Abstract: | The fading channels often involve complex expressions, when it comes to computing the integrals required for performance evaluation of various digital modulation schemes. In this paper, usefulness of exponential‐based approximations to the Gaussian‐Q function in computing these integrals is discussed. We present generic symbol error probability (SEP) expressions over η?μ and κ?μ fading distributions, which can be tailored for any digital modulation technique using different approximations. The resulting expressions thus obtained comprise only elementary mathematical functions thereby avoiding complex evaluations of hypergeometric functions. We explore all the exponential‐based approximations proposed till date and conclude that apart from being mathematically simple, they also lead to accurate expressions for performance analysis of various digital modulation schemes. |