Efficient Algorithmic and Architectural Optimization of QR-based Detector for V-BLAST

The use of multiple antennas at both transmitting and receiving sides of a rich scattering communication channel improves the spectral efficiency and capacity of digital transmission systems compared with the single antenna communication systems. However algorithmic complexity in the realization of the receiver is a major problem for its implementation in hardware. This paper investigates a near optimal algorithm for V-BLAST detection in MIMO wireless communication systems based on the QR factorization technique, offering remarkable reduction in the hardware complexity. Specifically, we analyze some hardware implementation aspects of the selected algorithm through MATLAB simulations and demonstrate its robustness. This technique can be used in an efficient fixed point VLSI implementation of the algorithm. We also provide the VLSI architecture that implements the algorithm.