Performance of Block Diagonalization Scheme for Downlink Multiuser MIMO System with Estimated Channel State Information

In this paper, we study the performance of block diagonalization (BD) scheme for a downlink multiuser multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system with imperfect channel state information (CSI). At each mobile user, information about the channel is obtained by applying the minimum mean-square-error (MMSE) channel estimation method. The channel state information is fed back to the base station through error-free uplink channels. A theoretical analysis is performed showing that channel estimation errors contribute to co-channel interferences thus deteriorating sum rate capacity. Computer simulations are performed to evaluate the impact of channel estimation errors on the sum rate capacity. The results show that if the MSE of the channel estimation is not less than 10, the impact of channel estimation errors is significant and cannot be neglected. To combat this adverse effect, a proper transmit power level is required for the training signals.