Cooperative decode-and-forward quadrature spatial modulation over correlated and imperfect η–μ fading channels

Abstract

This paper analyzes the performance of quadrature spatial modulation (QSM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system in cooperative decode and forward (DF) networks over correlated and imperfect $$\eta $$ – $$\mu $$ fading channels. QSM is a recently proposed propitious MIMO technique that promises significant advantages over conventional MIMO schemes including high spectral efficiency with single RF-chain transmitter and very low receiver complexity. In this study, DF cooperative communication system adopting QSM technique is presented and throughly analyzed. Single or multiple DF relays are placed between the source and the destination to cooperate in the transmission process. Only the relays that decode the signal correctly will participate in the retransmission process. The end to end performance of the considered system is analyzed over correlated and imperfect $$\eta $$ – $$\mu $$ fading channels. The $$\eta $$ – $$\mu $$ channel is a general fading distribution that includes some other well-known channels, such as Rayleigh and Nakagami-m, as spacial cases. Monte Carlo simulation results are presented to corroborate the accuracy of the conducted analysis. The impact of spatial correlation, imperfect channel estimation and the fading parameters $$\eta $$ and $$\mu $$ on the overall performance is investigated and exhaustively discussed.