General BER analysis over Nakagami-m fading channels

Based on the approximated expression of the Q-function by Chiani, Dardari, and Simon, a simple and accurate generalized closed-form expression for the bit error rate (BER) over Nakagami-m fading channel is derived. The expression is given as a product of the well-known gamma function and a finite sum of functions of the Nakagami-m fading parameter. The derived expression is applicable for any real m ≥ 0.5, and for any coherent modulation scheme of any order. Numerical results are used to validate the derived expressions using different combinations of modulation orders and Nakagami-m fading parameters.