Error propagation and recovery in decision-feedback equalizers for nonlinear channels

Abstract

Nonlinear intersymbol interference is often present in communication and digital storage channels. Decision-feedback equalizers (DFEs) can decrease this nonlinear effect by including appropriate nonlinear feedback filters. Although various applications of these types of equalizers have been published in the literature, the analysis of their stability and error recovery has not appeared. In this letter, we consider a DFE with a nonlinear feedback filter based on a discrete Volterra series. We extend error propagation, error probability, stability, and error recovery time results for Nth-order nonlinear channels.