Comparison of Channel Estimation Methods for Pilot Aided OFDM Systems

This paper investigates different channel estimation methods for pilot based OFDM transmission systems. Based on a regular grid of pilot data the channel estimation is separated for time and frequency direction. For time direction linear and spline interpolation are used. In frequency direction also linear and spline interpolation are compared. In addition an estimation based on a DFT method is taken into account. Also the Wiener estimation approach is investigated both for interpolation in time and frequency direction. The methods are compared with respect to performance and implementation complexity. For simulation a DRM (digital radio mondiale) system is used.