HK1073544B - Cell search using peak quality factors - Google Patents

Description

Cell retrieval using peak quality factor

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to wireless mobile communication systems. In particular, the present invention relates to cell search in such systems.

Background

Fig. 1 shows a wireless mobile communication system. The communication system has a plurality of base stations 12 ₁ To 12 _n (12). Each base station 12 and its operating area or cell 16 ₁ To 16 _n (16) User Equipment (UE) 14 within ₁ To 14 _n (14) And (4) communication. When a UE14 first activates, it does not know its location and with which base station 12 (or cell 16) it is communicating. The process by which the UE14 determines the cell 16 with which to communicate is referred to as "cell search".

In a typical Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication system, cell retrieval uses a multi-step procedure. In step I, each base station 12 transmits the same Primary Synchronization Code (PSC) in a Primary Synchronization Channel (PSCH). In a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) communication system using CDMA, the PSCH is all slots of a frame, such as the fifteen (15) slots shown in fig. 2. The PSC transmitted by each base station is transmitted in all slots.

In a Time Division Duplex (TDD) communication system using CDMA, for class I cell search (as shown in FIG. 3 a), the PSCH is one of fifteen slots, e.g., slot 0, or generally slot K, where 0 ≦ K ≦ 14; for class II cell search (as shown in FIG. 3 b), PSCH is two of fifteen slots, e.g., slots 0 and 8, or in general slots K and K +8, where 0 ≦ K ≦ 6. Each base station transmits the same PSC in a PSCH slot. To reduce interference between the Second Synchronization Codes (SSCs) used in step two, each PSC is transmitted at a different time offset. The PSC offset is at a set number of data chips.

For both FDD/CDMA and TDD/CDMA, the UE14 determines the base station 12 to synchronize with by searching the PSCH for the received PSC, e.g., using a matched filter. FIG. 4 shows an example of the results of this search in a TDD system, where the peak 26 can be seen ₁ To26 ₂ Occurs where there is a high PSC correlation in the PSCH. Generally, the search result needs to be accumulated over multiple frames to be more accurate. Using the accumulated results, PSC peak locations are determined in the PSCH.

Along with the PSC transmitted by each base station, each base station 12 also transmits a Second Synchronization Code (SSC) for FDD and TDD types I and II. The SSC transmitted by each base station 12 is used to identify certain cell parameters, such as the code group used by the cell and the PSC time offset. The UE14 typically detects the SSC and the data modulated thereon at each PSC peak identified in step I using a correlator. In step III, the UE14 uses the information collected in steps I and II to synchronize with one of the detected base stations 12. For FDD, typically in step III the UE14 match screens out the general pilot channel (CPICH) to identify the scrambling code of a particular cell, allowing the UE14 to read the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH). For TDD type I, II, the UE14 typically detects the midamble of a particular cell, which is used in the broadcast channel, in step III, and then reads the broadcast channel.

The cell search using this method has the following disadvantages: one of the disadvantages is the required memory for storing a number of input signals and PSC correlations for a frame. Storing all of the data points consumes valuable memory resources. Another disadvantage is that processing as many data as one frame requires a relatively long processing time. Finally, storing only the peak locations ignores other useful information collected during correlation, such as the peak shape.

Therefore, alternative methods are needed for cell search.

Disclosure of Invention

A code division multiple access communication system has a plurality of base stations, each transmitting a Primary Synchronization Code (PSC) in a Primary Synchronization Channel (PSCH). A user equipment monitors the PSCH and correlates the PSCH with the PSC. Using a result of the PSC correlation, PSCH locations having a PSC peak are identified. For each identified PSCH location, a quality factor is determined that includes a shape factor associated with the PSC spike for that location, and the identified PSCH location and quality factor are stored. The PSCH locations and quality factors are accumulated over a number of frames and processed using logic algorithms to generate a reliable PSC detection.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a wireless communication system.

FIG. 2 shows a PSCH in an FDD/CDMA system.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show the time offset of each PSC in a TDD/CDMA system.

Fig. 4 shows a spike in a PSCH.

Fig. 5 is a simplified diagram of a base station for cell search using quality factors.

Fig. 6 is a simplified diagram of a UE for cell search using quality factors.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of step I of cell search using quality factors.

Fig. 8 shows a wide peak and a steep peak.

Fig. 9 shows a list of energy levels accepted by high PSCs.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of step II of cell search using quality factors.

