Probability density functions for analyzing multi-amplitude constellations in Rayleigh and Ricean channels

This paper derives probability density functions (PDFs) to describe the behavior of data demodulated with imperfect channel estimation. The PDFs apply to cases of flat Rayleigh-fading, multiple-diversity reception Rayleigh-fading, and flat Ricean-fading. These PDFs can be used to determine analytically both the symbol error rate and bit error rate for multi-amplitude constellations with in-phase and quadrature components, thus avoiding the need for extensive computer simulation.