Optimal Training and Performance Analysis of Space-Time-Frequency Coded OFDM

We consider space-time-frequency (STF) coded MIMO-OFDM systems with imperfect channel estimates due to channel estimation error. We address the problem of optimal training design for acquiring the channel state information (CSI) and performance analysis using pairwise error probability (PEP) in the presence of channel estimation error. The optimal power allocation factor between the training and the information-bearing data is determined using the novel training-based PEP for MIMO-OFDM. Furthermore, the loss of coding gain due to channel estimation error is quantified to demonstrate performance benefits of power allocation optimization in MIMO-OFDM systems between the training and information symbols.