OFDM Channel Estimation System Simulation: LS, LS/DFT Techniques and Linear Interpolation

In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive simulation study of OFDM channel estimation systems. We implement channel estimation using both the Least Squares (LS) method and the combined LS/Discrete Fourier Transform (LS/DFT) approach. The LS method computes channel estimates by minimizing the squared error between received and transmitted pilot symbols, while LS/DFT enhances performance by exploiting frequency-domain properties through DFT processing. Additionally, we employ linear interpolation techniques between pilot subcarriers to improve channel estimation accuracy across all subcarriers. The implementation involves MATLAB code for generating OFDM symbols, inserting pilot patterns, and applying estimation algorithms. Finally, we perform comparative analysis of Bit Error Rate (BER) performance under different channel estimation methods to evaluate their performance differences, including code implementation for BER calculation using Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation framework allows parameter configuration for various channel conditions and modulation schemes.