Semi-blind Channel Estimation for Massive MIMO LEO Satellite Communications
Abstract
This letter proposes decision-directed semi-blind channel estimation for massive multiple-input multiple-output low-Earth-orbit satellite communications. Two semi-blind estimators are proposed. The first utilizes detected data symbols in addition to pilot symbols. The second, a modified semi-blind estimator, is specially designed to mitigate the channel-aging effect caused by the highly dynamic nature of low-Earth-orbit satellite communication channels -- an issue that adversely impacts the performance of pilot-based estimators. Consequently, this modified estimator outperforms an optimal pilot-based estimator in terms of normalized mean square error and achieves symbol error rate performance comparable to that of a Genie-aided (perfectly known channel) detector. The trade-offs between the proposed estimators are also examined.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2411.13944,
title = {Semi-blind Channel Estimation for Massive MIMO LEO Satellite Communications},
author = {Abdollah Masoud Darya and Saeed Abdallah},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.13944},
year = {2024}
}