Multiuser detection in CDMA using blind techniques

Thesis (Master)--Izmir Institute of Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Izmir, 2004Includes bibliographical references (leaves: 63-65)Text in English; Abstract: Turkish and Englishxiv, 69 leavesIn code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, blind multiuser detection (MUD) techniques are of great importance, especially for downlinks, since in practice, it may be unrealistic for a mobile user to know the spreading codes of other active users in the channel. Furthermore, blind methods remove the need for training sequences which leads to a gain in the channel bandwidth. Subspace concept in blind MUD is an alternative process to classical and batch blind MUD techniques based on principle component analysis, or independent component analysis (ICA) and ICA-like algorithms, such as joint approximate diagonalization of eigen-matrices (JADE), blind source separation algorithm with reference system, etc. Briefly, the desired signal is searched in the signal subspace instead of the whole space, in this type of detectors. A variation of the subspace-based MUD is reduced-rank MUD in which a smaller subspace of the signal subspace is tracked where the desired signal is contained in. This latter method leads to a performance gain compared to a standard subspace method. In this thesis, blind signal subspace and reduced-rank MUD techniques are investigated, and applied to minimum mean square error (MMSE) detectors with two different iterative subspace tracking algorithms. The performances of these detectors are compared in different scenarios for additive white Gaussian noise and for multipath fading channels as well. With simulation results the superiority of the reduced-rank detector to the signal subspace detector is shown. Additionally, as a new remark for both detectors, it is shown that, using minimum description length criterion in subspace tracking algorithm results in an increase in rank-tracking ability and correspondingly in the final performance. Finally, the performances of these two detectors are compared with MMSE, adaptive MMSE and JADE detectors

Near far resistant detection for CDMA personal communication systems.

The growth of Personal Communications, the keyword of the 90s, has already the signs of a technological revolution. The foundations of this revolution are currently set through the standardization of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), a communication system with synergistic terrestrial and satellite segments. The main characteristic of the UMTS radio interface, is the provision of ISDN services. Services with higher than voice data rates require more spectrum, thus techniques that utilize spectrum as efficiently as possible are currently at the forefront of the research community interests. Two of the most spectrally efficient multiple access technologies, namely. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) concentrate the efforts of the European telecommunity.This thesis addresses problems and. proposes solutions for CDMA systems that must comply with the UMTS requirements. Prompted by Viterbi's call for further extending the potential of CDMA through signal processing at the receiving end, we propose new Minimum Mean Square Error receiver architectures. MMSE detection schemes offer significant advantages compared to the conventional correlation based receivers as they are NEar FAr Resistant (NEFAR) over a wide range of interfering power levels. The NEFAR characteristic of these detectors reduces considerably the requirements of the power control loops currently found in commercial CDMA systems. MMSE detectors are also found, to have significant performance gains over other well established interference cancellation techniques like the decorrelating detector, especially in heavily loaded system conditions. The implementation architecture of MMSE receivers can be either Multiple-Input Multiple Output (MIMO) or Single-Input Single-Output. The later offers not only complexity that is comparable to the conventional detector, but also has the inherent advantage of employing adaptive algorithms which can be used to provide both the dispreading and the interference cancellation function, without the knowledge of the codes of interfering users. Furthermore, in multipath fading channels, adaptive MMSE detectors can exploit the multipath diversity acting as RAKE combiners. The later ability is distinctive to MMSE based receivers, and it is achieved in an autonomous fashion, without the knowledge of the multipath intensity profile. The communicator achieves its performance objectives by the synergy of the signal processor and the channel decoder. According to the propositions of this thesis, the form of the signal processor needs to be changed, in order to exploit the horizons of spread spectrum signaling. However, maximum likelihood channel decoding algorithms need not change. It is the way that these algorithms are utilized that needs to be revis ed. In this respect, we identify three major utilization scenarios and an attempt is made to quantify which of the three best matches the requirements of a UMTS oriented CDMA radio interface. Based on our findings, channel coding can be used as a mapping technique from the information bit to a more ''intelligent" chip, matching the ''intelligence" of the signal processor

