Simplified Model of the Channel Estimation Error in UMTS Link Level Simulations

This paper aims at providing not only a detailed analysis of the channel estimation based on the correlation method in UMTS but also a new simple model of the channel estimation error. With the only knowledge of the E_b/N₀ perceived in each finger and the use of a negative exponential distribution function the channel estimation can be easily simulated. Thanks to this model it is possible to simplify the link level simulations reducing the computational burden. The given model could also be used to increase or decrease the error in a controlled way to evaluate the influence of channel estimation in the final performance of the system and to determine the necessity of a possible improvement in such technique