Generalized switch-and-examine combining (GSEC) over fading paths with unequal average SNR

A generalized switch-and-examine combining (GSEC) scheme was previously proposed by the authors as a low-complexity diversity technique for diversity-rich environments. In this letter, we extend the study of GSEC to independent and nonidentically distributed (i.n.d.) fading environments. In particular, after presenting the mode of operation of the GSEC scheme over i.n.d, fading paths, we analyze its error performance based on the moment generating function of combined signal-to-noise ratios. We then study its complexity in terms of the average number of path estimations. We finally investigate the effect of path examination order on the performance and complexity of GSEC over i.n.d, paths. Index Terms--Diversity-rich environments, diversity techniques, performance analysis, switched diversity, ultra-wideband communication.