Figure 11 is a simplified block diagram of a base station for FDD cell search step III.

Figure 12 is a simplified block diagram of a UE for step III of FDD cell search using quality factors.

FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of a base station for step III of TDD cell search.

Fig. 14 is a simplified block diagram of a UE for step III of TDD cell search using quality factors.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for detecting a periodic signal using quality factors.

Detailed Description

Fig. 5 and 6 show a base station 12 and a UE14, respectively, in which cell search is performed using quality factors. Although the invention is described in connection with an FDD/CDMA or TDD/CDMA system for cell search, the same principles apply to other systems, such as other hybrid Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)/CDMA communication systems. Moreover, the cell search procedure can be applied to other occasions where a periodic signal needs to be detected.

The base station 12 has a PSC generator 28 that generates PSCs for the base station 12 in time slots (for an FDD/CDMA system) or in appropriate time slot/time offset combinations (for a TDD/CDMA system). Multiple SSC generators 30 ₁ To 30 _n E.g. three SSC generators, and corresponding data modulators 32 ₁ To 32 _n An SSC is generated that is modulated with data associated with cell information for the base station. The SSC is synchronized in time with the generated PSC. A combiner 34The generated PSC and SSC are combined. The combined signal is modulated, for example by a mixer 36, and radiated by an antenna 38 or antenna array.

After propagating through the radio channel, the combined signal, as well as the combined signals of the other base stations, are received by an antenna 40 or antenna array of the UE14, as shown in FIG. 6. The received signal is demodulated to baseband, such as by a mixer 42. The baseband signal passes through a PSC matched filter 44, although other code correlation devices may be used. The PSC matched filter 44 matches the PSC code to produce an output as shown.

The PSC matched screener output is processed by a PSC evaluation device 46. The operation of the PSC evaluation device 46 will be explained in conjunction with fig. 7. Since UE14 does not have timing information at the beginning, it will retrieve the entire frame for the PSC. The accumulated data for one frame is divided temporally into several subframes 56, for example into four (4) or eight (8) subframes. However, cell search using the quality factor may not divide data of one frame. In the following description, if no frame division is performed, the data of the entire frame can be regarded as a single subframe.

The accumulated data for each sub-frame is analyzed for spikes, 57, 60. In a spike analysis approach, the data is evaluated to select a fixed number (e.g., four) of correlations that contain the highest amplitudes. The selected fixed number of spikes varies with the number of subframes selected. In another method, a specific threshold is used, and correlation values above the threshold, such as two or three times the noise floor, are selected as peaks. One way to determine the noise floor is to average the non-spike data point values.

Alternatively, a hybrid approach may be utilized. For the number of data points exceeding the threshold, the number of identified peaks is limited to a maximum specified number, e.g., four, which has the highest amplitude. Conversely, if none of the data points exceed the threshold, a minimum specified number, e.g., two, is selected, which has the highest amplitude. The position of the data chip within the sub-frame is stored in a memory 48 associated with the evaluation device for each determined peak. For all of the peak identification methods, if a row of data points 82, 84, 86 has a high value, then a local maximum 84 is selected as a peak, rather than all of the data points 82, 84, 86, as shown in FIG. 9.

Along with the location of each peak, a peak quality factor is also stored, 58. A peak quality factor may comprise an indication of the magnitude of the peak. An amplitude representation is a value related to the noise floor, e.g. a multiple of the noise floor. The other amplitude representation is the original amplitude of the data point of the spike.

Another quality factor may include a shape factor. The shape factor represents a shape of the peak. As shown in fig. 8, a wide peak 70 is generally more likely to represent spurious noise than a sharp peak 72. One way to quantify the shape is to measure the variation or standard deviation of data points adjacent to the peak. A small change or standard deviation indicates a wide spike 70.

Another approach is to compare the arithmetic mean with the geometric mean of the surrounding data points. If the arithmetic average is higher than the geometric average, a steeper peak 72 is indicated. One way to perform this analog comparison is according to equation 1.

Equation 1

Solving for a shape factor using equation 1 indicates a steeper peak if its value is greater than one (1).

