To achieve robustness, we embed the synchronization codes and the hidden informative data into the low frequency coefficients in DWT (discrete wavelet transform) domain. By exploiting the time-frequency localization characteristics of DWT, the computational load in searching synchronization codes has been dramatically reduced, thus resolving the contending requirements between robustness of hidden data and efficiency of synchronization codes searching. The performance of the proposed scheme in terms of SNR (signal to noise ratio) and BER (bit error rate) is analyzed. An estimation formula that connects SNR with embedding strength has been provided to ensure the transparency of embedded data. BER under Gaussian noise corruption has been estimated to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme. The experimental results are presented to demonstrate that the embedded data are robust against most common signal processing and attacks, such as Gaussian noise corruption, resampling, requantization, cropping, and MP3 compression.

Abstract: Adaptive modulation (AM) schemes in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems with a perfect or imperfect channel state information (CSI) at both the transmitter and receiver were investigated. Under an average transmit power and instantaneous bit error rate (BER) constraint, the transmit parameters including the subchannel transmit power and/or spectral efficiency are optimally adapted in the spatial and/or temporal domain to maximize the average spectral efficiency (ASE). Two categories, the continuous rate and discrete rate, of adaptive systems were considered, where the derived asymptotic closed form expressions for the former provided much insight into the latter. Analytical and numerical results showed that a full multiplexing gain was achieved in variable rate variable power (VRVP) systems and variable rate (VR) systems. Variable power (VP) systems with unequal numbers of transmit and receive antennas also achieved the full multiplexing gain, unlike VP systems with equal number of transmit and receive antennas. The effect of CSI imperfection on the ASE and BER was evaluated for VR systems and closed form expressions for the ASE and BER were obtained. They prove to be a useful tool to assess the system performance without taking time consuming AM MIMO system simulations.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) using a fixed set of parameters applicable to most shallow oceans with minimal user supervision (i.e., a turn key system). This work is motivated by the superior performance [bit error rate (BER)] of the multichannel DFE compared with other methods, such as passive-phase conjugation (PPC), at the same time noting its sensitivity to different acoustic environments. The approach is to couple PPC, utilizing its adaptability to different environments, with a single-channel DFE. This coupling forms an optimal processor for acoustic communications in theory, but it has never been implemented in practice. By coupling with DFE, the method achieves the same spatial diversity as conventional multichannel DFE, without requiring a large number of receivers as does PPC. The correlation-based DFE in terms of the autocorrelation functions of the channel impulse responses summed over the receiver channels (the Q function) is derived. This paper shows in terms of waveguide physics, further supported by real data, the many desirable features of the Q function that suggest, given adequate sampling of the water column, a general applicability of the correlation-based equalizer to different environments, irrespective of the sound speed profiles, bottom properties, and source-receiver ranges/depths. This property can be expected to hold approximately for a small number of receivers with spatial diversity. This paper demonstrates the robustness of the new equalizer with moving source data despite the range change (which modifies the impulse response) and symbol phase change due to time-varying Doppler

Abstract: Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for indoor wireless communications promises high data rates with low-complexity transceivers. Rapid timing synchronization constitutes a major challenge in realizing these promises. In this paper, we establish a novel synchronization criterion that we term "timing with dirty templates" (TDT), based on which we develop and test timing algorithms in both data-aided (DA) and nondata-aided modes. For the DA mode, we design a training pattern, which turns out to not only speed up synchronization, but also enable timing in a multiuser environment. Based on simple integrate-and-dump operations over the symbol duration, our TDT algorithms remain operational in practical UWB settings. They are also readily applicable to narrowband systems when intersymbol interference is avoided. Simulations confirm performance improvement of TDT relative to existing alternatives in terms of mean square error and bit-error rate.

