Generalized Average BER Analysis for MRC Receiver over FTR Fading Channel

A general framework for performance analysis of error probability over the fluctuating two ray (FTR) fading model with maximal ratio combining (MRC) receive diversity is presented in this paper. The probability density function (PDF) of FTR fading model with MRC is derived by using characteristic function method. Furthermore, the PDF approach is used to formulate the generalized average bit error rate (ABER) expression in closed-form. These generalized expressions are relevant for various modulation schemes for L branches of diversity receivers. The expressions of ABER for coherent modulation schemes with MRC diversity are derived by employing the tight, simple, and accurate approximation of the complementary error function. The calculated results are found to be close and accurate. The expressions of ABER for non-coherent modulation schemes with MRC diversity are calculated in exact closed-form. The validity of obtained expressions is verified with the special cases of FTR model exist in the literature. The main focus of the work is on how the MRC diversity elevates the reliability in communication by diminishing the channel fluctuations due to fading.