Performance analysis and comparison of MRC and optimal combining in antenna array systems

Abstract

We examine the statistical properties of the output signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of a spatial combiner where the spatial weights used are either the Maximal Ratio Combiner (MRC) weights or the Optimal Combining (Wiener Hopf) weights. The channels are modeled as slow flat Rayleigh fading channels and multiple interferers are assumed present. In particular, the modified F-distribution is introduced to provide an exact characterization of a MRC receiver and to bound the performance of the OC receiver. Simulation results are provided to support the analytical results and to provide insight.