Robust space-time block coding for rapid fading channels

The study of space-time block coding has mainly focused on cases with quasi-static flat fading channels. We discuss robust space-time block code design for rapid flat fading channels. Trade-offs between rate, diversity gain and constellation size are presented. A design methodology is proposed which considers the performance metrics for both small signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and large SNR cases. Our approach suggests incorporating traditional single antenna block codes in a particular way to simplify code design. Some example codes are presented which provide improvement over existing space-time block codes