Error Performance of DQPSK with EGC Diversity Reception over Fading Channels

This paper derives the average bit error probability (BEP) of differential quaternary phase shift keying (DQPSK) with postdetection equal gain combining (EGC) diversity reception over independent and arbitrarily correlated fading channels. First, using the associated Legendre functions, the average BEP of DQPSK is analyzed over independent Rayleigh, Nakagami-m, and Rician fading channels. Finite-series closed-form expressions for the average BEP of DQPSK over L-branch independent Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading channels (for integer Lm) are presented. Besides, a finite-series closed-form expression is given for the average BEP of differential binary phase shift keying (DBPSK) with EGC over independent Rician fading channels. Second, an alternative approach is propounded to study the performance of DQPSK over arbitrarily correlated Nakagami-m and Rician fading channels. Relatively simple BEP expressions in terms of a finite sum of a finite-range integral are proposed. Moreover, the penalty in signal to noise ratio (SNR) due to arbitrarily correlated channel fading is also investigated. Finally, the accuracy of the results is verified by computer simulation.