Zhu, Wei-Ping

It is well known that high data rate and good fade resistance can be achieved without increasing the total transmission power or bandwidth by using MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) technology to exploit spatial diversity in wireless environments. At the same time, the problem of frequency selectivity of wireless channels can be addressed by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique without the need for complex equalization. In this research program, we focus on signal processing algorithms and their real-time DSP and FPGA implementation for MIMO and OFDM wireless communication systems. In particular, we will study some challenging signal processing issues arising from the highly complex structure of MIMO-OFDM systems. These issues include the fast processing of matrices and vectors required for transmitting high-speed data streams over MIMO channels, estimating and tracking rapidly varying channel characteristics, real-time processing of MIMO-OFDM signals with a large number of carriers, and MIMO relay networks. The objective of this research program is to develop efficient real-time signal processing methods into FPGA and DSP prototypes for broadband wireless systems.