Simple design method for space-time trellis codes with and without serial concatenation

We propose a simple method to construct a good space-time trellis codes. As with any trellis code, the space-time trellis codes can be realized with a convolutional encoder followed by a mapping rule. Herein, we devise an improved space-time trellis codes by optimizing the convolutional code and mapper for the Jakes time correlated flat fading model. This new, simple method can be used to construct both non-recursive and recursive space-time codes where the latter is essential for serial concatenation. A simple encoding system is presented which is 1.8 dB away from the channel capacity for the 2-input/2-output fully interleaved MIMO channel.