Analysis and optimization of switched diversity systems

We evaluate and optimize the performance of switch and stay diversity systems which have the advantage of offering one of the least complex solutions to mitigating the effect of fading. We study the impact of fading type and severity, unbalanced branches, fading correlation, and imperfect channel estimation on the performance of these systems, and compare this performance with that of more complex diversity schemes such as maximal-ratio combining and selection combining. We also propose, analyze, and optimize the performance of a generalized switched diversity scheme. In summary, the presented results offer a simple, generic, and useful analytical tool for the accurate performance evaluation and optimization of switched diversity systems.