Generation of correlated Rayleigh fading envelopes for accurate performance analysis of diversity systems

The generation of correlated Rayleigh fading envelopes based on mobile radio channel characteristics for realistic simulation of diversity systems was formally introduced and documented in 1974 by Jakes [W.C. Jakes, 1974]. Recently, several algorithms which draw upon Jakes´ work have been introduced. In this paper a brief survey of these algorithms is given, as well as an illustration of their shortcomings. A straightforward and systematic procedure will be given for the generation of N ≥ 2 equal power correlated Rayleigh fading envelopes with desired covariance matrix chosen to model channel conditions under the general assumption of isotropic scattering. This procedure will enable the accurate investigation and simulation of the effect of correlation on diversity schemes.