Exact BER analysis of distributed alamouti´s code for cooperative diversity networks

We analyze the bit-error rate (BER) performance of the distributed Alamouti´s code for cooperative diversity networks consisting of a source, two relays and a destination node over Rayleigh fading channels. It is assumed that the relays adopt the amplify-and-forward protocol. Firstly, assuming the existence of the direct path component from the source to the destination, we derive the exact BER expression in a one-integral form for M-pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) and M-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellations. We also present a series expansion of a very accurate BER approximation, which does not require any numerical calculation, and we prove this series is convergent. Secondly, considering the system where the direct path component does not exist, we obtain the exact BER expression in a one-integral form and a series expansion of the exact BER expression. Numerical results confirm that the two exact BER expressions in a one-integral form perfectly match the simulation results and the two series expressions of BER are very accurate, even with a small truncation window.