Linear diversity combining techniques

This paper provides analyses of three types of diversity combining systems in practical use. These are: selection diversity, maximal-ratio diversity, and equal-gain diversity systems. Quantitative measures of the relative performance (under realistic conditions) of the three systems are provided. The effects of various departures from ideal conditions, such as non-Rayleigh fading and partially coherent signal or noise voltages, are considered. Some discussion is also included of the relative merits of predetection and postdetection combining and of the problems in determining and using long-term distributions. The principal results are given in graphs and tables, useful in system design. It is seen that the…