Robust channel estimation based on the maximum entropy principle

Zhengyang Hu, Jiang Xue, Feng Li, Qian Zhao, Deyu Meng, Zongben Xu

Abstract: Channel estimation (CE) is one of the crucial and fundamental elements of signal processing, especially considering the requirement of high accuracy in future wireless communication systems. Most traditional CE algorithms are explored under the assumption of Gaussian white noise, which limits the algorithms performance in real wireless communication situations. In this work, a novel self-adaptive CE algorithm based on the maximum entropy principle (MEP) was studied, which analyzes the statistical components of an arbitrary noise environment. In addition, an MEP channel-based signal estimation algorithm was studied. Furthermore, the statistical characteristics of channels were considered the regularization terms in the objective function for providing prior information and further increasing the accuracy. It was found that the proposed algorithm not only provides accurate CE but also reduces pilot consumption by using estimated signal data as pseudo pilots. The superior features of the proposed method concerning CE accuracy, pilot consumption, and robustness were confirmed through Monte Carlo simulations.