Robust space-time codes for spatially correlated MIMO channels

Space-time codes designs commonly rely on the assumption of independent and identically distributed Rayleigh channels. However it has been shown that poor scattering conditions can have detrimental effects on the performance of space-time codes. In this communication, we derive a code design criterion leading to robust space-time codes in the presence of a large variety of propagation conditions. No channel knowledge is assumed at the transmitter. Codes satisfying this criterion are shown to perform much better on real-world channels than codes only designed for iid channels. As an example, new Spatial Multiplexing schemes and Linear Dispersion Codes are derived based on this criterion.