Author(s)

Christopher M. Lau

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, USA.

Digital Communications, in relation to wireless networks, have taken off in recent years due to the expanding need to communicate faster and more efficiently. A popular way to achieve this is by using wireless Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) communication systems. MIMO systems utilize Space Time Block Codes (STBC) as one of the leading ways to obtain higher data rates with limited bandwidth and power. With several STBC methods currently available, this paper analyzes simulations using Orthogonal Space Time Block Codes (OSTBC) in Rayleigh fading channels to evaluate the performance of MIMO systems. The selection to use a Rayleigh fading channel as a model for a non-line-of-sight (nLOS) environment is selected to mimic installations where a large number of signal paths and reflections are expected. All simulations are coded, generated and plotted using MATLAB resulting in graphical data representing the bit-error rate (BER) to signal-to-noise ratio (Eb/N₀) or SNR. Each simulation captures how different configurations of key variables including code rate, diversity and antenna count can impact system performance. Four modulation schemes (BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM and 64-QAM) are included in each simulation. Conclusive evidence based upon these simulations suggests higher diversity gains were achieved with a greater number of antennas. The most significant factor for increasing system performance was using a lower count of transmit antennas with a higher count of receive antennas.

Computer Analysis, Digital Communications, MATLAB, MIMO, Modulation Techniques, Multiple Input Multiple Output Systems, Orthogonal Space Time Block Codes, OSTBC, Rayleigh Fading Channels, Space Time Block Codes, STBC, Wireless Communications, Wireless Networks

Lau, C. (2021) Performance of MIMO Systems Using Space Time Block Codes (STBC). Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 11, 273-286. doi: 10.4236/ojapps.2021.113020.