On the Blind Estimation of Baud-Rate Equalizer Performance

This paper proposes a new method for carrying out joint blind equalization and blind estimation of the bit error rate (BER) in the output of baud-rate FIR equalizers. A simple test for assessing decision errors in the output of the decision device is derived. A comparative study of several BER estimator methods is presented in terms of convergence rate and tracking capability of both static and dynamic channels. Simulations not only validate theoretical results but also point out the effectiveness of the new proposition in terms of low computational burden and accurate BER estimation. Finally, an application of the new proposition for the detection and correction of misconvergence due to local minima issues is also presented.