Improving channel decoder performance on the CDMA forward link

This work improves channel decoder performance on the code-division multiple-access (CDMA) forward link through more accurate calculation of the channel code trellis path metrics used to decode convolutional and turbo codes. This is achieved by performing the metric calculations with better channel state estimates. Channel state estimation involves determining desired signal amplitude and interference plus noise variance at the channel decoder input. Two options are presented for performing this estimation. Standard estimation is a simple scheme that results from assuming all CDMA forward link interference and noise can be lumped into a single additive white Gaussian noise process. Improved estimation is a new and more accurate technique that separately accounts for the intracell interference and intercell interference plus thermal noise processes. Simulations show that the decoding of convolutional and turbo codes is significantly improved by the more accurate channel state information provided by improved estimation.