Joint optimization of pilot assisted channel estimation and equalization applied to space-time decision feedback equalization

Traditionally, channel estimation and equalization are optimized separately and independently: The channel estimate is simply plugged into the equalizer as if it had no errors. We propose a new method for joint pilot symbol assisted channel estimation and equalization and apply it to the design of the space-time decision feedback equalizer. The explicit solution of this joint approach is obtained with the same order of complexity as a separate design and results in a significant performance improvement. Furthermore, we discuss its relation to robust optimization and regularization techniques for equalizer design.