Air interface for LTE (4G) radio: Physical layer design & implimentation on PXI-1045

Abstract

In recent years mobile communication has evolved rapidly and demand for mobile devices with new and higher quality services is increasing. The existing 2.5G and 3G standards, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), is currently being upgraded with High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) to meet current demands. However, in the longer term this will not be sufficient. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has investigated the long term evolution of UMTS (LTE) to meet future demands and ensure the competitiveness of the standard. The objective is a radio access technology with higher data rates, lower latencies and optimal support for packet services such as multimedia, games and internet services. Telephony shall be supported by means of Voice over IP (VoIP) with at least as good quality as circuit switched telephony. LTE promises to deliver an unrivalled user experience with ultra fast broadband, very low latency, services while also delivering a very compelling business proposition for operators with flexible spectrum bandwidth, smooth migration and the ability to deliver low cost per bit voice and data services. With LTE’s ability to interconnect with other access technologies, operators will be able to converge their LTE and fixed line broadband networks giving them the ability to provide subscribers with a seamless experience. Radio frequency is a valuable and finite resource and, today, there is simply not enough to satisfy demand. The need for spectrum is being driven by the pervasive convenience of mobile communications and increased penetration combined with improved performance and the falling costs of wireless devices & services. Existing and new Mobile Broadband networks will quickly consume existing spectrum allocations as they deliver a highly compelling user experience by allowing multimedia applications anywhere. This thesis will cover the technology and architecture of LTE. The focus is on Physical Layer of LTE functionality. The specifications of LTE are not yet finalized. Therefore, the implementation is based on work in progress specifications and meeting protocols from 3GP work groups.