Multiple-symbol differential detection of GMSK for mobile communications

In this paper, a new multiple differential detection (MDD) sequence estimator is described which uses a decision feedback for the demodulation of a GMSK signal. This technique is based upon a maximum-likelihood sequence estimation of the transmitted phases rather than on a symbol-by-symbol detection. An upper and a lower bound on the bit error probability of the described detector in the case of an AWGN channel and a two-ray Rayleigh fading channel are derived. The performance of the detection algorithm in a mobile radio communication system is obtained through computer simulation. Comparisons with the coherent detection algorithm show that the proposed detection algorithm is quite attractive both in an AWGN and in a multipath channel.