Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) spread spectrum system and method

Abstract

A system and method for transmitting a plurality of spread-spectrum signals over a communications channel having fading. The plurality of spread-spectrum signals are radiated by a plurality of antennas, with each antenna preferably spaced by one-quarter wavelength. A plurality of receiver antennas receive the plurality of spread-spectrum signals and a plurality of fading spread-spectrum signals. Each receiver antenna is coupled to a plurality of matched filters having a respective plurality of impulse responses matched to the chip-sequence signals of the plurality of spread-spectrum signals. A RAKE and space-diversity combiner combines, for each respective chip-sequence signal, a respective plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and a respective multiplicity of detected-multipath-spread-spectrum signals, to generate a plurality of combined signals. The symbol amplitudes can be measured and erasure decoding employed to improve performance.

1. A multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) method for receiving data having symbols, with the data having symbols demultiplexed into a plurality of subchannels of data, with the plurality of subchannels of data spread-spectrum processed with a plurality of chip-sequence signals, respectively, with each chip-sequence signal different from other chip-sequence signals in the plurality of chip-sequence signals, thereby generating a plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, respectively, with the plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals radiated, using radio waves, from a plurality of antennas as a plurality of spread-spectrum signals, respectively, with the plurality of spread-spectrum signals passing through a communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, at least a first spread-spectrum signal having a first channel of data arriving from a first path of the multipath, and a second spread-spectrum signal having a second channel of data arriving from a second path of the multipath, comprising the steps of:
 receiving the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal with a plurality of receiver antennas;  
 detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the first spread-spectrum signal as a first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively;  
 detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the second spread-spectrum signal as a second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively;  
 combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a first combined signal; and  
 combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a second combined signal.  
 
     
     
       2. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of multiplexing the first combined signal with the second combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       3. The MIMO method, as set forth in  claim 1 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a third spread-spectrum signal having a third channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or a third path of the multipath, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving the third spread-spectrum signal with the plurality of receiver antennas;  
 detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the third spread-spectrum signal, as a third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a third combined signal.  
 
     
     
       4. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 3 , further comprising the step of multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, and the third combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       5. The MIMO method, as set forth in  claim 3 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fourth spread-spectrum signal having a fourth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, the third path, or a fourth path of the multipath, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving the fourth spread-spectrum signal with the plurality of receiver antennas;  
 detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fourth spread-spectrum signal, as a fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fourth combined signal.  
 
     
     
       6. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 5 , further comprising the step of multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, and the fourth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       7. The MIMO method, as set forth in  claim 5 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fifth spread-spectrum signal having a fifth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, the third path of the multipath, the fourth path, or a fifth path, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving the fifth spread-spectrum signal with the plurality of receiver antennas;  
 detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fifth spread-spectrum signal, as a fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fifth combined signal.  
 
     
     
       8. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 7 , further comprising the step of multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, the fourth combined signal, and the fifth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       9. A multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system for receiving data having symbols, with the data having symbols demultiplexed into a plurality of subchannels of data, with the plurality of subchannels of data spread-spectrum processed with a plurality of chip-sequence signals, respectively, with each chip-sequence signal different from other chip-sequence signals in the plurality of chip-sequence signals, thereby generating a plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, respectively, with the plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals radiated, using radio waves, from a plurality of antennas as a plurality of spread-spectrum signals, respectively, with the plurality of spread-spectrum signals passing through a communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, at least a first spread-spectrum signal having a first channel of data arriving from a first path of the multipath, and a second spread-spectrum signal having a second channel of data arriving from a second path of the multipath, comprising:
 a plurality of receiver antennas for receiving the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal;  
 a plurality of despreading devices for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, as a first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and a second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively; and  
 a plurality of combiners for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a first combined signal, and for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a second combined signal.  
 
