• MIMO channel capacity
• non-binary decoder
• Linear Dispersion Codes

This work is focused on the design of space – time block codes, in order to improve the Discrete-input Continuous-output Memoryless Channel (DCMC) capacity. We consider MIMO systems 2x1 and 2x2, taking into account both coded modulation (CM) and binary interleaved coded modulation (BICM) systems. Our aim is to maximize the capacity of the equivalent channel, consisting of the space – time block code plus the channel and the soft demapper. In particular, we analyze the framework of the Linear Dispersion Codes and present an algorithm to find a code that maximize the DCMC capacity. The main advantages of non-binary processing at the receiver are also shown and commented.