What is CDMA?

CDMA is a kind of multiple access technique that uses spread-spectrum modulation in which each accessing party has its own unique spreading code, with all accessing parties sharing the same spectrum. (Code-Division Multiple Access) refers to any of several protocols used in so-called secondgeneration (2G) and third-generation (3G) wireless communications. As the term implies, CDMA is a form of multiplexing, which allows numerous signals to occupy a single transmission channel, optimizing the use of available bandwidth. The technology is used in ultra-high-frequency (UHF) cellular telephone systems in the 800-MHz and 1.9-GHz bands. One of the basic concepts in data communication is the idea of allowing several transmitters to send information simultaneously over a single communication channel. This allows several users to share a band of frequencies. This concept is called multiple access. CDMA employs analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) in combination with spread spectrum technology. Audio input is first digitized into binary elements. The frequency of the transmitted signal is then made to vary according to a defined pattern (code), so it can be intercepted only by a receiver whose frequency response is programmed with the same code, so it follows exactly along with the transmitter frequency. There are trillions of possible frequency-sequencing codes, which enhances privacy and makes cloning difficult. CDMA employs spread-spectrum technology and a special coding scheme (where each transmitter is assigned a code) to allow multiple users to be multiplexed over the same physical channel. By contrast, time division multiple access (TDMA) divides access by time, while frequency-division multiple access(FDMA) divides it by frequency. CDMA is a form of spread-spectrum signalling, since the modulated coded signal has a much higher data bandwidth than the data being communicated. The CDMA channel is nominally 1.23 MHz wide. CDMA networks use a scheme called soft handoff, which minimizes signal breakup as a handset passes from one cell to another. The combination of digital and spread-spectrum modes supports several times as many signals per unit bandwidth as analog modes. CDMA is compatible with other cellular technologies; this allows for nationwide roaming.

SPREAD SPECTRUM

Spread spectrum is a form of wireless communication in which the frequency of the transmitted signal is deliberately varied. This technique is used for a variety of reasons, including the establishment of secure communications, increasing resistance to natural interference and jamming, to prevent detection, and to limit power flux density. This technique decreases the interference to other receivers while achieving privacy.

There are at least two problems with conventional wireless communications that can occur under certain circumstances. First, a signal whose frequency is constant is subject to catastrophic interference. This occurs when another signal is transmitted on, or very near, the frequency of the desired signal. Catastrophic interference can be accidental (as in amateur-radio communications) or it can be deliberate (as in wartime). Second, a constantfrequency signal is easy to intercept, and is therefore not well suited to applications in which information must be kept confidential between the source (transmitting party) and destination (receiving party). To minimize troubles that can arise from the above mentioned vulnerabilities of conventional communications circuits, the frequency of the transmitted signal can be deliberately varied over a comparatively large segment of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. This variation is done according to a specific, but complicated mathematical function. In order to intercept the signal, a receiver must be tuned to frequencies that vary precisely according to this function.
STEPS IN CDMA MODULATION

CDMA is a spread spectrum multiple access technique.In CDMA a locally generated code runs at a much higher rate than the data to be transmitted. Data for transmission is combined via bitwise XOR(exclusive OR) with the faster code. The figure shows how spread spectrum signal is generated. The data signal with pulse duration of Tb is XORed with the code signal with pulse duration of Tc. (Note: bandwidth is proportional to 1 / T where T = bit time) Therefore, the bandwidth of the data signal is 1 / Tb and the bandwidth of the spread spectrum signal is 1 / Tc. Since Tc is much smaller than Tb, the bandwidth of the spread spectrum signal is much larger than the bandwidth of the original signal. The ratio Tb / Tc is called spreading factor or processing gain and determines to a certain extent the upper limit of the total number of users supported simultaneously by a base station.

Each user in a CDMA system uses a different code to modulate their signal.

Choosing the codes used to modulate the signal is very important in the performance of CDMA systems. The best performance will occur when there is good separation between the signal of a desired user and the signals of other users. The separation of the signals is made by correlating the received signal with the locally generated code of the desired user. If the signal matches the desired user's code then the correlation function will be high and the system can extract that signal. If the desired user's code has nothing in common with the signal the correlation should be as close to zero as possible (thus eliminating the signal); this is referred to as cross correlation.

SIGNAL SPREADING IN CDMA

Each subscriber uses a code to spread narrow spectrum signal to wide spectrum one.

