Method and device for channel estimation and corresponding program product

Field of the invention [0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless-communications techniques. [0002] The disclosure has been developed with particular attention paid to its possible use for channel estimation and channel tracking in communications systems of an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) type affected by time-variant fading phenomena. Object and summary of the invention [0019] The object of the invention is to provide an improved technique for channel estimation that is able to track the variations of the channel in time thanks to an estimate of the demodulated data symbols; moreover, the invention is suited for use in conjunction with a receiver with a number of receiving antennas. [0020] According to the present invention, said object is achieved thanks to a method having the characteristics recalled specifically in the ensuing claims. The invention also regards a corresponding device, as well as a computer program product that can be loaded into the memory of at least one computer and comprises software-code portions that are able to implement the steps of the method when the product is run on at least one computer. As used herein, the reference to such a computer program product is understood as being equivalent to the reference to a computer readable means containing instructions for control of the processing system for co-ordinating implementation of the method according to the invention. The reference to "at least one computer" is evidently meant to highlight the possibility of the present invention being implemented in a modular and/or distributed form. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.