Chi Square Random Variable

While trying to derive the theoretical bit error rate (BER) for BPSK modulation in a Rayleigh fading channel, I realized that I need to discuss chi square random variable prior.

What is chi-square random variable?

Let there be independent and identically distributed Gaussian random variables with mean 0 and variance and we form a new random variable,

.

Then is a chi square random variable with degrees of freedom.

There are two types of chi square distribution. The first is obtained when has a zero mean and is called central chi square distribution. The second is obtained when has a non-zero mean and is called non-central chi square distribution. Four our discussion, we will focus only on central chi square distribution.

PDF of chi-square random variable with one degree of freedom

Using the text in Chapter 2 of [DIGITAL-COMMUNICATION: PROAKIS] as reference.

The most simple example of a chi square random variable is

,

where
is a Gaussian random variable with zero mean and variance .

The PDF of is
.

By definition, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of is
.

This simplifies to

.

Differentiating the above equation with respect to to find the probability density function,

.

Summarizing, the pdf of chi square random variable with one degree of freedom is,

.

PDF of chi-square random variable with two degrees of freedom

Chi square random variable with 2 degrees of freedom is,

,

where,
and are independent Gaussian random variables with zero mean and variance .

In the post on Rayleigh random variable, we have shown that PDF of the random variable,

where is

.

For our current analysis, we know that

.

Differentiating both sides,

.

Applying this to the above equation, pdf of chi square random variable with two degrees of freedom is,
.

PDF of chi-square random variable with m degrees of freedom

The probability density function is,

, where

the Gamma function is defined as,

,

p an integer > 0

.

I do not know the proof for deriving the above equation. If any one of you know of good references, kindly let me know. Thanks. 🙂

Simulation Model

Just for your reference, Matlab/Octave simulation model performing the following is provided

(a) Generate chi square random variables having m=1, 2, 3, 4, 5 degrees of freedom

(b) Probability density function is computed and plotted

Click here to download: Matlab/Octave script for simulating PDF of chi square random variable

PDF of chi square random variable

Figure: PDF of chi square random variable (=1)

Reference

[DIGITAL-COMMUNICATION: PROAKIS] Digital Communications, by John Proakis

12 thoughts on “Chi Square Random Variable

  1. Nice work. Could you please post the non-central chi square random variables, it is more interested since it is a distribution of Rician fading channel. You have provided all the performances based on Rayleigh fading channel. Could you please post BER of OFDM system over Rician fading channel. Thanks
    sudhan

  2. Few things in this world are free.
    very few are nice too…
    DSPlog.com is one of them
    I thank you krishna for your efforts and sharing them worldwide.
    Wish you good luck.
    hope we will meet somewhere ..i wish

  3. sangat membantu dengan aadanya pembahasan soal spt ini. saya usul gimana, kalo qt bentuk komunitas lingkar studi khusus pembahasan soal seputar teknik elektro. dijamin banyak membantu. ditunggu info,thanx.

  4. I have seen the simulation code which u used to simulate a Rayleigh fading channel. But i would like u to ask a hit how to simulate a frequency selective Rayleigh fading channel for OFDM application. I think the above simulation out put is a flat Rayleigh fading.
    Thank you!!!

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