On decoding algorithm and performance of space-time block codes

In this letter, we present a unified mathematical expression for the decoding algorithm of space-time block codes (STBC). Based on the unified expression, we make a comparison of the STBC transmit diversity and the maximal-ratio combining MRC receive diversity, and analyze the symbol error probability for the STBC transmissions. The effects of the channel correlation and the number of transmit and receive antennas on the performance of the STBC are discussed.