Another quality factor may include a confidence factor. The confidence factor represents the likelihood that the spike is associated with a neighboring base station 12 rather than a distant base station 12 or noise. One confidence factor is the relationship between the shape factor and the amplitude. A sharp peak with a large amplitude indicates that a detected base station is in the vicinity and has a high confidence in the detection result. A wide peak with a small amplitude indicates little confidence in the success of the detection. Confidence factors may also indicate the relationship of the magnitude and shape of a peak to other peaks in the subframe or entire frame or to corresponding peaks at the same or nearby locations in subsequent frames. For example, if a peak has a much higher amplitude and steepness than other peaks, it is likely to be a correct detection. Comparing the peaks in the whole frame, one of the advantages is: a peak with a higher amplitude and larger steepness in one sub-frame may have a smaller amplitude and steepness compared to a peak or peaks in another sub-frame. Thus, a peak may have a higher confidence factor in its sub-frame relative to other peaks, but may have a lower confidence factor relative to peaks in other sub-frames.

The confidence factor may also reflect information of previous cell search attempts. A UE14 is typically available for one or several cells, for example within its home network. Thus, a detected peak at the frame position of the cell represents a cell that the UE14 is expected to see. The UE's PSC evaluation device may utilize an algorithmic logic or fuzzy logic to generate confidence factors that reflect data from previous successful cell search attempts.

After the frame data is evaluated, the location and quality factor of each peak is stored (59). The stored quality factor may represent one or a combination of a confidence factor, an amplitude factor, and a shape factor. Because only the peak locations and quality factors in each sub-frame are stored, the memory required to store data for one frame is reduced. Thus, the efficiency of use of the memory 48 of the UE is improved.

The data of the following frame is similarly evaluated, 61. To simplify subsequent frame evaluations, the evaluations may be limited to the locations of previously detected peaks. From frame to frame, if the spike disappears at a given location, it is likely to be due to spurious noise. Therefore, the spikes are preferably screened out and disregarded in subsequent frames, 66. Screening out spurious peaks will make the PSC detection process more accurate.

In TDD, spurious noise is a particular problem. Initially, the UE14 has no timing reference. TDD UES 14 transmit and receive uplink and downlink communications within the same frequency spectrum in different time slots. Thus, a UE14 performing cell search may mistake the uplink communication of a neighboring UE for a PSC. However, uplink communications for a neighboring UE are less likely to have higher code correlation across frames. Screening can reduce the probability of such false detections.

The peak data for subsequent frames is also stored in memory. Although the confidence factor for each peak in a frame may be stored, the confidence factor may be an accumulated value. For example, if a peak with a larger confidence factor in one frame is repeatedly detected with a higher magnitude and a greater steepness in subsequent frames, its confidence factor increases. In contrast, if its amplitude is small and/or it is wide, its confidence factor decreases. With an accumulated confidence factor, accumulation of subsequent frames of data may stop once a peak location exceeds a particular confidence threshold. If a peak or a group of peaks has a confidence factor above a threshold and its or those confidence factors are much higher than the confidence factor of any other peak, as determined by a ratio test, the accumulation may even stop after the first frame.

After processing each frame, the evaluation device 46 evaluates the stored data to determine a likely neighbor base station's PSC spike, 63. The evaluation device 46 preferably evaluates the data using a rule-based decision process. In one embodiment, the evaluation device 46 accumulates the results over a certain number of frames in the memory 48. With the results from a certain number of frames, the evaluation device 46 selects the PSC spikes of the possible neighboring base stations. A fixed number of peaks is selected or a number of PSC peaks exceeding an evaluation threshold are used. One such threshold evaluation is according to equation 2.

Equation 2

n is the number of superposition generations. W ₁ 、W ₂ And W ₃ Is a weight factor. Data accumulated for one frame i, M _i Is amplitude, S _i Is a form factor, C _i Is a credible factor. T is a critical value. If a specific number or a single PSC location is selected in step I, then the location in equation 2 having the maximum value is selected.

Another equation for a system that does not utilize a confidence factor is equation 3.

Equation 3

In another embodiment, the evaluation device 46 continues to accumulate frame data until a PSC location or a specified number of locations exceeds a threshold, such as using equation 2, equation 3, or an accumulated confidence factor. The evaluation device 46 may utilize other rule-based methods.

By using the method to perform cell search, a quality factor, a confidence factor and the result of previous successful cell search can be used, so the determination of cell synchronization procedure is improved. Also, by using the additional information, it is possible to find a correct detection faster, reducing the number of frames processed and the overall processing complexity of cell search.