Abstract: This paper contains theoretical and experimental results on the application of the time-reversal process to acoustic communications in order to improve data telemetry in the ocean. A coherent underwater acoustic communication system must deal with the inter-symbol interference caused by the time-varying, dispersive, shallow-water ocean environment. An approach is demonstrated that takes advantage of the focal properties of time reversal. The spatial and temporal compression available at the time-reversal focus mitigates channel fading, reduces the dispersion caused by the channel, and increases the signal strength. Thus, a time-reversal communication system does not require spatial diversity at the receiver, i.e., an array of receiving sensors, but takes advantage of spatial diversity at the transmitter. The time-reversal communications system concept is demonstrated using experimental data collected in shallow water. Data telemetry bit rates of 500 bps (BPSK) and 1000 bps (QPSK) with bit error rates of 0 out of 4976 bits and 254 out of 9953 bits, respectively, were obtained when transmitting to a receiver at a distance of 10 km, with a carrier frequency of 3500 Hz, and a 500 Hz bandwidth. In a shallow-water upslope region, bit error rates of 15 out of 4976 bits and 14 out of 4976 bits were achieved over the same distance. In neither case was complex processing at the receiver used (i.e., channel equalization, error correction coding). Time-reversal transmissions are intercompared with single source and broadside transmissions and shown to have superior results in both range independent and dependent bathymetries. The time-reversal performance appears limited by self-generated inter-symbol interference. In addition, an initial look at the application of a single channel adaptive channel equalizer to received time-reversal communication sequences is presented. The same properties that are beneficial to a single channel receiver are also beneficial to adaptive channel equalization. A single channel RLS DFE equalizer is cascaded with the received time-reversal sequences and shown to further reduce scatter in the I/Q plane. The bit error rate decreased in all but one of the cases

Abstract: An exact analysis is derived for precisely calculating the bit error probability of time-hopping and direct-sequence ultra-wideband systems with multi-user interference in an additive white Gaussian noise environment. The analytical expressions are validated by simulation and used to assess the accuracy of the Gaussian approximation proposed for estimating the performance of ultra-wideband communication systems. The Gaussian approximation is shown to be inaccurate for predicting the bit error rate for medium and large signal-to-noise ratio values. The performances of time-hopping and direct-sequence modulation schemes are accurately compared for different numbers of users and frame widths. It is shown that direct-sequence binary phase-shift keying outperforms time-hopping binary phase-shift keying for medium and large values of signal-to-noise ratio, which contradicts some previous results obtained using a Gaussian approximation.

Abstract: Ultrawideband systems employ short low-power pulses. Analog receiver designs can accommodate the required bandwidths, but they come at a cost of reduced flexibility. Digital approaches, on the other hand, provide flexibility in receiver signal processing but are limited by analog-to-digital converter (ADC) resolution and power consumption. In this paper, we consider reduced complexity digital receivers, in which the ADC is limited to a single bit per sample. We study three one-bit ADC schemes: 1) fixed reference; 2) stochastic reference; and 3) sigma-delta modulation (SDM). These are compared for two types of receivers based on: 1) matched filtering; and 2) transmitted reference. Bit-error rate (BER) expressions are developed for these systems and compared to full-resolution implementations with negligible quantization error. The analysis includes the impact of quantization noise, filtering, and oversampling. In particular, for an additive white Gaussian noise channel, we show that the SDM scheme with oversampling can achieve the BER performance of a full-resolution digital receiver.

Abstract: A transceiver capable of 6.25-Gb/s data transmission across legacy communications equipment backplanes is described. To achieve a bit error rate (BER) <10/sup -15/, transmit and receive equalization that can compensate up to 20 dB of channel loss is employed to remove intersymbol interference (ISI) resulting from finite channel bandwidth and reflections. The transmit feed-forward equalizer (FFE) uses a four-tap symbol-spaced programmable finite impulse response (FIR) filter followed by a 4-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that drives a 50-/spl Omega/ transmission line. The receiver uses a half-baud-rate adaptive decision feedback equalizer (DFE) that cancels the first four symbol-spaced taps of postcursor ISI without use of speculative techniques. Both the transmitter and receiver use an LC-oscillator-based phase-locked loop (PLL) to provide low jitter clocks. Techniques to minimize the complexity of the FIR and DFE implementations are described. The transceiver is designed to be integrated in a standard ASIC flow in a 0.13-/spl mu/m digital CMOS technology. System measurements indicate the ability to transmit and recover data eyes that have been fully closed due to crosstalk and signal loss.

Abstract: An adaptive beamforming technique is proposed based on directly minimizing the bit-error rate (BER). It is demonstrated that this minimum BER (MBER) approach utilizes the antenna array elements more intelligently than the standard minimum mean square error (MMSE) approach. Consequently, MBER beamforming is capable of providing significant performance gains in terms of a reduced BER over MMSE beamforming. A block-data adaptive implementation of the MBER beamforming solution is developed based on the Parzen window estimate of probability density function. Furthermore, a sample-by-sample adaptive implementation is considered, and a stochastic gradient algorithm, referred to as the least bit error rate, is derived. The proposed adaptive MBER beamforming technique provides an extension to the existing work for adaptive MBER equalization and multiuser detection.