     
     
       10. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 9 , further comprising a multiplexer for multiplexing the first combined signal with the second combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       11. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 9 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a third spread-spectrum signal having a third channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or a third path of the multipath, further comprising:
 said plurality of receiver antennas for receiving the third spread-spectrum signal;  
 said plurality of despreading devices for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the third spread-spectrum signal, as a third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 said plurality of combiners for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a third combined signal.  
 
     
     
       12. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising a multiplexer for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, and the third combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       13. The MIMO system, as set forth in  claim 11 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fourth spread-spectrum signal having a fourth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, the third path, or a fourth path of the multipath, further comprising:
 said plurality of receiver antennas for receiving the fourth spread-spectrum signal;  
 said plurality of despreading devices for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fourth spread-spectrum signal, as a fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 said plurality of combiners for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fourth combined signal.  
 
     
     
       14. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 13 , further comprising a multiplexer for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, and the fourth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       15. The MIMO system, as set forth in  claim 13 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fifth spread-spectrum signal having a fifth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or the third path of the multipath, the fourth path, or a fifth path, further comprising:
 said plurality of receiver antennas for receiving the fifth spread-spectrum signal;  
 said plurality of spread-spectrum detectors for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fifth spread-spectrum signal, as a fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 said plurality of combiners for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fifth combined signal.  
 
     
     
       16. The MIMO system set forth in  claim 15 , further comprising a multiplexer for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, the fourth combined signal, and the fifth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       17. A MIMO system for receiving data having symbols, with the data having symbols demultiplexed into a plurality of subchannels of data, with the plurality of subchannels of data spread-spectrum processed with a plurality of chip-sequence signals, respectively, with each chip-sequence signal different from other chip-sequence signals in the plurality of chip-sequence signals, thereby generating a plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, respectively, with the plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals radiated, using radio waves, from a plurality of antennas as a plurality of spread-spectrum signals, respectively, with the plurality of spread-spectrum signals passing through a communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, at least a first spread-spectrum signal having a first channel of data arriving from a first path of the multipath, and a second spread-spectrum signal having a second channel of data arriving from a second path of the multipath, comprising:
 receiver-antenna means for receiving the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal;  
 despreading means, coupled to said receiver-antenna means, for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, as a first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and a second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively; and  
 combiner means, coupled to said despreading means, for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a first combined signal, and for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a second combined signal.  
 
     
     
       18. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 17 , further comprising multiplexer means for multiplexing the first combined signal with the second combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       19. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 17 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a third spread-spectrum signal having a third channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or a third path of the multipath, further comprising:
 said receiver-antenna means for receiving the third spread-spectrum signal;  
 said despreading means for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the third spread-spectrum signal, as a third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 said combiner means for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a third combined signal.  
 
     
     
       20. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 19 , further comprising multiplexer means for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, and the third combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       21. The MIMO system, as set forth in  claim 19 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fourth spread-spectrum signal having a fourth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, the third path, or a fourth path of the multipath, further comprising:
 said receiver-antenna means for receiving the fourth spread-spectrum signal;  
 said despreading means for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fourth spread-spectrum signal, as a fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 said combiner means for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fourth combined signal.  
 
     
     
       22. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 21 , further comprising multiplexer means for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, and the fourth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       23. The MIMO system, as set forth in  claim 21 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fifth spread-spectrum signal having a fifth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or the third path of the multipath, the fourth path, or a fifth path, further comprising:
 said receiver-antenna means for receiving the fifth spread-spectrum signal;  
 said despreading means for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fifth spread-spectrum signal, as a fifth plurality detected spread-spectrum signals; and  
 said combiner means for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fifth combined signal.  
 
