Method for multi-carrier frequency division multiplexing transmission

Abstract

A general frequency division multiplex (GFDM) transmission system is proposed. Vacant frequency ranges are detected and subsequently used for transmission, wherein a single carrier transmission system with cyclic prefixing is deployed. A corresponding transmitter and receiver are disclosed.

1 . A method for data transmission by frequency division multiplexing (FDM), comprising the steps of:
 detecting vacant frequency ranges in a plurality of allocated frequency ranges of a transmission frequency band;   defining a center frequency for each of said detected vacant frequency ranges as a frequency divisional multiplex carrier frequency, and simultaneously generating frequency divisional multiplex transmit signals for transmission for each carrier frequency wherein said signal generation is performed entirely within the digital domain, wherein each carrier is modulated individually with an individual bandwidth and an individual pulse shaping;   adding the simultaneously generated digital frequency divisional multiplex transmit signals to a single digital transmit signal; and   converting said single transmit signal from digital to analog and transmitting said analog signal within said detected vacant frequency ranges.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of frequency divisional multiplexed carriers are non-orthogonal to each other. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein individual modulating comprises selecting individual transmit filters for each carrier such as to minimize mutual interference between said frequency divisional multiplexed carriers. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of generating transmit signals comprises inserting a cyclic prefix. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein a tail-biting technique is performed to shorten the length of the cyclic-prefix. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said vacant frequency ranges comprise unused frequency ranges in radio frequency bands such as UHF television frequency band and sensor network bands. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of detecting vacant frequency ranges in a plurality of allocated frequency ranges of a transmission frequency band is performed by a receiver communicatively coupled to a transmitter. 
     
     
         8 - 13 . (canceled)