Exploring and Analyzing a Hybrid PAPR Reduction Method for OFDM Optimization

Abstract

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a effective modulation technique widely used in modern communication systems, including 5G and wireless networks because of its high spectral efficiency and robustness towards multipath fading. However, OFDM signals are characterized by a high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR), which can severely impact the power efficiency and operational cost of these systems. This research investigates and analyse effectiveness of two conventional PAPR reduction methods that is Selective Mapping (SLM), and Partial Transmit Sequence (PTS) with incorporating their approach of PAPR reduction to develop a hybrid variant: SLM-PTS. This study utilized MATLAB simulations to implement and test each PAPR reduction technique on a standard OFDM system model. Parameters such as the number of subcarriers, oversampling factor, and modulation types were systematically varied to analyze the impact on PAPR, BER, and computational complexity. The effectiveness of each technique was measured using the Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF) of PAPR values and BER performance under different channel conditions. Key findings reveal that hybrid techniques, particularly SLM & PTS, offer significant improvements in PAPR reduction compared to traditional methods alone, without a corresponding increase in BER or computational overhead. The research underscores the potential of hybrid PAPR reduction techniques to significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of OFDM systems. These findings have important implications for the design and optimization of next-generation wireless communication systems, suggesting that hybrid approaches can provide a balanced solution to the longstanding issue of PAPR in OFDM transmissions. This study contributes valuable insights into the practical application of combined PAPR reduction strategies, offering a pathway toward more power-efficient and robust OFDM technologies. Keywords : OFDM, PAPR, CCDF, SLM and PTS