On the symbol error probability of maximum-selection diversity reception schemes over a Rayleigh fading channel

Abstract
The symbol error probability of two selection schemes, namely, maximum signal-to-noise ratio (Mγ) selection and maximum output (MO) selection, for M-ary multidiversity reception over a Rayleigh fading channel are discussed. The symbol error probability of the MO scheme is lower than that of the Mγ scheme. The more diversity receptions that are used, the larger is the difference. A simple expression of crossover average signal-to-noise ratio (per bit) is presented as a guideline for increasing the number of diversity receptions