Error Probabilities for Binary Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum Communications with Random Signature Sequences

Binary direct-sequence spread-spectrum multiple-access communications, an additive white Gaussian noise channel, and a coherent correlation receiver are considered. An expression for the output of the receiver is obtained for the case of random signature sequences, and the corresponding characteristic function is determined. The expression is used to study the density function of the multiple-access interference and to determine arbitrarily tight upper and lower bounds on the average probability of error. The bounds, which are obtained without making a Gaussian approximation, are compared to results obtained using a Gaussian approximation. The effects of transmitter power, the length of the signature sequences, and the number of interfering transmitters are illustrated. Each transmitter is assumed to have the same power, although the general approach can accommodate the case of transmitters with unequal powers.