     
     
       24. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 23 , further comprising multiplexer means for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, the fourth combined signal, and the fifth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       25. A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) method improvement, for transmitting data having symbols, over a communications channel, comprising the steps of:
 demultiplexing the data into a plurality of subchannels of data;    spread-spectrum processing the plurality of subchannels of data, with the plurality of subchannels of data spread-spectrum processed with a plurality of chip-sequence signals, respectively, with each chip-sequence signal different from other chip-sequence signals in the plurality of chip-sequence signals, thereby generating a plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, respectively;    radiating from a plurality of antennas, using radio waves, the plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, over the communications channel, as a plurality of spread-spectrum signals, respectively;    imparting, from the communications channel, multipath on the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating at least a first spread-spectrum signal having a first channel of data arriving from a first path of the multipath, and a second spread-spectrum signal having a second channel of data arriving from a second path of the multipath;    receiving the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal with a plurality of receiver antennas;    detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, as a first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and a second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively;    combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a first combined signal; and    combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a second combined signal.    
     
     
       26. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 25 , further comprising the step of multiplexing the first combined signal with the second combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       27. The MIMO method, as set forth in  claim 25 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, with a third spread-spectrum signal having a third channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or a third path of the multipath, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving the third spread-spectrum signal with the plurality of receiver antennas;    detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the third spread-spectrum signal, as a third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and    combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a third combined signal.    
     
     
       28. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 27 , further comprising the step of multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, and the third combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       29. The MIMO method, as set forth in  claim 27 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, with a fourth spread-spectrum signal having a fourth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, the third path, or a fourth path of the multipath, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving the fourth spread-spectrum signal with the plurality of receiver antennas;    detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fourth spread-spectrum signal, as a fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and    combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fourth combined signal.    
     
     
       30. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 29 , further comprising the step of multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, and the fourth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       31. The MIMO method, as set forth in  claim 29 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fifth spread-spectrum signal having a fifth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, the third path of the multipath, the fourth path, or a fifth path, further comprising the steps of:
 receiving the fifth spread-spectrum signal with the plurality of receiver antennas;    detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fifth spread-spectrum signal, as a fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and    combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fifth combined signal.    
     
     
       32. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 31 , further comprising the step of multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, the fourth combined signal, and the fifth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       33. A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system, for transmitting data having symbols, over a communications channel, comprising:
 a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the data into a plurality of subchannels of data;    a plurality of spread-spectrum devices for spread-spectrum processing the plurality of subchannels of data, with the plurality of subchannels of data spread-spectrum processed with a plurality of chip-sequence signals, respectively, with each chip-sequence signal different from other chip-sequence signals in the plurality of chip-sequence signals, thereby generating a plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, respectively;    a plurality of transmitter antennas for radiating, using radio waves, the plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, over the communications channel, as a plurality of spread-spectrum signals, respectively;    said communications channel for imparting multipath on the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating at least a first spread-spectrum signal having a first channel of data arriving from a first path of the multipath, and a second spread-spectrum signal having a second channel of data arriving from a second path of the multipath;    a plurality of receiver antennas for receiving the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal;    a plurality of despreading devices for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, as a first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and a second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively; and    a plurality of combiners for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a first combined signal, and for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a second combined signal.    
     
     
       34. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 33 , further comprising a multiplexer for multiplexing the first combined signal with the second combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       35. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 33 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a third spread-spectrum signal having a third channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or a third path of the multipath, further comprising:
 said plurality of receiver antennas for receiving the third spread-spectrum signal;    said plurality of despreading devices for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the third spread-spectrum signal, as a third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and    said plurality of combiners for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a third combined signal.    
     
     
       36. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 35 , further comprising a multiplexer for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, and the third combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       37. The MIMO system, as set forth in  claim 35 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fourth spread-spectrum signal having a fourth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, the third path, or a fourth path of the multipath, further comprising:
 said plurality of receiver antennas for receiving the fourth spread-spectrum signal;    said plurality of despreading devices for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fourth spread-spectrum signal, as a fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and    said plurality of combiners for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fourth combined signal.    
     