The UE14 performs step II using the PSC peak location selected in step I, which is preferably a single location. For each selected PSC location, an SSC correlator 50 correlates the signal received at that location with each potential SSC (74). For each frame, the results of each SSC correlation are passed to a cell identity determination device 52.

For each PSC location, the SSC correlation results are stored in a memory 48 associated with a cell identity determination device 52 on a frame-by-frame basis. The PSC evaluation device 46 and the cell identity determination device 52 are shown as sharing a memory 48, although they may each use different memories. Each stored SSC correlation value is indicative of the energy level received by the correlated SSC. The SSC correlation values for each frame are preferably stored using a quality factor to allow more information to be passed to the cell identity determination device 52. The cell identity determination device 52 determines the most likely SSC based on the stored information, which preferably includes a quality factor and an allowed SSC combination.

The SSC correlation values for each frame are accumulated until a confidence level is determined using a rule-based approach (74). Factors to be considered for the confidence level determination are the received amplitude and shape factors of each SSC, the variation in amplitude and shape of each received SSC between frames, and the allowed SSC combining. Additionally, information from previous successful cell synchronizations may be included, 75. The previous information may include previously detected SSCs at a given frame location. If an SSC code is detected at a location associated with a previous successful synchronization, the confidence in SSC detection is increased.

For detected SSCs, cell specific information is determined using the detected SSCs and the data modulated thereon at each location after a confidence level is reached (76). This information is used in step III to complete the synchronization procedure.

In some systems, a UE14 may not be permitted to operate in certain cells 16. For a particular UE14, the cell 16 may be "dropped" or "not recommended for use". In such a system, after processing an initial frame, if a "reject" or "no use recommended" cell is detected during the detection process, it is screened out. To illustrate, a UE14 initially analyzes a frame of data for PSCs. One or more preliminary PSC locations are utilized in step II, while step I analyzes data from subsequent frames to improve detection confidence. During step II analysis of the preliminary locations, one of the locations may belong to a "reject" or "no recommended use" cell. Thus, the location is culled during subsequent analysis in step I.

FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are block diagrams of a simplified base station 12 and UE14 for cell search step III in FDD and TDD. For FDD, a CPICH signal is generated by a CPICH generator 78, such as the base station 12 shown in figure 11. Also, a BCCH signal carrying data is generated by a BCCH generator 80 using the BCCH channelization code and the scrambling codes of the base stations. The CPICH signal and BCCH signal are combined by a combiner 82 and modulated to radio frequency by a modulator 84. The radio frequency signal is radiated by an antenna 86 or array of antennas of the base station 12.

The radiated signal is received by the UE antenna 88 as shown in fig. 12. The received signal is demodulated to baseband by a demodulator 90. A CPICH scrambling code correlator 92 correlates the baseband signal with a plurality of candidate base station scrambling codes. A CPICH scrambling code estimator 96 stores the scrambling code correlation results in a memory 48. Preferably, the scrambling code correlation values are stored for use with quality factors, such as amplitude, shape and confidence factors. After determining a confidence level in a scrambling code, a BCCH receiver 94 recovers the data disposed on the BCCH using the determined scrambling code.

For TDD, such as base station 12 shown in FIG. 13, a BCH generator 98 generates a BCH communication burst (burst) time that is multiplexed in the BCH time slot and has a midamble associated with the BCH channelization code. The BCH burst (burst) is modulated to radio frequency by a modulator 100 and radiated by an antenna 102 or antenna array.

The radiated signal is received by the UE antenna 104 as shown in fig. 14. The received signal is demodulated by a demodulator 106 to generate a baseband signal. A BCH midamble detection device 108 correlates the baseband signal with all potential midamble sequences. A BCH midamble evaluation device 110 stores the midamble sequence correlation results. Preferably, the midamble sequence correlation values are stored using quality factors. After determining a confidence level in the midamble sequence, a BCCH receiver 112 recovers the BCCH data using the determined midamble sequence and its associated channelization codes.

Although the peak quality factor is discussed in the context of cell search, the same principles apply to correlation of any periodically repeating signal. The period length between repeated signals is treated as a frame. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for correlating a periodic signal using quality factors.

