Partial Marginalization Soft MIMO Detection with Higher Order Constellations

A new method for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detection with soft-output, the partial marginalization (PM) algorithm, was recently proposed. Advantages of the method are that it is straightforward to parallelize, and that it offers a fully predictable runtime. PM trades performance for computational complexity via a user-defined parameter. In the limit of high computational complexity, the algorithm becomes the MAP demodulator. The PM algorithm also works with soft-input, but until now it has been unclear how to apply it for other modulation formats than binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) per real dimension. In this paper, we explain how to extend PM with soft-input to general signaling constellations, while maintaining the low complexity advantage of the original algorithm.©2010 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or to reuse any copyrighted component of this work in other works must be obtained from the IEEE. Daniel Persson and Erik G. Larsson, Partial Marginalization Soft MIMO Detection with Higher Order Constellations, 2010, IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing.http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TSP.2010.206829