We design a coded massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system using low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes and iterative joint detection and decoding (JDD) algorithm employing a low complexity detection. We introduce the factor graph representation of the LDPC coded massive MIMO system, based on which the message updating rule in the JDD is defined. We devise a tool for analyzing extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) characteristics of messages flowing in the JDD and the three-dimensional (3-D) EXIT chart provides a visualization of the JDD behavior. Based on the proposed 3-D EXIT analysis, we design jointly the degree distribution of irregular LDPC codes and the JDD strategy for the coded massive MIMO system. The JDD strategy was determined to achieve a higher error correction capability with a given amount of computational complexity. It was observed that the coded massive MIMO system equipped with the proposed LDPC codes and the proposed JDD strategy has lower bit error rate than conventional LDPC coded massive MIMO systems.
Keywords: LDPC codes; density evolution; joint detection and decoding; low complexity; massive MIMO.