Optimal Detection for Ambient Backscatter Communication Systems With Multiantenna Reader Under Complex Gaussian Illuminator

This article addresses the issue of symbol detection in ambient backscatter communication systems with the multiantenna reader. Focusing on the ON–OFF keying modulation, the optimal detector minimizing the bit error rate (BER) is devised based on the maximum a posteriori principle. We then analyze the exact closed-form BER expression for the optimal detector. Moreover, simple approximate BER expressions are derived in certain asymptotic regimes. Furthermore, a simple energy detector is analyzed as a benchmark scheme, and the asymptotic BER is devised in a closed form. The findings of this article suggest that implementing multiple antennas at the reader is an effective means to enhance the BER performance and extend the tag–reader communication range. Also, the optimal detector always outperforms the energy detector. In particular, the optimal detector can avoid the error floor phenomenon, which is inevitable for the energy detector in the high SNR regime.