Diversity combining with imperfect channel estimates in correlated fading

In this paper, we present a framework for evaluating the bit error probability (BEP) of N _d-branch diversity combining with imperfect channel estimates in correlated fading environments. The estimator structure is based on the maximum likelihood estimate and arises naturally as the sample mean of N _p pilot symbols. Our results show that the diversity order of the system under consideration matches that of an ideal system operating in the same correlated fading environment, regardless of the number of pilot symbols.