Information theoretic considerations for coded modulation over fading channels

In this correspondence, we compute the random coding error exponent for coded modulation transmitted over a flat, memoryless, Rayleigh fading channel. In addition, estimates of code lengths required to achieve a certain error probability are determined and compared to those required for the additive white Gaussian noise channel. Finally, the effect of receiver antenna diversity is also considered as a method to compensate for fading and is shown to have a significant, positive impact on the error exponent. The results we obtain represent an information theoretic view that complements the existing literature on performance of coded modulation over fading channels with receiver diversity.