Chi square distribution – demystified

A random variable is always associated with a probability distribution. When the random variable undergoes mathematical transformation the underlying probability distribution no longer remains the same. Consider a random variable whose probability distribution function (PDF) is a standard normal distribution ( and ). Now, if the random variable is squared (a mathematical transformation), then the … Read more

Uniform random variable

Uniform random variables are used to model scenarios where the expected outcomes are equi-probable. For example, in a communication system design, the set of all possible source symbols are considered equally probable and therefore modeled as a uniform random variable. The uniform distribution is the underlying distribution for an uniform random variable. A continuous uniform … Read more

Derive BPSK BER – optimum receiver in AWGN channel

Key focus: Derive BPSK BER (bit error rate) for optimum receiver in AWGN channel. Explained intuitively step by step. BPSK modulation is the simplest of all the M-PSK techniques. An insight into the derivation of error rate performance of an optimum BPSK receiver is essential as it serves as a stepping stone to understand the … Read more

Q function and Error functions : demystified

In simple words, The Q-function gives the probability that a random variable from a normal distribution will exceed a certain threshold value. The erf function gives the probability that a normally distributed variable will fall within a certain range. Q function Q functions are often encountered in the theoretical equations for Bit Error Rate (BER) … Read more

Simulation of Rayleigh Fading ( Clarke’s Model – sum of sinusoids method)

A multipath fading channel  can be modeled as a FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter with the following impulse response. $$ h( \tau ; t ) = h_{0}(t) \delta ( \tau – \tau_{0}(t)) + h_{1}(t) \delta ( \tau – \tau_{1}(t)) + . . . + h_{L-1}(t) \delta ( \tau – \tau_{L-1}(t)) $$ where h(τ,t) is the … Read more

Fading channel – complex baseband equivalent models

Keyfocus: Fading channel models for simulation. Learn how fading channels can be modeled as FIR filters for simplified modulation & detection. Rayleigh/Rician fading. Introduction A fading channel is a wireless communication channel in which the quality of the signal fluctuates over time due to changes in the transmission environment. These changes can be caused by … Read more

Central Limit Theorem – a demonstration

Central Limit Theorem – What is it ? The central limit theorem (CLT) is a fundamental concept in statistics and probability theory that explains how the sum of independent and identically distributed random variables behaves. The theorem states that as the number of these variables increases, the distribution of their sum tends to become more … Read more

Maximum Likelihood estimation

Keywords: maximum likelihood estimation, statistical method, probability distribution, MLE, models, practical applications, finance, economics, natural sciences. Introduction Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) is a statistical method used to estimate the parameters of a probability distribution by finding the set of values that maximize the likelihood function of the observed data. In other words, MLE is a … Read more

Maximum Likelihood Decoding

Keywords: maximum likelihood decoding, digital communication, data storage, noise, interference, wireless communication systems, optical communication systems, digital storage systems, probability, likelihood estimation, python Introduction Maximum likelihood decoding is a technique used to determine the most likely transmitted message in a digital communication system, based on the received signal and statistical models of noise and interference. … Read more

Random Variables, CDF and PDF

Random Variable: In a “coin-flipping” experiment, the outcome is not known prior to the experiment, that is we cannot predict it with certainty (non-deterministic/stochastic). But we know the all possible outcomes – Head or Tail. Assign real numbers to the all possible events (this is called “sample space”), say “0” to “Head” and “1” to … Read more