A framework is proposed that allows for a joint description and optimization of both binary polar coding and the multilevel coding (MLC) approach for 2m-ary digital pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM). The conceptual equivalence of polar coding and multilevel coding is pointed out in detail. Based on a novel characterization of the channel polarization phenomenon, rules for the optimal choice of the bit labeling in this coded modulation scheme employing polar codes are developed. Simulation results for the AWGN channel are included.

A framework is proposed that allows for a joint description and optimization of both binary polar coding and 2m-ary digital pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) schemes. For the latter, the multilevel coding (MLC) approach as well as bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) are considered. The conceptual equivalence of polar coding and multilevel coding is covered in detail. Based on an alternative characterization of the channel polarization phenomenon, rules for the optimum choice of the labeling in coded modulation schemes employing polar codes are developed. Simulation results regarding the error performance of the proposed schemes on the AWGN channel are included.

A new bit allocation algorithm for uncoded transmission over parallel, independent channels (e.g., multicarrier transmission) is proposed. In contrast to state-of-the-art loading algorithms it is based on bit-level capacities and aims at the maximization of the so-called parallel decoding capacity. The algorithm can be implemented very efficiently and requires significantly lower complexity than existing approaches. Numerical results show a performance in terms of the bit-error ratio comparable to established bit-loading algorithms.

Mappings for square quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) are investigated in terms of the achievable capacity in bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM). In G. Caire et al. (1998) it is conjectured that Gray labelings maximize this capacity. However, Gray mappings are not unique and it can be shown that the conjecture cannot hold in general for QAM constellation sizes larger than 16. Based on the bit level capacities of mappings, structures determining capacity are analyzed. Construction guidelines leading to capacity maximizing Gray mappings are presented.

Point-to-point transmission over multiple-input/multiple-output channels with intersymbol interference is considered. Two different equalization strategies - single-carrier transmission with spatial/temporal decision-feedback equalization and multicarrier transmission with V-BLAST in each carrier - and the respective requirements on channel coding are studied and compared. Via capacity arguments, it is shown that bit-inter-leaved coded modulation is not well suited for the situations at hand. This holds in particular if channel coding is used in combination with rate loading, i.e., non-uniform rate distribution over the carriers. Approaches to overcome this problem are discussed