Probability of error evaluation for multichannel reception of coherent MPSK over Ricean fading channels

This paper presents a recursive method for evaluating the error rate performance of multichannel reception of coherent MPSK systems operating over slowly Ricean fading channels. Each of the multiple channels is assumed to be a bandlimited two-sided discrete path model with complex Gaussian taps. The main path is assumed to be non-zero mean, corresponding to Ricean fading. Maximal ratio combining in the receiver is assumed, and an expression for the received phase density function is developed. A recursive method for solving the resulting error probability expression is then presented. This method is similar to those used for recursive computation of the Marcum Q function, and is both efficient and accurate. The method can be applied for both the flat and frequency selective Ricean fading cases. Examples based on a ship to ship high-data-rate line-of-sight channel model are provided to demonstrate the method