Exact BER analysis of OSTBCs in spatially correlated MIMO channels

The bit-error rate (BER) performance of orthogonal space-time block codes (STBCs) in correlated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels is studied. We first derive closed-form exact BER equations for pulse amplitude modulation, quadrature amplitude modulation, and phase-shift keying constellations in a correlated Rayleigh MIMO channel. The BER expressions can be easily evaluated without any numerical methods. Then we consider correlated MIMO channels where the line of sight components exist and they suffer from shadowing, namely, correlated shadowed Rician MIMO channels. For three practical channel scenarios, the BER is analyzed, and closed-form BER equations are presented.