Multiuser detection and channel estimation algorithms for M-ary DS-CDMA systems in multipath Rayleigh fading channels

In this paper, we present different linear and nonlinear iterative data detection schemes for the asynchronous direct-sequence code-division multiple access (DS-CDMA) systems employing orthogonal signalling formats and long scrambling codes. Compared to the conventional receiver and other noncoherent multiuser detectors, coherent multiuser detection schemes achieve much better performance provided that the channels are accurately estimated. To this end, we proposed several channel estimation algorithms to estimate multipath Rayleigh fading channels. Different data detection and channel estimation schemes are compared in terms of BER performance. Based on the numerical results, some recommendations are made on how to choose multiuser detectors and channel estimation algorithms in practical CDMA systems.