Design and Implementation of a Low Complexity Multiuser Detection for Hybrid CDMA Systems

In hybrid CDMA systems, multiuser detection (MUD) algorithms are adopted at the base station to reduce both multiple access and inter-symbol interference by exploiting space-time (ST) signal processing techniques. Linear ST-MUD algorithms solve a linear problem where the system matrix has a block-Toeplitz shape. While exact inversion techniques impose an intolerable computational load, reduced complexity algorithms may be efficiently employed even if they show suboptimal behavior introducing performance degradation and near-far effects. The block-Fourier MUD algorithm is generally considered the most effective one. However, the block-Bareiss MUD algorithm, that has been recently reintroduced, shows also good performance and low computational complexity comparing favorably with the block-Fourier one. In this paper, both MUD algorithms will be compared, along with other well known ones, in terms of complexity, performance figures, hardware feasibility and implementation issues. Finally a short hardware description of the block-Bareiss and block-Fourier algorithms will be presented along with the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) implementation of the block-Fourier using standard VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language) design.