Estimation of continuous flat fading MIMO channels

Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems can provide high data rate wireless services in a rich scattering environment. We study one of the proposals for MIMO systems, the Bell Labs Layered Space-Time (BLAST) architecture. Channel estimation using training sequences is required for coherent detection in BLAST. We apply the maximum likelihood (ML) channel estimator and the optimal training sequences for block flat fading channels to continuous flat fading channels, and analyze the estimation error. The optimal training length and training interval that maximize the throughput for a given target bit error rate are found by computer simulations as functions of the Doppler frequency and the number of antennas.