     
       38. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 37 , further comprising a multiplexer for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, and the fourth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       39. The MIMO system, as set forth in  claim 37 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fifth spread-spectrum signal having a fifth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or the third path of the multipath, the fourth path, or a fifth path, further comprising:
 said plurality of receiver antennas for receiving the fifth spread-spectrum signal;    said plurality of spread-spectrum detectors for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fifth spread-spectrum signal, as a fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and    said plurality of combiners for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fifth combined signal.    
     
     
       40. The MIMO system set forth in  claim 39 , further comprising a multiplexer for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, the fourth combined signal, and the fifth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       41. A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system, for transmitting data having symbols, over a communications channel, comprising:
 demultiplexer means for demultiplexing the data into a plurality of subchannels of data;    spread-spectrum processing means for spread-spectrum processing the plurality of subchannels of data, with the plurality of subchannels of data spread-spectrum processed with a plurality of chip-sequence signals, respectively, with each chip-sequence signal different from other chip-sequence signals in the plurality of chip-sequence signals, thereby generating a plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, respectively;    a plurality of transmitter-antenna means for radiating, using radio waves, the plurality of spread-spectrum-subchannel signals, over the communications channel, as a plurality of spread-spectrum signals, respectively;    said communications channel for imparting multipath on the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating at least a first spread-spectrum signal having a first channel of data arriving from a first path of the multipath, and a second spread-spectrum signal having a second channel of data arriving from a second path of the multipath;    receiver-antenna means for receiving the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal;    despreading means, coupled to said receiver-antenna means, for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, as a first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and a second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively; and    combiner means, coupled to said despreading means, for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a first combined signal, and for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a second combined signal.    
     
     
       42. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 41 , further comprising multiplexer means for multiplexing the first combined signal with the second combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       43. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 41 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a third spread-spectrum signal having a third channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or a third path of the multipath, further comprising:
 said receiver-antenna means for receiving the third spread-spectrum signal;    said despreading means for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the third spread-spectrum signal, as a third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and    said combiner means for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a third combined signal.    
     
     
       44. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 43 , further comprising multiplexer means for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, and the third combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       45. The MIMO system, as set forth in  claim 43 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fourth spread-spectrum signal having a fourth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, the third path, or a fourth path of the multipath, further comprising:
 said receiver-antenna means for receiving the fourth spread-spectrum signal;    said despreading means for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fourth spread-spectrum signal, as a fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals; and    said combiner means for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fourth combined signal.    
     
     
       46. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 45 , further comprising multiplexer means for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, and the fourth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       47. The MIMO system, as set forth in  claim 45 , for receiving data having symbols, from the communications channel having multipath, thereby generating, from the plurality of spread-spectrum signals, a fifth spread-spectrum signal having a fifth channel of data arriving from any of the first path, the second path, or the third path of the multipath, the fourth path, or a fifth path, further comprising:
 said receiver-antenna means for receiving the fifth spread-spectrum signal;    said despreading means for detecting, at each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, the fifth spread-spectrum signal, as a fifth plurality detected spread-spectrum signals; and    said combiner means for combining, from each receiver antenna of the plurality of receiver antennas, each of the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, thereby generating a fifth combined signal.    
     
     
       48. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 47 , further comprising multiplexer means for multiplexing the first combined signal, the second combined signal, the third combined signal, the fourth combined signal, and the fifth combined signal, thereby generating a multiplexed signal. 
     
