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Channel order estimation is a critical step in most blind single-input multiple-output (SIMO) channel identification/equalization algorithms. Several methods for estimating either the true channel order or its most significant part (the so-called effective channel order) have been recently proposed, but a solution able to work in practical scenarios (low or moderate signal-to-noise ratios (SNR5) and channels with small leading and/or trailing coefficients) has not been found yet. In this paper, a new criterion for effective channel order detection of SIMO channels is presented. The method is based on the fact that the cost function typically used in blind identification algorithms decreases monotonically with the estimated channel order, whereas for blind equalization algorithms, the cost function increases monotonically. In this paper, it is shown that a straightforward combination of both cost functions attains its minimum at the correct channel order even for moderate SNRS. The proposed method is able to work with small data sets, colored signals, and channels with small head and tail taps, which is a common problem in communication applications. The improvement of the proposed criterion over a number of existing algorithms is demonstrated through simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the estimation of multipath channels with long impulse response at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The channel sparseness impulse response is modeled by means of a Bernoulli-Gaussian process. Then, the optimization of the resulting posterior distribution resorts to Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) simulation techniques. Special attention is devoted to noise correlation involved by matched filtering: Taking this correlation into account in the algorithm derivation leads to significantly improved performance for both amplitude and time-delay estimation. The method is also extended to cope with Doppler frequency offsets. In particular, simultaneous paths with different Doppler offsets can be estimated. Cramér-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) are derived and presented together with simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating the number of sources impinging on an array of sensors is a well-known and well-investigated problem. A common approach for solving this problem is to use an information theoretic criterion, such as Minimum Description Length (MDL) or the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The MDL estimator is known to be a consistent estimator, robust against deviations from the Gaussian assumption, and nonrobust against deviations from the point source and/or temporally or spatially white additive noise assumptions. Over the years, several alternative estimation algorithms have been proposed and tested. Usually, these algorithms are shown, using computer simulations, to have improved performance over the MDL estimator and to be robust against deviations from the assumed spatial model. Nevertheless, these robust algorithms have high computational complexity, requiring several multidimensional searches. In this paper, which is motivated by real-life problems, a systematic approach toward the problem of robust estimation of the number of sources using information theoretic criteria is taken. An MDL-type estimator that is robust against deviation from assumption of equal noise level across the array is studied. The consistency of this estimator, even when deviations from the equal noise level assumption occur, is proven. A novel low-complexity implementation method avoiding the need for multidimensional searches is presented as well, making this estimator a favorable choice for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]