Computationally-Efficient Methods for Blind Decision Feedback Equalization of QAM Signals

This paper investigates computationally-efficient methods for blind decision feedback equalization (DFE) that reduce the complexity and power requirements of blind equalization algorithms while maintaining their steady-state characteristics for quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals. These include the power-of-two error (POT), selective coefficient update (SCU), and frequency-domain block (FDB) methods. A novel radius-directed stop-and-go (RSG) method is introduced, which selectively adjusts the equalizer tap coefficients based on the equalizer output radius. In addition, a new activation/deactivation method based on the equalizer output radius is utilized to control the feedback equalizer (FBE) of the DFEs. Simulation studies and analysis are provided for empirically derived cable and microwave channels and Ricean fading channels.