Joint Channel Equalization and Tracking for SC-FDE Schemes

In this paper we consider the use of a single- carrier with frequency-domain equalization (SC-FDE) scheme for the uplink in a cellular radio system. To cope with the doubly-selective nature of the channel we propose a receiver structure for the joint channel equalization and tracking. We use a low-complexity iterative frequency-domain equalizer based on the iterative block decision-feedback equalization (IB-DFE) concept for the channel equalization and an extended Kalman filter (EKF) for the channel tracking procedure. The tracking procedure works by, first, observing the channel through channel estimation based on training blocks and, then, by predicting the channel during data transmission. Alternatively, decision-directed channel estimation can be used also, resulting in an improved performance.