Impact of channel estimation errors on the performance of space time code

Abstract

In this paper, we study the performance of space time block code (STBC) under the constraint that the receiver must rely on imperfect channel state information. This is done in order to verify and compare the performance that can be expected in an actual space time code system. The sensitivity and robustness of space-time block codes to varying levels of error in the amplitude and phase of the estimates will be illustrated using a series of simulations. This new information could be used to help design and verify the performance of a channel estimation scheme based on the insertion of pilot sequences into the data stream of each transmit antenna. The imperfect channel estimates will be created by taking the actual fading coefficients introduced into the channel and applying some degree of error into either the magnitude or the phase of those coefficients before decoding. This simulates the inability of an estimation scheme to predict the channel characteristics with perfect accuracy.