Zero-padding or cyclic prefix for MDFT-based filter bank multicarrier communications

In this paper, the problem of channel equalization in modified discrete Fourier transform (MDFT)-based filter-bank multicarrier system (FBMC) is addressed. Two different system models based on padding zeros or using cyclic prefix in each transmitted block are presented. The proposed systems utilize IFFT/FFT blocks embedded in an MDFT-FBMC system. In the first one, an equalization block similar to single-carrier systems is included as the first stage in the receiver. The second system basically consists of an OFDM embedded in the MDFT-based transmultiplexer (TMUX). For both systems, the channel equalization is performed at the receiver in the frequency-domain by using a one-tap per subcarrier equalizer. Finally, several simulation results obtained in different scenarios are presented to assess the performance of the proposed systems compared to the standardized DFT-based systems (OFDM).

► The problem of channel equalization in MDFT-based filter-bank multicarrier system is addressed. ► Two different system models based on padding zeros or using cyclic prefix are presented. ► The proposed systems utilize IFFT/FFT blocks embedded in an MDFT-FBMC system. ► The channel equalization is performed by using a one-tap per subcarrier equalizer. ► Simulation results show that the proposed systems can outperform DFT-based systems.