M-PAM space-time trellis codes for ultra-wideband multiple-input multiple-output communications

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with space-time (ST) coding are desirable in ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems to improve the error-rate performance of the UWB link. The authors have considered the design of optimal (in error-rate performance) M-ary pulse-amplitude modulated (M-PAM) ST trellis codes (STTC) for a pulse-based UWB MIMO communication system. Following the approach by Vucetic et al. for narrowband systems, the authors carry out a probability of error analysis to derive upper bounds on pairwise symbol error probability for a UWB communication system for slow fading and fast fading at both low and high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The authors deduce the design criteria from the upper bounds. Based on these criteria, an optimal four-state binary-PAM STTC, for two transmit antennas, is designed by hand. Finally, simulation results of the optimal binary-PAM STTC in a UWB communication system confirm significant improvement in bit error-rate performance over previously proposed ST coding scheme for UWB, at higher transmit SNR.