On a hybrid beamforming/space-time coding scheme

A multiple transmit antenna system based on hybrid beamforming and space-time coding technologies is examined. The reduction factor of the required transmitted energy achievable by the use of hybrid scheme is quantified for any given outage capacity. We show that although a sole space-time coding configuration is superior asymptotically (i.e., for extremely low outage requirements), a hybrid beamforming/space-time coding configuration can be a more effective solution for modest outage requirements. It may provide a useful design guideline for wireless systems, especially for the downlink where multiple transmit antenna scheme is feasible.