Analysis of switched diversity systems on generalized-fading channels

The performances of switched diversity systems operating on generalized (Nakagami)-fading channels are analyzed using a discrete-time model. The average bit error rate (BER) of binary noncoherent frequency shift keying (NCFSK) on slow, nonselective Nakagami-fading channels is derived. Closed-form expressions that can be used to determine optimum switching thresholds (in a minimum error rate sense) are also derived. In addition, the use of optimum fixed thresholds is considered. It is found that a considerable amount of diversity gain can be obtained using an optimum fixed (rather than adaptive) switching threshold. Results are obtained for both independent and correlated Nakagami-fading branch signals. The effects of fading severity and the correlation coefficient on both the BER and on the optimum switching threshold are investigated. It is shown that useful diversity gain can be obtained with power correlation coefficients as high as 0.9 when the fading is strong. The results for a Rayleigh channel are obtained and presented as a special case of generalized-fading model