Joint use of DFT filter banks and modulated transmultiplexers for multicarrier communications

In this paper, new procedures for performing multicarrier modulation (MCM) are presented, based on using IFFT/FFT embedded in a filter bank-based transmultiplexer system. The IFFT/FFT blocks, along with the use of cyclic prefix or zero-padding strategies, enable easy equalization of the transmission channel. Additionally, the transmultiplexer system provides improved spectral discrimination, which can increases the transceiver robustness against mainly narrow-band interferences. Moreover, one of the proposed procedures presents an IDFT as the final stage of the MCM transmitter, and a DFT as the first stage of the receiver. This front-end is similar to standardized systems, enabling its compatibility. As it is illustrated by means of several examples, given a signal to noise ratio and comparing the new procedures to DFT-based MCM adopted in several digital communications standards, the following attractive features can be found: (a) greater spectral separation in the information transmitted over each subcarrier and (b) the robustness of the systems in noisy environments, mainly when narrow-band interferences appear, can be increased, allowing a reduction in the bit error probability.