Performance evaluation of interleaved MC-CDMA systems with correlated Nakagami-m fading channels

Multicarrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) has emerged as a promising air interface candidate for future wireless communication systems. With the help of the characteristic function of correlated Nakagami-m variables, the performance of an interleaved MC-CDMA with a maximal-ratio combining (MRC) receiver and frequency selective Nakagami-m fading channels is studied. Computer simulations demonstrate the accuracy of the analysis. Based on the analytical results, with an exhaustive search of different subcarrier interleaving schemes, the optimal subcarrier interleaver which provides the minimum bit error rate (BER) can be achieved. Compared to a random interleaver, the optimal subcarrier interleaver offers considerable performance improvement.