Wideband code division multiple access

To satisfy ever-increasing demands for higher data rates, as well as to allow more users to simultaneously access the network, interest has peaked in what has come to be known as wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA). We discuss those basic characteristics of WCDMA waveforms that make them attractive for high data rate transmission over wireless and mobile channels. We emphasize how the choice of spread bandwidth affects the bit error rate of the system, as well as how it affects the reliability of various subsystems, such as those that perform coarse acquisition and adaptive power control. We then discuss how some of the waveforms being considered for cellular WCDMA systems differ from those in use in the narrowband CDMA cellular system, and emphasize, as an example, multicarrier CDMA. Finally, we discuss other potential enhancements to WCDMA systems, such as the use of interference suppression at the receiver, or multiple antennas at the transmitter.