Exact crossing rates of dual diversity over unbalanced correlated Rayleigh channels

General exact expressions for the level crossing rate of dual-branch selection, equal-gain, and maximal-ratio combiners operating over unbalanced correlated Rayleigh channels are derived. Sample numerical results are presented by specializing the general expressions to a space-diversity system with horizontally spaced omnidirectional antennas at the mobile station. It is observed that, whereas power imbalance is invariably prejudicial, fading correlation may be advantageous with closely spaced antennas arranged parallel to the direction of motion.