Nested precoding codebook structures for mimo systems

A method of operating a transmitter for use with NT transmit antennas, comprising:

• preceding data for transmission using a preceding matrix selected from a nested codebook, wherein the nested codebook provides codebooks corresponding to different transmission layers that are derived from column subsets of multiple NT×NT preceding matrices;
• and
• transmitting the preceded data.

A receiver, comprising:

• a receive unit configured to receive precoded data;
• and
• a precoder selection unit configured to select a preceding matrix from a nested codebook for the precoded data, wherein the nested codebook provides codebooks corresponding to different transmission layers that are derived from column subsets of multiple NT×NT preceding matrices.

A method of operating a receiver, comprising:

• receiving preceded data;
• and
• selecting a preceding matrix from a nested codebook for the preceded data, wherein the nested codebook provides codebooks corresponding to different transmission layers that are derived from column subsets of multiple NT×NT preceding matrices.