Generic Approach for Hierarchical Modulation Performance Analysis: Application to DVB-SH and DVB-S2

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel capacity-based method for evaluating hierarchical modulation performance, reducing simulation time and enabling comparison with traditional strategies in DVB standards.

Contribution

A new approach based on channel capacity is proposed for analyzing hierarchical modulation performance, applicable to DVB-SH and DVB-S2 standards.

Findings

Capacity-based method reduces simulation time

Hierarchical modulation outperforms time sharing in certain scenarios

Applicable to DVB standards with optional hierarchical modulation

Abstract

Broadcasting systems have to deal with channel variability in order to offer the best rate to the users. Hierarchical modulation is a practical solution to provide different rates to the receivers in function of the channel quality. Unfortunately, the performance evaluation of such modulations requires time consuming simulations. We propose in this paper a novel approach based on the channel capacity to avoid these simulations. The method allows to study the performance of hierarchical and also classical modulations combined with error correcting codes. We will also compare hierarchical modulation with time sharing strategy in terms of achievable rates and indisponibility. Our work will be applied to the DVB-SH and DVB-S2 standards, which both consider hierarchical modulation as an optional feature.