Upper bounds on the statistical distribution of the crest-factor in OFDM transmission

This article analyzes the crest-factor behavior of an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modem. The behavior is characterized in terms of the complementary distribution function of the crest-factor (CDFC). The CDFC is a key parameter of OFDM systems, for example it provides limits on achievable information rates. Several approximations have been developed in the literature so far, but no true upper bounds dependent on the different constellations that are used in OFDM modulation have been derived. A new approach is given providing upper bounds that substitute for time-consuming simulations.