A Wideband Adaptive Communication System

The concept of an open loop Adaptive Communication link is established as one which is capable of monitoring the medium through which it must perform while simultaneously transmitting information and continuously adjusting its modes of operation so as to optimize its performance with respect to a performance criterion chosen a priori. Statistical methods are applied to the adaptive communication problem. Communicating through a random multipath channel with additive noise is considered. The transmitter is specified as one which transmits one of two possible noise-like waveforms which are assumed to be known at the receiver. At any time, it is postulated that the receiver is to make its decision in accordance with the Bayes Rules which appropriately fits the amount of channel knowledge stored at the receiver. The knowledge concerning the channel state is derived a posteriori at the receiver from the information bearing signal. Consequently, as the a posteriori information changes (corresponding to changing propagation medium characteristics) the receiver’s decision circuitry also changes. Hence, the receiver is one which continuously adapts itself to yield optimum performance under the measured channel parameters. These random parameters are taken to be: channel gain, channel multipath structure, and the channel phase characteristic. Probability of error is evaluated in closed form for three different modes of operation. A major conclusion taken from these expressions is that the probability of error in no ease depends directly on the channel gain, but lather is a function of the total average energy received from all propagation modes, numerical evaluation of the error expressions enables comparisons to be made among the various systems modes of operation. These results show that measurement of the channel gain is the least important of these quantities. Given the multipath structure, the channel phase characteristic is the most important, In the optimum case a gain of about 6 db to 8 db (depending on the signal-to-noise ratio) is accomplished over the Receiver mode which performs only the multipath measurement. It is shown that the information gain concerning the multipath structure increases rapidly for a few bauds of identification time after which information build up begins to saturate. This is important because there will be available at the receiver only a finite time for which to identify this channel condition. The variance of the channel estimates are computed for maximum and minimum identification time. It is shown that the bandwidth of the transmitted waveform is the important parameter for accurate measurement of the multipath structure, while a sinusoid is sufficient for measuring the channel gain. By combining the channel measurement techniques and signal detection results, two Adaptive Receiver structures are formulated and their operation discussed. Finally, commentaries on future research are made and conclusions given about the above work

Fractionally sampled decorrelating detectors for time-varying rayleigh fading CDMA channels

In this dissertation, we propose novel decorrelating multiuser detectors in DSCDMA time-varying frequency-nonselective and frequency-selective fading channels and analyze their performance. We address the common shortcomings of existing multiuser detectors in a mobile environment, such as detector complexity and the error floor. An analytical approach is employed almost exclusively and Monte Carlo simulation is used to confirm the theoretical results. Practical channel models, such as Jakes\u27 and Markovian, are adopted in the numerical examples. The proposed detectors are of the decorrelating type and utilize fractional sampling to simultaneously achieve two goals: (1) the novel realization of a decorrelator with lower computational complexity and shorter processing latency; and (2) the significant reduction of the probability of error floor associated with time-varying fading. The analysis of the impact of imperfect power control on IS-95 multiple access interference is carried out first and the ineffectiveness of IS-95 power control in a mobile radio environment is demonstrated. Fractionally-spaced bit-by-bit decorrelator structures for the frequency-nonselective and frequency-selective channels are then proposed. The matrix singularity problem associated with decorrelation is also addressed, and its solution is suggested. A decorrelating receiver employing differentially coherent detection for an asynchronous CDMA, frequency-nonselective time-varying Rayleigh fading channel is proposed. A maximum likelihood detection principle is applied at the fractionally spaced decorrelator output, resulting in a significantly reduced error floor. For coherent detection, a novel single-stage and two-stage decision feedback (DF) maximum a posteriori (MAP) channel estimator is proposed. These estimators are applicable to a channel with an arbitrary spaced-time correlation function. The fractionally-spaced decorrelating detector is then modified and extended to a frequency-selective time-varying fading channel, and is shown to be capable of simultaneously eliminating MAI, ISI, and path cross-correlation interference. The implicit equivalent frequency diversity is exploited through multipath combining, and the effective time diversity is achieved by fractional sampling for significant performance improvement. The significance of the outcome of this research is in the design of new lower complexity multiuser detectors that do not exhibit the usual deficiencies and limitations associated with a time-varying fading and multipath CDMA mobile environment

Robust Positioning in the Presence of Multipath and NLOS GNSS Signals

GNSS signals can be blocked and reflected by nearby objects, such as buildings, walls, and vehicles. They can also be reflected by the ground and by water. These effects are the dominant source of GNSS positioning errors in dense urban environments, though they can have an impact almost anywhere. Non- line-of-sight (NLOS) reception occurs when the direct path from the transmitter to the receiver is blocked and signals are received only via a reflected path. Multipath interference occurs, as the name suggests, when a signal is received via multiple paths. This can be via the direct path and one or more reflected paths, or it can be via multiple reflected paths. As their error characteristics are different, NLOS and multipath interference typically require different mitigation techniques, though some techniques are applicable to both. Antenna design and advanced receiver signal processing techniques can substantially reduce multipath errors. Unless an antenna array is used, NLOS reception has to be detected using the receiver's ranging and carrier-power-to-noise-density ratio (C/N0) measurements and mitigated within the positioning algorithm. Some NLOS mitigation techniques can also be used to combat severe multipath interference. Multipath interference, but not NLOS reception, can also be mitigated by comparing or combining code and carrier measurements, comparing ranging and C/N0 measurements from signals on different frequencies, and analyzing the time evolution of the ranging and C/N0 measurements

