Real-domain decoder for full-rate full-diversity STBC with multidimensional constellations

In this letter, we present a new maximum likelihood (ML) decoding algorithm for space time block codes (STBCs) that employ multidimensional constellations. We start with a lattice representation for STBCs which transforms complex channel models into real matrix equations. Based on the lattice representation, we propose a new decoding algorithm for quasiorthogonal STBCs (QO-STBC) which allows simpleML decoding with performance identical to the conventional ML decoder. Multidimensional rotated constellations are constructed for the QO-STBCs to achieve full diversity. As a consequence, for quasi-orthogonal designs with an arbitrary number of transmit antennas N (N ≥ 4), the proposed decoding scheme achieves full rate and full diversity while reducing the decoding complexity from O(M_c^N/2) to O(M_c^N/4) in a M_c-QAM constellation.