OFDM BER Performance Analysis with MATLAB Implementation

This document presents a comprehensive OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) transceiver implementation, a fundamental technique in modern communication systems designed to achieve high data rates within limited bandwidth constraints. The implementation includes sophisticated signal processing components such as QAM modulation/demodulation, IFFT/FFT operations for subcarrier management, cyclic prefix insertion/removal, and channel equalization techniques. The core MATLAB implementation features a modular architecture with key functions including: - Signal mapping using M-ary QAM modulation - IFFT transformation for parallel-to-serial conversion - Cyclic prefix addition for mitigating inter-symbol interference - AWGN channel simulation with configurable SNR levels - Receiver synchronization and channel estimation algorithms The performance analysis includes a detailed BER (Bit Error Rate) versus SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) plot that quantitatively measures system performance across varying noise conditions. This plot demonstrates the transceiver's robustness by showing error rate degradation patterns under different channel impairments, providing critical insights for system optimization. The implementation thoroughly addresses essential OFDM components including adaptive modulation schemes, forward error correction coding using convolutional or Reed-Solomon codes, and sophisticated synchronization techniques for carrier frequency offset compensation. The MATLAB code employs matrix operations and vectorized processing for computational efficiency, with clear separation between transmitter chain, channel model, and receiver processing stages. Written in well-documented MATLAB code, the implementation allows easy modification of system parameters such as FFT size, cyclic prefix length, modulation order, and channel characteristics. The modular design facilitates integration of additional features like pilot-based channel estimation, power allocation algorithms, and MIMO extensions. This document serves as a complete technical reference for understanding OFDM system design principles, implementation methodologies, and performance evaluation techniques, making it particularly valuable for engineers and researchers working on 4G/5G wireless communication systems.