Comparison of SC-FDMA and HSUPA in the return-link of evolved S-UMTS architecture

Abstract

Single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), a multiple access technique similar to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), presently features as a strong candidate in the return link of the long time evolution (LTE) of T-UMTS. In the satellite domain there is an emerging research interest in extending mobile broadcasting system architectures that include complementary ground components, in providing bi directional data services to mobile users. In such 'evolved S-UMTS' architecture, compatibility with current (CDMA based) and future (OFDMA/SC-FDMA) based) T-UMTS physical layer techniques is of high relevance, if satellite networks are to assume a complementary role to terrestrial ones. In this paper, we first give an overview of SC-FDMA and then compare, via simulations, the performance of the technique with that of the WCDMA-based high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA) that has been defined in release 6 of T-UMTS. The performance evaluations are performed over channels that are representative of the evolved S-UMTS architectures. Emphasis in the study is also given to realistic channel estimation and taking into account the effects of the amplifier's non-linearity. Other elements addressed in this paper are the impact of linearization techniques, and the pilot channel design in order to achieve robust estimation in the presence of non-linear channels.

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