ARM-FPGA Implementation of a Partially Reconfigurable OFDM-MIMO Phy-Link

MIMO-OFDM systems are known for high data rate and lower bit error rate (BER) in wireless communication system. These systems helps to yield high data rate and spectral efficiency over multipath and fading channels. OFDM systems use varying modulation schemes and IFFT points based on data rate requirements and number of carriers. Similarly the MIMO system uses an $\mathbf{MxM}$ antenna array with M ranging from 2 to M. Based on the channel conditions and environment a particular combination can perform better with maximum throughput and minimum BER. This paper explores a software defined reconfigurable hardware for the realization of MIMO-OFDM systems and a physical layer link implemented in Xilinx FPGA with partial reconfiguration. The phy link involves a QPSK and a QAM modem with $\mathbf{2}\mathrm{x}\mathbf{2}$ and $\mathbf{4\mathrm{x}4}$ antenna array. Using Partial reconfiguration technique the user can switch between these two schemes in minimum time without configuring the entire FPGA which will take 2 to 3 minutes based on the application. The same hardware can be used for designing multiple combination of modulation, number of carries and antenna array with partial reconfiguration which helps to maintain same hardware and switching between the schemes.