On the error performance analysis of space-time trellis codes

We present analytical performance results for space-time trellis codes over spatially correlated Rayleigh fading channels. Bit-error-probability estimates are obtained based on the derivation of an exact pairwise error probability expression using a residue technique combined with a characteristic function approach. We investigate both quasi-static and interleaved channels and demonstrate how the spatial fading correlation affects the performance of space-time codes over these two different channel models. Simulation results are also included to confirm the accuracy of analytical estimates.