Discrete and continuous maxima in multicarrier communication

The ratio between the discrete and continuous maxima of signals used in multicarrier communications is analyzed. An exact expression, up to an additive term, is obtained for the considered ratio when the number of uniformly distributed samples is equal to the number of carriers. A more accurate upper estimate on the continuous maximum from discrete samples of the signal and its derivative is suggested. Finally, a tight upper bound is given for the value of the continuous maximum via discrete values of samples when the number of samples is greater than the number of carriers.