Optimization of Linearly Equalized QAM

QAM signal transmitted over a channel with linear distortion and additive white Gaussian noise can be linearly equalized at the receiver to eliminate intersymbol interference. If the QAM signal is power constrained and a given symbol error rate is required, we show that it is possible to maximize the bit rate of this system by optimizing the symbol rate and the number of bits/symbol. Ideal linear equalization is assumed at the receiver to overcome the distortion introduced by the channel. As an example, a Gaussian channel is chosen, and the bit rate is maximized for this channel. The QAM maximization is especially useful for channels with slowly decaying channel attenuation characteristics, e.g., the twisted-pair channel.