A Unified Multicarrier Modulation Framework

TL;DR

This paper introduces a unified matrix-based framework for multicarrier modulation schemes, enabling systematic comparison and analysis of various waveforms like OFDM and filter bank-based methods for future communication systems.

Contribution

It develops a generic modulator model that encompasses existing schemes as special cases, facilitating analysis and comparison of multicarrier modulation techniques.

Findings

Unified matrix formulation for multicarrier schemes

Special cases include OFDM and filter bank methods

Enables systematic comparison of modulation waveforms

Abstract

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been recently recognized as inadequate to meet the increased requirements of the next generation of communication systems. A number of alternative modulation solutions, based on the use of filter banks, have thus been proposed and are currently being considered as candidate waveforms for the envisaged air interface of the future networks. A unified view of these schemes would largely facilitate a systematic comparison of their pros and cons as well as the study of methods for related signal processing problems. To this end, a generic modulator is developed in this paper, following a structured matrix formulation. With appropriate parameter settings, existing modulation schemes can result as special cases. Three such popular examples are presented in detail.