Pilot Symbol Parameter Optimization Based on Imperfect Channel State Prediction for OFDM Systems

The optimization of pilot symbol parameters can improve the spectral efficiency of adaptive modulation for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems, since pilot symbols impose an overhead on the system consuming power and bandwidth. An optimal pilot symbol assisted adaptive modulation (PSAAM) scheme for OFDM systems is proposed that maximizes spectral efficiency by adapting the power and constellation size of each subcarrier based on employing imperfect channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter. The pilot symbol power and spacing is also optimized in this scheme. A suboptimum scheme that decreases computational complexity without perceivable loss in performance is also presented. The optimality of minimum mean square error (MMSE) channel prediction for OFDM systems expressed in terms of a lower bound on spectral efficiency is approached. It is proved that the rectangular pilot pattern with equi-spaced and equal power pilot tones achieves the minimum MSE of the channel prediction in addition to having the advantage of simplifying PSAAM design. Numerical results show the importance of optimal pilot parameter adjustment for rapidly fading channels.