FMCW Signals for Radar Imaging and Channel Sounding

A linear / stepped frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal has for a long time been used in radar and channel sounding. A novel FMCW waveform known as “Gated FMCW” signal is proposed in this thesis for the suppression of strong undesired signals in microwave radar applications, such as: through-the-wall, ground penetrating, and medical imaging radar. In these applications the crosstalk signal between antennas and the reflections form the early interface (wall, ground surface, or skin respectively) are much stronger in magnitude compared to the backscattered signal from the target. Consequently, if not suppressed they overshadow the target’s return making detection a difficult task. Moreover, these strong unwanted reflections limit the radar’s dynamic range and might saturate or block the receiver causing the reflection from actual targets (especially targets with low radar cross section) to appear as noise. The effectiveness of the proposed waveform as a suppression technique was investigated in various radar scenarios, through numerical simulations and experiments. Comparisons of the radar images obtained for the radar system operating with the standard linear FMCW signal and with the proposed Gated FMCW waveform are also made. In addition to the radar work the application of FMCW signals to radio propagation measurements and channel characterisation in the 60 GHz and 2-6 GHz frequency bands in indoor and outdoor environments is described. The data are used to predict the bit error rate performance of the in-house built measurement based channel simulator and the results are compared with the theoretical multipath channel simulator available in Matlab

Spectrum measurement, sensing, analysis and simulation in the context of cognitive radio

The radio frequency (RF) spectrum is a scarce natural resource, currently regulated locally by national agencies. Spectrum has been assigned to different services and it is very difficult for emerging wireless technologies to gain access due to rigid spectmm policy and heavy opportunity cost. Current spectrum management by licensing causes artificial spectrum scarcity. Spectrum monitoring shows that many frequencies and times are unused. Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) is a potential solution to low spectrum efficiency. In DSA, an unlicensed user opportunistically uses vacant licensed spectrum with the help of cognitive radio. Cognitive radio is a key enabling technology for DSA. In a cognitive radio system, an unlicensed Secondary User (SU) identifies vacant licensed spectrum allocated to a Primary User (PU) and uses it without harmful interference to the PU. Cognitive radio increases spectrum usage efficiency while protecting legacy-licensed systems. The purpose of this thesis is to bring together a group of CR concepts and explore how we can make the transition from conventional radio to cognitive radio. Specific goals of the thesis are firstly the measurement of the radio spectrum to understand the current spectrum usage in the Humber region, UK in the context of cognitive radio. Secondly, to characterise the performance of cyclostationary feature detectors through theoretical analysis, hardware implementation, and real-time performance measurements. Thirdly, to mitigate the effect of degradation due to multipath fading and shadowing, the use of -wideband cooperative sensing techniques using adaptive sensing technique and multi-bit soft decision is proposed, which it is believed will introduce more spectral opportunities over wider frequency ranges and achieve higher opportunistic aggregate throughput.Understanding spectrum usage is the first step toward the future deployment of cognitive radio systems. Several spectrum usage measurement campaigns have been performed, mainly in the USA and Europe. These studies show locality and time dependence. In the first part of this thesis a spectrum usage measurement campaign in the Humber region, is reported. Spectrum usage patterns are identified and noise is characterised. A significant amount of spectrum was shown to be underutilized and available for the secondary use. The second part addresses the question: how can you tell if a spectrum channel is being used? Two spectrum sensing techniques are evaluated: Energy Detection and Cyclostationary Feature Detection. The performance of these techniques is compared using the measurements performed in the second part of the thesis. Cyclostationary feature detection is shown to be more robust to noise. The final part of the thesis considers the identification of vacant channels by combining spectrum measurements from multiple locations, known as cooperative sensing. Wideband cooperative sensing is proposed using multi resolution spectrum sensing (MRSS) with a multi-bit decision technique. Next, a two-stage adaptive system with cooperative wideband sensing is proposed based on the combination of energy detection and cyclostationary feature detection. Simulations using the system above indicate that the two-stage adaptive sensing cooperative wideband outperforms single site detection in terms of detection success and mean detection time in the context of wideband cooperative sensing

Performance improvements in wireless CDMA communications utilizing adaptive antenna arrays

This dissertation studies applications of adaptive antenna arrays and space-time adaptive processing (STAP) in wireless code-division multiple-access (CDMA) communications. The work addresses three aspects of the CDMA communications problems: (I) near-far resistance, (2) reverse link, (3) forward link. In each case, adaptive arrays are applied and their performance is investigated. The near-far effect is a well known problem which affects the reverse link of CDMA communication systems. The near-far resistance of STAP is analyzed for two processing methods: maximal ratio combining and optimum combining. It. is shown that while maximal ratio combining is not near-far resistant, optimum combining is near-far resistant when the number of cochannel interferences is less than the system dimensionality. The near-far effect can be mitigated by accurate power control at the mobile station. With practical limitations, the received signal power at a base station from a power-controlled user is a random variable clue to power control error. The statistical model of signal-to-interference ratio at the antenna array output of a base station is presented, and the outage probability of the CDMA reverse link is analyzed while considering Rayleigh fading, voice activity and power control error. New analytical expressions are obtained and demonstrated by computer simulations. For the application of an adaptive antenna. array at the forward link, a receiver architecture is suggested for the mobile station that utilizes a small two-antenna array For interference suppression. Such a receiver works well only when the channel vector of the desired signal is known. The identifying spreading codes (as in IS-95A for example) are used to provide an adaptive channel vector estimate, and control the beam steering weight, hence improve the receiver performance. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the operation of the proposed receiver model and the improvement in performance and capacity