Abstract: We investigate strategies for user cooperation in the uplink of a synchronous direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS/CDMA) network employing nonorthogonal spreading codes and analyze their performance. We consider two repetition-based relay schemes: decode-and-forward (DAF) and amplify-and-forward (AAF). Focusing on the use of linear multiuser detectors, we first present cooperation strategies, i.e., signal processing at both the relay nodes and the base station (BS), under the assumption of perfectly known channel conditions of all links; then, we consider the more practical scenario where relays and BS have only partial information about the system parameters, which requires blind multiuser detection methods. We provide performance analysis of the proposed detection strategies in terms of the (asymptotic) signal-to-(interference plus noise) ratio and the bit error rate, and we show that AAF achieves a full second-order diversity when a minimum mean-square-error detector is employed at both the relay side and the BS. A simple, yet effective, partner selection algorithm is also presented. Finally, a thorough performance assessment is undertaken to study the impact of the multiple-access interference on the proposed cooperative strategies under different scenarios and system assumptions

Abstract: This paper presents a Bayesian approach to the design of transmit prefiltering matrices in closed-loop schemes robust to channel estimation errors. The algorithms are derived for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. Two different optimization criteria are analyzed: the minimization of the mean square error and the minimization of the bit error rate. In both cases, the transmitter design is based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the conditional mean of the channel response, given the channel estimate. The performance of the proposed algorithms is analyzed, and their relationship with existing algorithms is indicated. As with other previously proposed solutions, the minimum bit error rate algorithm converges to the open-loop transmission scheme for very poor CSI estimates.

Abstract: When the number of bits per symbol is odd, the peak and average power of transmission can be reduced by using cross quadrature amplitude modulations (QAMs) instead of rectangular QAMs. However, since perfect Gray coding is not possible for cross QAMs, using Smith-style Gray coding, this paper derives the exact bit error rate (BER) for cross QAM constellations over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels.

Abstract: SEE testing at multi-Gbit/s data rates has traditionally involved elaborate high speed test equipment setups for at-speed testing. We demonstrate a generally applicable self test circuit approach implemented in IBM's 5AM SiGe process, and describe its ability to capture complex error signatures during circuit operation at data rates exceeding 5 Gbit/s. Comparisons of data acquired with FPGA control of the CREST ASIC versus conventional bit error rate test equipment validate the approach. In addition, we describe SEE characteristics of the IBM 5AM process implemented in five variations of the D flip-flop based serial register. Heavy ion SEE data acquired at angles follow the traditional RPP-based analysis approach in one case, but deviate by orders on magnitude in others, even though all circuits are implemented in the same 5AM SiGe HBT process.

Abstract: We derive a closed-form expression for the bit-error rate of binary digital modulation schemes in a generalized fading channel that is modeled by the three-parameter generalized gamma distribution. This distribution is very versatile and generalizes or accurately approximates many of the commonly used channel models for multipath, shadow, and composite fading. The result is expressed in terms of Meijer's G-function, which can be easily evaluated numerically.

Abstract: The growth of wireless applications and spectral limitations are serious concerns for both the military and civilian communities. Cognitive radio (CR) technologies expand spectrum efficiency using elements of space, time and frequency diversity that up to now have not been exploited. An adaptive waveform (AW) generation technique is presented which adapts to the changing electromagnetic environment and synthesizes waveform features in the frequency domain. Spectral coexistence with other applications is also addressed and can be accomplished in both static and dynamic environments. Bit error rate (BER) serves as the primary performance metric for evaluating and comparing AW processing with other waveforms and systems.

Abstract: In this paper we analyze the error performance of free-space optical (FSO) communication over multiple hops. We first develop an error model for a single hop based on visibility, atmospheric attenuation, and geometric spread of the light beam. We model atmospheric visibility by Gaussian distributions with mean and variance values to reflect clear and adverse weather conditions. Based on this, we find the end-to-end bit error distribution of the FSO link for single hop and multi-hop scenarios. We present simulation results for decoded relaying, where each hop decodes the signal before retransmitting. We demonstrate that multi-hop FSO communication achieves a significant reduction in the mean bit error rate and also reduces the variance of the bit error rate. We argue that by lowering mean error and error variance, multi-hop operation facilitates an efficient system design and improves the reliability of the FSO link by application of specific coding schemes (such as forward error correction techniques).

Abstract: Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a promising technique for the broadband wireless communication system. However, the inter-sub-carrier-interference (ICI) produced by the phase noise of transceiver local oscillator is a serious problem. Bit error rate (BER) performance is degraded because the orthogonal properties between the sub-carriers are broken down. In this paper, ICI self-cancellation of data-conjugate method is studied to reduce ICI effectively. CPE (common phase error), ICI and CIR (carrier to interference power ratio) are derived and discussed by the linear approximation of the phase noise. Then, the system performance of the data-conjugate method is compared with those of the original OFDM and the conventional data-conversion method. As results, it can be shown that CPE becomes zero in the OFDM of the data-conjugate method. Besides, in the OFDM system with phase noise, the data-conjugate method can make remarkable improvement of the BER performance and it is better than the data-conversion method and the original OFDM with or without convolution coding.

