A compact performance analysis of generalized selection combining with independent but nonidentically distributed Rayleigh fading paths

We derive a compact expression for the moment-generating function (MGF) of the output of a generalized selection combiner for independent but nonidentically distributed Rayleigh fading paths which is then used to derive a single integral expression for the symbol error probability of, for example, M-PSK. Because of the simple product form of the MGF and its ability to be expressed as a partial fraction expansion, we are then able to invert this function to derive the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the combiner output from which the outage probability can then be evaluated in closed form. An example, of the latter is given for an exponentially decaying power delay profile.