Robust joint optimization for MIMO AF multiple-relay systems with correlated channel uncertainties

In the paper, robust joint optimization of the source/relays precoders and destination equalizer is proposed for non-regenerative dual-hop multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) amplify-and-forward (AF) multiple-relay systems with correlated channel uncertainties. By taking the imperfect channel state information (CSI) into consideration, the robust transceiver/relays joint optimization is developed based on the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) criterion under individual power constraints at the source and relays. The optimization problem of precoding and amplifying matrices under power constraints belongs to neither concave nor convex so that a nonlinear matrix-form conjugate gradient (MCG) algorithm is applied to explore local optimal solutions. Simulation results illustrate that the robust transceiver/relays joint architecture for an AF-MIMO multiple-relay system outperforms the non-robust transceiver/relays design.