Abstract: A method for improving channel estimation performance in dynamic spectrum access multicarrier systems is disclosed. The method includes determining a pattern of pilot symbols to be included in transmitted signals sent from a sender to a receiver through an interference-affected propagation environment by deriving a covariance matrix of interference and white Gaussian noise (Rww) based on external measurements for the propagation environment, determining the placement of a predetermined number of equally powered pilot symbols by computing a placement that results in the minimum sum of square errors of a maximum likelihood channel estimation performed based on the covariance matrix, and with the pilot symbols in their placed positions, determining a relative power distribution between the placed pilot symbols by computing the power distribution that results in the minimum sum of square errors of a maximum likelihood channel estimation performed based on the covariance matrix.

Abstract: A method for improving channel estimation performance in dynamic spectrum access multicarrier systems is disclosed. The method includes determining a pattern of pilot symbols to be included in transmitted signals sent from a sender to a receiver through an interference-affected propagation environment by deriving a covariance matrix of interference and white Gaussian noise (Rww) based on external measurements for the propagation environment, determining the placement of a predetermined number of equally powered pilot symbols by computing a placement that results in the minimum sum of square errors of a maximum likelihood channel estimation performed based on the covariance matrix, and with the pilot symbols in their placed positions, determining a relative power distribution between the placed pilot symbols by computing the power distribution that results in the minimum sum of square errors of a maximum likelihood channel estimation performed based on the covariance matrix.