ELT-43008 DIGITAL COMMUNICATION - Class Exercise 5, Spring 2020

1. A random variable X can have values X = {-3, -1, +1, +3} with the following a-priori probabilities:

PX (-3) = PX (+3) = 0.1

PX (-1) = PX (+1) = 0.4

a) Given the observation y of the random variable Y = X + N, where N is a zero-mean Gaussian

random variable with variance 2 and independent of X, determine the decision regions for
maximum-likelihood (ML) and maximum-a-posteriori (MAP) detectors.

b) Suppose that 2 = 0.25 and the observed value at the detector is y = +2.1. Find what is the
symbol decision made by the ML and MAP detectors, and explain which one is the “correct”
decision.

2. A binary symbol from the alphabet A = {0,1}, with PA (0) = q and PA (1) = 1–q is transmitted over
a binary symmetric channel (BSC) with error probability p. The observation Y at the receiver is also
a binary random variable with Y = {0,1}.

a) Determine the correct behavior (or “detection rules”) of a maximum-likelihood (ML)

detector, assuming p < 0.5, and find the detection error probability as a function of p and q.

b) With p = 0.2 and q = 0.9, determine the detection rules of a maximum-a-posteriori (MAP)
detector and its detection error probability. Compare the results with the previous ML detector.

c) Determine the generic MAP detector behavior for arbitrary values of p and q, and find the
conditions on p and q such that the MAP detector always chooses aˆ  0 .

Note: The estimation/detection principles considered in this exercises are one of the most important
aspects of this course. Make sure you understand them properly.

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