Performance of BLAST over frequency-selective wireless communication channels

Abstract

Currently one of the most promising techniques for realizing high spectral efficiencies over wireless links is Vertical-Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time (V-BLAST). This technique employs multi-element antenna arrays at both the transmitter and receiver to increase the spectral efficiency. In contrast to previous work, we consider the performance of V-BLAST in a frequency-selective fading channel. In particular, we investigate the effect of delay spread on V-BLAST with various QAM modulation formats and different numbers of transmit and receive antennas for two types of delay spread distributions. Comparisons with a flat-fading channel are also provided.