Signal Space Diversity Augmented Space Time Block Coded Communication System

In this paper we propose the combination of space-time diversity techniques and signal space diversity, in order to improve communication system performance. Specifically, we use prior knowledge of the channel behavior to design a mapping algorithm to generate a two-dimensional constellation with the same number of symbols as MPSK constellations currently used in coherent space time block coding applications, to demonstrate that superior performance can be achieved. This is accomplished by constructing a two-dimensional map that results from the minimization of the estimated symbol error probability when transmission occurs in a fading environment. System performance for each each mapping is assessed in quasi-static Rayleigh fading channels.