Performance of optimum wavelet for DS‐CDMA chip waveform over multi‐path Rayleigh fading channels

In this paper, the probability of error (P_e) expression of asynchronous direct sequence‐code division multiple access (DS‐CDMA) signals using band‐limited chip waveforms is derived over multi‐path Rayleigh fading channels. In receiver, a matched filter‐based rake receiver in conjunction with maximum ratio combiner (MRC) is considered. Numerical values for the P_e are calculated for various chip waveforms including an optimum wavelet waveform. Analytical results are verified by conducting simulations. Results show that the optimum wavelet‐based scheme outperforms time‐limited raised cosine, half sine, rectangular and band‐limited square‐root raised cosine chip waveform‐based schemes in terms of the P_e and the capacity defined as the number of users per Hertz for a same P_e level. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.