Analysis of quantization noise in FBMC transmitters

Abstract

This paper investigates Filter Bank MultiCarrier (FBMC) modulation implemented with frequency spreading and polyphase network-based in terms of the introduced quantization noise. As FBMC is considered one of the future candidates for 5G/6G communication systems due to its advantageous spectral properties, the introduced quantization noise in the implementation is an essential design criterion. Analytical expressions for fixed- and floating-point Quantization Noise Power (QNP) in FBMC transmitter schemes are given. Based on the results, it can be stated that the total QNP depends on the number of carriers, overlapping symbols, and the resolution of the quantizer. The results are verified through simulations. Estimating the quantization noise in FBMC systems in the function of the selected bit resolution and keeping it at an acceptable level is an essential design step. The results can be directly employed in the preliminary hardware design of FBMC transmitters, where the choice of the arithmetical units and the bit resolution is a key factor.