     
       49. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 1  with the step of detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, responsive to a first chip-sequence signal and to a second chip-sequence signal, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       50. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 3  with the step of detecting the third spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, responsive to a third chip-sequence signal, the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       51. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 5  with the step of detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, responsive to a fourth chip-sequence signal, the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       52. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 7  with the step of detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, responsive to a fifth chip-sequence signal, the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       53. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 9  with said plurality of despreading devices, responsive to a first chip-sequence signal and to a second chip-sequence signal, for detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       54. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 11  with said plurality of despreading devices, responsive to a third chip-sequence signal, for detecting the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       55. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 13  with said plurality of despreading devices, responsive to a fourth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       56. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 15  with said plurality of despreading devices, responsive to a fifth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       57. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 17  with said despreading means, responsive to a first chip-sequence signal and to a second chip-sequence signal, for detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       58. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 19  with said despreading means, responsive to a third chip-sequence signal, for detecting the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       59. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 21  with said despreading means, responsive to a fourth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       60. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 23  with said despreading means, responsive to a fifth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       61. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 25  with the step of detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, responsive to a first chip-sequence signal and to a second chip-sequence signal, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       62. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 27  with the step of detecting the third spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, responsive to a third chip-sequence signal, the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       63. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 29  with the step of detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, responsive to a fourth chip-sequence signal, the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       64. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 31  with the step of detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, responsive to a fifth chip-sequence signal, the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       65. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 33  with said plurality of despreading devices, responsive to a first chip-sequence signal and to a second chip-sequence signal, for detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       66. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 35  with said plurality of despreading devices, responsive to a third chip-sequence signal, for detecting the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       67. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 37  with said plurality of despreading devices, responsive to a fourth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       68. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 39  with said plurality of despreading devices, responsive to a fifth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       69. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 41  with said despreading means, responsive to a first chip-sequence signal and to a second chip-sequence signal, for detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       70. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 42  with said despreading means, responsive to a third chip-sequence signal, for detecting the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       71. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 43  with said despreading means, responsive to a fourth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       72. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 44  with said despreading means, responsive to a fifth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       73. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 1  with the step of detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, using a first filter matched to a first chip-sequence signal and a second filter matched to a second chip-sequence signal, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       74. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 3  with the step of detecting the third spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, using a third filter matched to a third chip-sequence signal, the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       75. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 5  with the step of detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, using a fourth filter matched to a fourth chip-sequence signal, the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       76. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 7  with the step of detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, using a fifth filter matched to a fifth chip-sequence signal, the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       77. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 9  with said plurality of despreading devices including a first filter matched to a first chip-sequence signal and a second filter matched to a second chip-sequence signal, for detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       78. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 13  with said plurality of despreading devices including a third filter matched to a third chip-sequence signal, for detecting the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       79. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 13  with said plurality of despreading devices including a fourth filter matched to a fourth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       80. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 15  with said plurality of despreading devices including a fifth filter matched to a fifth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       81. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 17  with said despreading means including a first filter matched to a first chip-sequence signal and a second filter matched to a second chip-sequence signal, for detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       82. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 19  with said despreading means including a third filter matched to a third chip-sequence signal, for detecting the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       83. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 21  with said despreading means including a fourth filter matched to a fourth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       84. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 23  with said despreading means including a fifth filter matched to a fifth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       85. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 25  with the step of detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, using a first filter matched to a first chip-sequence signal and a second filter matched to a second chip-sequence signal, the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       86. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 27  with the step of detecting the third spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, using a third filter matched to a third chip-sequence signal, the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       87. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 29  with the step of detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, using a fourth filter matched to a fourth chip-sequence signal, the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       88. The MIMO method as set forth in  claim 31  with the step of detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal, including the step of detecting, using a fifth filter matched to a fifth chip-sequence signal, the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       89. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 33  with said plurality of despreading devices including a first filter matched to a first chip-sequence signal and a second filter matched to a second chip-sequence signal, for detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       90. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 35  with said plurality of despreading devices, including a third filter matched to a third chip-sequence signal, for detecting the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       91. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 37  with said plurality of despreading devices including a fourth filter matched to a fourth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       92. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 39  with said plurality of despreading devices including a fifth filter matched to a fifth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       93. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 41  with said despreading means including a first filter matched to a first chip-sequence signal and a second filter matched to a second chip-sequence signal, for detecting the first spread-spectrum signal and the second spread-spectrum signal as the first plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals and the second plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       94. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 42  with said despreading means including a third filter matched to a third chip-sequence signal, for detecting the third spread-spectrum signal as the third plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       95. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 43  with said despreading means including a fourth filter matched to a fourth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fourth spread-spectrum signal as the fourth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       96. The MIMO system as set forth in  claim 44  with said despreading means including a fifth filter matched to a fifth chip-sequence signal, for detecting the fifth spread-spectrum signal as the fifth plurality of detected spread-spectrum signals, respectively. 
     
