Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing channel estimate updates in frequency division multiplexed, e.g., (OFDM), systems are described. After generation of initial channel estimates from received pilots, channel estimates corresponding to individual tones are updated using any one of a plurality of update techniques including, e.g., a constant modulus based method and a reduced constellation decision directed update method. The channel estimate update technique to be used with for an individual tone is selected based on a comparison of a signal noise measurement to one or more thresholds. The channel estimate update technique applied to different tones of the OFDM signal at the same time may vary. Over time, as the level of noise is reduced, the channel estimate update technique will switch from an interpolated pilot method, to a constant modulus algorithm based method, to a reduced constellation decision directed method, to a full constellation decision directed update method.

Abstract: Antennas with steerable antenna patterns and techniques for using such antennas are described. In accordance with the invention, antenna patterns with one or more NULLs are used. Through the use of digital control signals the antenna pattern is steered so that a source of signal interference, e.g., a multipath signal, will be located in a NULL. In this manner the received signal's S/N ratio can be maximized thereby facilitating demodulation. The techniques of the invention can be applied to television, computer devices, mobile devices and a wide range of other systems. Digital commands to control an antenna may include multiple information fields, e.g., a direction field, a channel field, a gain field and a polarity field. Antennas incapable of supporting the specified fields disregard information in fields which are not supported. Information in each supported field is decoded and used to adjust the corresponding antenna characteristic.