Question

In maximal ratio combining, the output SNR is equal to __________

(a) Mean of all individual SNRs

(b) Maximum of all SNRs

(c) Sum of individual SNR

(d) Minimum of all SNRs

I have been asked this question at a job interview.

This interesting question is from Diversity Techniques topic in division Equalization, Diversity and Channel Coding of Wireless/Mobile

Answer 1

Right answer is (c) Sum of individual SNR

To explain I would say: Maximal ratio combining produces an output SNR equal to the sum of the individual SNRs. Thus, it has the advantage of producing an output with an acceptable SNR even when none of the individual signals are themselves acceptable.