Implementation of a 2 by 2 MIMO-GFDM transceiver for robust 5G networks

The fifth generation (5G) of mobile cellular systems will demand an unprecedented flexibility of the physical layer (PHY). Several approaches are being proposed based on theoretical and simulation analyses, but there is a lack of implementations that allow for performance evaluation under real channel conditions and front-end impairments. In this paper we show that that a 2×2 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM) transceiver can be implemented using the new National Instruments USRP-RIO, which proves that today´s technology is ready to afford the complexity of modern waveforms. In this implementation we explore the flexibility of the USRP combined with LabVIEW, allowing for an easy integration between software host processing and real-time processing based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). This implementation allows to evaluate different GFDM characteristics, such as reduced latency, low out-of-band (OOB) emission and increased robustness in real-world environment.