Various colors stand for different users

Sketch of other Multi-access Techniques

FDMA AND TDMA MULTIPLE ACCESS TECHNIQUES

FDMA
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) is an analogue transmission technique used for mobile phone communications, in which the frequency band allocated to a network is divided into sub-bands or channels. Each frequency channel can carry either a voice conversation or digital data, and one channel will be assigned to each subscriber for the duration of a call. Using FDMA in this way, multiple users can share the available band without the risk of interference between the simultaneous calls. The term FDMA has also been used to describe the cellular technology used in the 1G (firstgeneration) One problem with analog technology is that an FDMA cell phone stakes claim to the frequencies for the full duration of the call, so this cuts down on the numbers of cell phones that can be operating at the same time in the same cellular area

TDMA
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is a digital transmission technique used for mobile phone communications, in which a frequency channel is divided into a sequence of time slots, and each user is allocated a unique time slot within the sequence. The callers are assigned time slots as they are needed, and their signals are interleaved within the one channel as the sequence is transmitted. For example, with GSM each channel is divided into 8 time slots, so that eight different subscribers can potentially use it simultaneously. Because the time slots are being switched very rapidly, the participants in a conversation are

not aware of the fact that the signal has been chopped into short pieces. The original call is re-assembled by selecting the correct time slots at the receiving end. Using TDMA in this way, multiple users can share the available channels without the risk of any interference between the simultaneous calls. There is actually an improvement in security, as it is unlikely that a third party will be able to tune into the time slots being used by a particular subscriber. TDMA also improves the network capacity, and therefore the efficiency, because more users can share the same frequency channels. TDMA is the principal technology used in 2G (second generation) digital cellular network.

PUBLIC LAND MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

MSS(mobile switching sub-system). BSS(base station sub-system). MS(mobile station). OMC(operation and maintenance centre).

Base Station sub-System

Its function is to provide link between wireless part and fixed part of PLMN network. BSC BTS

BSC performs the control function and management. It codes/ decodes the outgoing /incoming signal. BTS is in charge of wireless transmission.

Mobile Switching sub-System

It performs CDMA switching function as well as manage mobile subscriber data and database for mobile service. It is a interface between CDMA network and other network It includes 5 function units MSC. HLR. SC. VLR. AUC.

Mobile Switching Center(MSC)

It is responsible for setting up,managing and clearing connections as well as routing the calls to the proper user. MSC gets data for call handling from 3 databases: VLR/HLR/AUC.

Visitor Location Register(VLR)

VLR is a dynamic database used by MSC for information index.It stores all related information of mobile subscribers that enter into its coverage area,which enables MSC to set up incoming and outgoing calls. Subscriber parameters include: subscriber number, location area identity(LAI),users status,services which subscriber can use and so on. When the subscriber leaves this area, it should register in another VLR,and old VLR will delete all the data about this subscriber.

VLR can be built together with the MSC or set separately.

Home Location Register (HLR)

It is a static database.When a user applies for mobile service, all data about this subscriber will be stored in HLR.

The information like subscriber information,service information, current location and other valid terms are stored in HLR. HLR can be built together with the MSC or set separately.

Authentication Center
It is an entity to prevent illegal subscribers from accessing CDMA network. It can generate the parameter to confirm the subscribers identity. At the same time, it can encrypt users data according to users need.

Short Message Center

The SMC or SC is responsible for receiving, saving and forwarding short messages of subscribers and saving related short message data of subscribers.

Operation and maintenance center (OMC)

OMC provides operation and maintenance services to the network operator, manages the registered subscriber information and conducts network planning to enhance the overall working efficiency and service quality of the system. Based on the main maintenance functions, there are two types of operation and maintenance centers: OMC-S and OMC-R. The OMC-S is mainly responsible for maintenance of MSS while the OMC-R is mainly for BSS.

Features and advantages of CDMA

1. High frequency spectrum utility, 5.5 times of capacity as GSM at the same frequency spectrum. 2. Low-cost.

3. High-quality. 4. Special soft handoff technology, low call drop rate. 5. High frequency re-use factor. 6. Power control,extend the battery life and reduce bad effect on human beings health. 7. Large capacity. 8. Good resistance to interference. 9. Relatively simple system design. 10. Clear voice. 11. High security. 12. Minimal frequency planning required.