     
       97. A receiver system for recovering data conveyed in data symbols by a plurality of different signals transmitted on separate carrier waves from a single source over a wireless channel, said signals being differentiated by different codes conveyed along with said signals, comprising:
   plural receiving antennas for receiving said signals;        receiver circuitry connected to each receiving antenna for demodulating said received signals and for separating said signals by detecting said different codes conveyed in said signals;        combiner circuits for combining received data symbols transmitted in signals with the same code and received by different receiving antennas, thereby forming plural streams of combined data symbols; and        a multiplexer for multiplexing data derived from said plural streams of combined data symbols to form a single stream of data.      
     
     
       98. The receiver system of  claim 97  wherein said receiver circuitry includes matched filter detector circuits for detecting said different codes.  
     
     
       99. The receiver system of  claim 97  wherein said different codes are chip sequence codes.  
     
     
       100. The receiver system of  claim 98  wherein each receiving antenna is connected to a plurality of matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       101. The receiver system of  claim 100  wherein each of the matched filter detector circuits connected to an antenna is matched to a different one of said different codes.  
     
     
       102. The receiver system of  claim 101  wherein said combiner circuits include plural combiners and wherein each combiner is connected to receive the outputs from all the matched filter detector circuits that are matched to the same code.  
     
     
       103. The receiver system of  claim 102  wherein said combiners employ RAKE signal combining.  
     
     
       104. The receiver system of  claim 102  wherein said combiners add the strength of the strongest outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       105. The receiver system of  claim 102  wherein said combiners utilize maximal ratio combining to combine the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       106. The receiver system of  claim 102  wherein said combiners utilize maximal likelihood combining to combine the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       107. The receiver system of  claim 97  wherein said combiner circuits form a number of combined symbol streams equal to the number of receiving antennas.  
     
     
       108. The receiver system of  claim 97  wherein said different codes are mutually orthogonal.  
     
     
       109. A method for recovering data conveyed in data symbols by a plurality of different signals transmitted on separate carrier waves from a single source over a wireless channel, said signals being differentiated by different codes conveyed along with said signals, comprising the steps of:
   receiving said signals at plural receiving antennas;        demodulating the signals received at each receiving antenna and separating said signals by detecting said different codes conveyed in said signals;        recovering the data symbols conveyed in said signals and combining received data symbols transmitted in signals with the same code and received by different receiving antennas, thereby forming plural streams of combined data symbols; and        multiplexing data derived from said plural streams of combined data symbols to form a single stream of data.      
     
     
       110. The method of  claim 109  wherein said detecting step is performed by matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       111. The method of  claim 109  wherein said different codes are chip sequence codes.  
     
     
       112. The method of  claim 110  wherein a plurality of matched filter detector circuits is connected to each receiving antenna.  
     
     
       113. The method of  claim 112  wherein each of the plurality of matched filter detector circuits connected to an antenna is matched to a different one of said different codes.  
     
     
       114. The method of  claim 113  wherein said step of combining combines the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits that are matched to the same code.  
     
     
       115. The method of  claim 114  wherein said step of combining employs RAKE signal combining.  
     
     
       116. The method of  claim 114  wherein said step of combining adds the strength of the strongest outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       117. The method of  claim 114  wherein said step of combining utilizes maximal ratio combining to combine the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       118. The method of  claim 114  wherein said step of combining utilizes maximal likelihood combining to combine the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       119. The method of  claim 109  wherein the step of combining forms a number of combined symbol streams equal to the number of receiving antennas.  
     
