Performance analysis of equalized OFDM systems in Rayleigh fading

Channel estimation is usually needed to compensate for the amplitude and phase distortions associated with a received orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform. This paper presents a systematic approach for analyzing the bit-error probability (BEP) of equalized OFDM signals in Rayleigh fading. Closed-form expressions for BEP performance of various signal constellations [phase-shift keying (PSK), differential phase-shift keying (DPSK), quaternary phase-shift keying (QPSK)] are provided for receivers that use a linear pilot-assisted channel estimate. We also derive the optimal linear channel estimates that yield the minimum BEP and show that some previous known results are special cases of our general formulae. The results obtained here can be applied to evaluate the performance of equalized single-carrier narrowband systems as well.