Diversity transform for fading channels

This paper investigates a transform that provides diversity to words of symbols transmitted over fading channels. This diversity transform (DRT) does not alter the distance between the input words nor the bandwidth or the information rate. The transform is based on an orthonormal transform and thus increases the channel alphabet. A considerable diversity gain is achieved over Rayleigh fading channel with perfect channel state information (CSI) and interleaving. The transform performances are evaluated both analytically and by simulation, and optimal transforms are determined for specific channels. Finally, a simple nonoptimal decoding scheme is developed, which provides a powerful and practical technique to transfer information over fading channels with or without coding.