Signal Processing for 5G: Algorithms and Implementations

Chapter 1An Introduction to Modulations and Waveforms for 5G Networks

Stefano Buzzi, Alessandro Ugolini, Alessio Zappone and Giulio Colavolpe

1. 1.1 Motivation and Background
   1. 1.1.1 The LTE Solution: OFDM and SC-FDMA
2. 1.2 New Modulation Formats: FBMC, GFDM, BFDM, UFMC and TFP
   1. 1.2.1 Filter-bank Multicarrier
   2. 1.2.2 Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing
   3. 1.2.3 Bi-orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
   4. 1.2.4 Universal Filtered Multicarrier
   5. 1.2.5 Time-frequency Packing
   6. 1.2.6 Single-carrier Schemes
3. 1.3 Waveform Choice
4. 1.4 Discussion and Concluding Remarks
5. References

1.1 Motivation and Background

Historically, the evolution of wireless cellular systems has been fueled by the need for increased throughput. Indeed, the need for larger data-rates has been the main driver of the path that has led us from 2G systems¹ to 4G systems, with data-rates evolving from tens of kbit/s up to the current state-of-the-art tens of Mbit/s. Focusing on the physical (PHY) layer, and in particular on the adopted modulation schemes, the transition has been from binary modulations such as the Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK), used in the 2G GSM system, to quadrature-amplitude-modulation (QAM) schemes with adaptively chosen cardinality, currently used in 4G systems.

Unlike previous generations of cellular networks, 5G systems will have to accommodate a variety of services and of emerging new applications, and, in order to do that, focusing only on the increase of the data throughput is not enough. ...