M-PAM space time trellis codes for multi-antenna ultra-wideband communications

In this paper, we discuss the design of optimal M-PAM space time trellis codes (STTC) for multi-antenna ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems in fast Rayleigh fading. We carry out a probability of error analysis to derive upper bounds on pairwise error probability (PEP) and deduce the design criteria. The design criteria, derived earlier in the literature for M-PSK STTC in Rayleigh fading, are found to hold good for UWB as well. Simulations confirm a considerable improvement in bit error rate performance at higher transmit SNR.