     
       120. The method of  claim 109  wherein said different codes are mutually orthogonal.  
     
     
       121. A receiver system for recovering data in spread spectrum signals, the data conveyed in data symbols by a plurality of different signals transmitted on separate carrier waves from a single source over a wireless channel, said signals being differentiated by different codes conveyed along with said signals, comprising:
   plural receiving antennas for receiving said spread spectrum signals;        receiver circuitry connected to each receiving antenna for despreading and separating said received spread spectrum signals by detecting said different codes conveyed in said spread spectrum signals;        combiner circuits for combining received data symbols transmitted in signals with the same code and received by different receiving antennas, thereby forming plural streams of combined data symbols; and        a multiplexer for multiplexing data derived from said plural streams of combined data symbols to form a single stream of data symbols.      
     
     
       122. The receiver system of  claim 121  wherein said receiver circuitry includes matched filter detector circuits for detecting said different codes.  
     
     
       123. The receiver system of  claim 121  wherein said different codes are chip sequence codes.  
     
     
       124. The receiver system of  claim 121  wherein each receiving antenna is connected to a plurality of matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       125. The receiver system of  claim 124  wherein each of the matched filter detector circuits connected to an antenna is matched to a different one of said different codes.  
     
     
       126. The receiver system of  claim 125  wherein said combiner circuits include plural combiners and wherein each combiner is connected to receive the outputs from all the matched filter detector circuits that are matched to the same code.  
     
     
       127. The receiver system of  claim 126  wherein said combiners employ RAKE signal combining.  
     
     
       128. The receiver system of  claim 126  wherein said combiners add the strength of the strongest outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       129. The receiver system of  claim 126  wherein said combiners utilize maximal ratio combining to combine the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       130. The receiver system of  claim 126  wherein said combiners utilize maximal likelihood combining to combine the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       131. The receiver system of  claim 121  wherein said combiner circuits form a number of combined symbol streams equal to the number of receiving antennas.  
     
     
       132. The receiver system of  claim 121  wherein said different codes are mutually orthogonal.  
     
     
       133. A method for recovering data in spread spectrum signals, the data conveyed in data symbols by a plurality of different signals transmitted on separate carrier waves from a single source over a wireless channel, said signals being differentiated by different codes conveyed along with said signals, comprising the steps of:
   receiving said spread spectrum signals at plural receiving antennas;        despreading and separating the spread spectrum signals received at each receiving antenna by detecting said different codes conveyed in said spread spectrum signals;        recovering the data symbols conveyed in said spread spectrum signals and combining received data symbols transmitted in signals with the same code and received by different receiving antennas, thereby forming plural streams of combined data symbols; and        multiplexing data derived from said plural streams of combined data symbols to form a single stream of data.      
     
     
       134. The method of  claim 133  wherein said detecting step is performed by matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       135. The method of  claim 133  wherein said different codes are chip sequence codes.  
     
     
       136. The method of  claim 133  wherein a plurality of matched filter detector circuits is connected to each receiving antenna.  
     
     
       137. The method of  claim 136  wherein each of the plurality of matched filter detector circuits connected to an antenna is matched to a different one of said different codes.  
     
     
       138. The method of  claim 137  wherein said step of combining combines the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits that are matched to the same code.  
     
     
       139. The method of  claim 138  wherein said step of combining employs RAKE signal combining.  
     
     
       140. The method of  claim 138  wherein said step of combining adds the strength of the strongest outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       141. The method of  claim 138  wherein the step of combining forms a number of combined symbol streams equal to the number of receiving antennas.  
     
     
       142. The method of  claim 138  wherein said step of combining utilizes maximal ratio combining to combine the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       143. The method of  claim 138  wherein said step of combining utilizes maximal likelihood combining to combine the outputs from the matched filter detector circuits.  
     
     
       144. The method of  claim 133  wherein the step of combining forms a number of combined symbol streams equal to the number of receiving antennas.  
     
     
       145. The method of  claim 133  wherein said different codes are mutually orthogonal.