WCDMA Fundamentals

Detailed Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction

This module introduces the basic characteristics of Wide-band CDMA (WCDMA).

Topics covered:

  • multiband capability
  • duplexing modes
  • bandwidth requirements
  • spreading rate and bandwidth combinations
  • flexible multiplexing and multichannel operation
  • the proposed standard
  • receiver complexity
  • the NTT Docomo field trials

Module 2: System Description

This module describes the WCDMA system.

Topics covered:

  • cell layout
  • CDMA and WCDMA compatibility
  • common and dedicated channels
  • the Physical Random Access Channel
  • code synchronization
  • cell synchronization
  • power control
  • soft hand-off
  • interface calculations

Module 3: Spreading and Modulation of D/L Channels

This module examines the spreading and modulation of the downlink channels.

Topics covered:

  • the frame structure of D/L dedicated channels
  • D/L in FDD mode
  • D/L in TDD mode
  • channelization codes
  • scrambling codes
  • primary and secondary synchronization codes
  • the broadcast channel
  • the pilot signal

Module 4: Spreading and Modulation of U/L Channels

This module examines the spreading and modulation of the uplink channels.

Topics covered:

  • codes used in the U/L
  • structure of the U/L scrambling codes
  • long and short scrambling codes
  • random access channel
  • cell signature sequences
  • cell access procedure
  • U/L physical channel

Module 5: Coding and Interleaving

This module explores the coding and interleaving processes within WCDMA.

Topics covered:

  • forward error correction,
  • automatic repeat request
  • channel coding
  • covolutional and turbo codes
  • the interleaving process
  • rate matching
  • unequal symbol repetition
  • puncturing

Module 6: Power Control and Soft Hand-Off

This module describes the use of power control and soft hand-off in WCDMA systems.

Topics covered:

  • open loop power control
  • closed loop power control
  • outer loop power control
  • frame error rate
  • implementation of soft hand-off

Module 7: Receiver Techniques