On the application of the sum of generalized Gaussian random variables: maximal ratio combining
In most wireless communication systems, the additive noise is assumed to be Gaussian. However, there are many practical applications where non-Gaussian noise impairs the received signal. Examples include co-channel and adjacent channel interference in mobile cellular systems, impulsive noise in wireless and power-line communications, ultra-wide-band interference and multi-user interference in wireless systems, and spectrum sensing. To cover this issue, we consider in this paper the application of the sum of generalized Gaussian (GG) random variables (RVs). To this end, we consider single-input multiple-output (SIMO) systems that operate over Nakagami-m fading channels in the presence of an additive white generalized Gaussian noise (AWGGN). Specifically, we derive a closed-form expression for the bit error rate (BER) of several coherent digital modulation schemes using maximal ratio combining diversity in the Nakagami-m fading channels subject to an AWGGN. The derived expression is obtained based on the fact that the sum of L GG RVs can be approximated by a single GG RV with a suitable shaping parameter. In addition, the obtained BER expression is valid for integer and non-integer value of the fading parameter m. Analytical results are supported by Monte-Carlo simulations to validate the analysis.