Abstract: This paper studies the effect of channel estimation error and antenna diversity on multilevel quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM) systems over Rayleigh fading channels. Based on the characteristic function method, a general closed-form bit-error rate (BER) for M-QAM systems is presented. The effect of the inaccurate channel estimation on the performance for pilot-symbol-assisted modulation M-QAM systems with antenna diversity is investigated. Simulation results for M-QAM (M = 4, 16, 64, 256, etc.) show that the analytical method can accurately estimate the system performance. Moreover, numerical results show that with the antenna-diversity technique, the BER performance improves significantly, especially in perfect channel-estimation cases. It is also found that the channel-estimation error limits the benefit of antenna diversity. By increasing the length of the channel estimator and the amplitude of the pilot symbol, more accurate channel estimation can be achieved, so that the BER performance is improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the system capacity of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system that uses with Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antennas. In a receiver, a target quality of service (QoS) metric and reference data rate are set. The target QoS metric may be set to a predetermined value and/or may be adjusted dynamically with respect to packet error rate (PER) by a slow outer-loop control processor. The QoS of received signals are measured and compared to the target QoS. Depending on the comparison, the receiver generates a channel quality indicator (CQI) which is sent back to the transmitting transmitter. The CQI is a one or two bit indicator which indicates to the transmitter to disable, adjust or maintain data transmission rates of particular sub-carriers, groups of sub-carriers per transmit antenna, or groups of sub-carriers across all transmit antennas. At the transmitter, the transmitted data rate is disabled, adjusted or maintained. At the receiver, the target QoS metric and reference data rate are adjusted accordingly. This process is repeated for each data frame of each sub-carrier group.

Abstract: Pulse shapes previously proposed for ultrawideband communication systems are studied and compared to determine which provide the best performance. The performance measures considered are the bit error rate in multiple access interference environments and compliance with required spectral emission constraints. The Gaussian monocycles of higher orders and the prolate spheroidal function-based pulses are found to meet the spectral emission masks without frequency shifting. Frequency shifting and bandpass filtering must be used for the modified Hermite polynomial-based pulses to meet the spectral masks. The multiaccess performance average error rates of time-hopping ultrawideband systems using different pulse shapes are examined and compared using a newly published exact performance analysis method. The Gaussian monocycles are shown to achieve performance as good as the prolate spheroidal function-based pulses with the same effective bandwidths in numerical examples. The Gaussian monocycles outperform the modified Hermite polynomial-based pulses for the system models considered. Some tradeoffs of these pulses are also addressed in terms of the complexity of their implementations and the average bit error probabilities.

Abstract: The present invention that partitions a memory array in N segments by switchably partitioning the bit lines in the array. In the exemplary embodiment, a top set of sense amps control the even bit lines and a bottom set of sense amps control the odd bit lines. The segmentation transistors turn on or off depending on the selected word line location in the array. Since bit line capacitance is mainly from the metal bit line to bit line coupling to their immediate neighbors, the bit line neighbors in the partitioned array are floating in some segments of the bit lines. The overall bit line capacitance is significantly reduced with a negligible increase in die size, resulting in reduced sensing times and enhanced read and write performance.

Abstract: Feature Issue on Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) We have developed a flexible, empirical approach for optimizing the design of free-space optical communication links by using multiframe image analysis of received intensity scintillation patterns. This is a versatile way to perform aperture-averaging analysis. A high-performance digital camera with a frame-grabbing computer interface is used to capture received intensity distributions of a He-Ne laser beam propagating in weak and intermediate turbulence conditions. The aperture-averaging results demonstrate the expected reduction in intensity fluctuations due to increasing the receiver aperture diameter for various strengths of turbulence. Aperture averaging improves the bit error rate.

Abstract: In this paper, we present a simple, but effective method of enhancing and exploiting diversity from multiple packet transmissions in systems that employ nonbinary linear modulations such as phase-shift keying (PSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). This diversity improvement results from redesigning the symbol mapping for each packet transmission. By developing a general framework for evaluating the upper bound of the bit error rate (BER) with multiple transmissions, a criterion to obtain optimal symbol mappings is attained. The optimal adaptation scheme reduces to solutions of the well known quadratic assignment problem (QAP). Symbol mapping adaptation only requires a small increase in receiver complexity but provides very substantial BER gains when applied to additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and flat-fading channels.