Sample size required in error-rate measurement on fading channels

This paper presents analytical and numerical results on the sample size required to achieve a specified root mean square (rms) error in estimating en oi-rate for flat fading channels having complex Gaussian statistics. The analysis shows that Sor the large sample sizes normally used in estimating en oi rates, k, the required sample size normalized to the required sample size Soi independent symbol fading, can be expressed in the form k = 1 + d beta where d is the symbol rate normalized to the Doppler spl-ead of the channel. For a given modem, beta is a function of the error probability and the order of diversity. It is shown that if the Doppler spread measure used is proportional to the rms Doppler spread, beta will be relatively insensitive ro the shape of the Doppler power spectrum.(1) Numerical results are presented for Lth order diversity: reception of binary phase shift keying (PSK), differential PSK, and frequently shift keying (FSK) signals and for five different Doppler power spectra Ideal maximal ratio combining is assumed Sol the PSK modem, and square law; combining is assumed for the DPSK aid FSK modems.