Abstract

In 2011, we proposed a new receiver structure called Frequency domain linear MMSE filter with sphere detection for single-carrier frequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) uplink transmission. Frame error rate simulations and complexity estimations were used to define the most practical sphere detector algorithm for this receiver. High-level Synthesis (HLS) tools were used for comparing different architectures for the sphere detector. After 2011, the HLS design approach has gained more popularity and the tools have evolved. In this paper, HLS tools from different generations were used for implementing the same K-best list sphere detector. The results were compared and the overall experience of the optimization process and the evolution of the HLS tools was discussed. Additionally, the evolution of FPGA technology was discussed. In conclusion, the HLS tools have evolved into practical implementation tools even for high complex wireless communication algorithms. Moreover, 25% increase in throughput and 58% lower resource usage was achieved with the latest generation FPGA.