An Improved Approximation for the Gaussian Q-Function

We present a novel, simple and tight approximation for the Gaussian Q-function and its integer powers. Compared to other known closed-form approximations, an accuracy improvement is achieved over the whole range of positive arguments. The results can be efficiently applied in the evaluation of the symbol error probability (SEP) of digital modulations in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and the average SEP (ASEP) over fading channels. As an example we evaluate in closed-form the ASEP of differentially encoded QPSK in Nakagami-m fading.