Maximal‐ratio combining detection in massive multiple‐input multiple‐output systems with accurate probability distribution function

Abstract

Abstract This letter derives the probability distribution function (PDF) of received symbols for orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) based massive multiple‐input, multiple‐output (MMIMO) systems, which uses maximal‐ratio combining (MRC) detection. The effects of noise and interferences are evaluated through random variables, and the PDF is then derived from their joint probability and characteristic functions. The bit error rate (BER) using Binary and Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (BPSK, QPSK), and M‐ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) waveforms is then analyzed by using this PDF. Simulation and analytical results confirm that the derived equations provided accurate PDF and BER, and therefore, can be used efficiently to evaluate performance of OFDM‐MMIMO systems.

Keywords

• Modulation and coding methods
• Radio links and equipment
• Error statistics (inc. error probability)