Error probability for maximum ratio combining multichannel reception of M-ary coherent systems over flat Ricean fading channels

In this paper, we develop a simple closed-form series expression for the error probability of maximum ratio combining (MRC) multichannel reception of M-ary coherent systems over flat Ricean fading channels. This series expansion provides a simple and numerically efficient mean of calculating the error probability with controlled accuracy. M-ary PAM, PSK and QAM systems are investigated.