Fast Channel Estimation for IRS-Assisted OFDM

Abstract: In this letter, we study efficient channel estimation for an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system to achieve minimum training time. First, a fast channel estimation scheme with reduced OFDM symbol duration is proposed for arbitrary frequency-selective fading channels. Next, under the typical condition that the IRS-user channel is line-of-sight (LoS) dominant, another fast channel estimation scheme based on the novel concept of sampling-wise IRS reflection variation is proposed. Moreover, the pilot signal and IRS training reflection pattern are jointly optimized for both proposed schemes. Finally, the proposed schemes are compared in terms of training time and channel estimation performance via simulations, as well as against benchmark schemes.