Theoretical bit error rate for uncoded and coded data transmission in digital audio broadcasting

In this paper we analyze the bit error rate of an OFDM multicarrier transmission system with DQPSK modulation and differential phase detection both for uncoded and convolutionally coded data. Formulas are derived which take into account the influence of the fast Rician fading channel, but they are valid for multipath Rayleigh fading and the additive Gaussian noise channel as well. Theoretical bit error rates are given for system parameters and channel models proposed for digital audio broadcasting (DAB) in Europe. A comparison with results obtained by a DAB software simulation tool (developed by the same authors) shows good agreement and demonstrates the applicability of the derived set of formulas as a powerful tool for DAB network planning.