The periodic signal has a particular period length between transmissions. Correlation with the signal is performed over the cycle length, 120. Preferably, though not necessarily, the correlation period is divided into a plurality of sub-durations, 121. The sub-durations are analyzed to select a spike, 122. A quality factor for each peak is determined, 123. For each peak, the peak location and its quality factor are stored, 124. The procedure is repeated for each sub-duration, 125, and then over a number of frames, 126. Spurious spikes are removed from the stored data, 127. The periodic signal position is determined using the accumulated spike data, 128.

Claims (28)

1. A method for a user equipment to store information for cell retrieval in a code division multiple access communication system having a plurality of base stations, each base station transmitting a primary synchronization code, PSC, in a primary synchronization channel, PSCH, the method comprising:

a user equipment monitoring the PSCH and associating the PSCH with the PSC;

identifying a PSCH location having a PSC peak using a result of the PSC correlation;

for each PSCH location identified, a quality factor is determined that includes a shape factor associated with the PSC peak for that location, and

for each identified PSCH location, storing the identified PSCH location and the quality factor in at least one frame.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the PSCH is a channel comprising at least one slot of a frame and each identified PSCH location is a location within a frame comprising an identified PSC peak.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame is divided into subframes, and the identified PSCH locations are stored with their associated subframes.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the quality factor comprises an amplitude.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the shape factor is based in part on a change in correlation of the peak location and correlations of neighboring locations.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the shape factor is based in part on a standard deviation of a correlation of the peak location and correlations of neighboring locations.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the shape factor is based in part on an arithmetic mean of correlation values of neighboring locations relative to the peak location divided by a geometric mean of the correlation values.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the figure of merit is accumulated over a plurality of the frames.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein spikes not occurring in multiple frames are filtered out of stored PSCH location information.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the quality factor is an accumulation over a fixed number of the frames.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the quality factor is accumulated until the accumulation reaches a confidence level.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein each quality factor comprises a confidence factor representing a confidence that the peak is a true PSC location.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the confidence factor is based in part on results from previous cell search attempts.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a most likely PSC location using the stored quality factors.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising storing a quality factor that includes a shape factor for each potential second synchronization code.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the cdma communication system uses frequency division duplex and the method further comprises storing a quality factor for each potential scrambling code of a broadcast common control channel, the quality factor comprising a shape factor.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the cdma communication system uses time division duplex and the method further comprises storing a quality factor, the quality factor comprising a shape factor, for each potential midamble of a broadcast channel.

18. A user equipment, UE, for performing cell search in a code division multiple access communication system having a plurality of base stations, each base station transmitting a primary synchronization code, PSC, in a primary synchronization channel, PSCH, the UE comprising:

a PSC matching filter for correlating the PSCH with the PSC;

a PSC estimation device that uses a result of the PSC correlation to identify PSCH locations having a PSC peak, the device determining, for each PSCH location identified, a quality factor that includes a shape factor associated with the PSC peak at that location; and

a memory for storing the identified PSCH locations and the quality factor for each identified PSCH location in at least one frame.

19. The ue of claim 18 wherein the frame is divided into subframes and the identified PSCH locations are stored with their associated subframes.

20. The user equipment of claim 18 wherein the quality factor comprises an amplitude.

21. The ue of claim 18 wherein the shape factor is based in part on a variance of a correlation of the peak location and correlations of neighboring locations.

22. The UE of claim 18, wherein the shape factor is based in part on a standard deviation of a correlation of the peak location and correlations of neighboring locations.

23. The UE of claim 18, wherein the shape factor is based in part on an arithmetic mean of neighboring position correlations relative to the peak position divided by a geometric mean of the correlations.

24. The ue of claim 18 wherein the quality factor is accumulated over a plurality of frames and the peaks not present in the plurality of frames are filtered out of stored PSCH location information.

25. A method for detecting a time location in a periodic signal having an associated period, the method comprising:

monitoring a time period length of the period signal period and correlating the time period length with the period signal;

identifying a time location in the time period having an associated peak with the periodic signal;

for each identified peak, determining a quality factor comprising a shape factor associated with the peak;

for each identified peak, storing the identified peak time location and the quality factor; and

for each identified peak, the time location of the periodic signal is determined using the stored identified peak location and quality factor.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the shape factor is based in part on a variance of a correlation of the peak location and correlations of neighboring locations.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the shape factor is based in part on a standard deviation of a correlation of the peak location and correlations of neighboring locations.

28. The method of claim 25 wherein the shape factor is based in part on an arithmetic mean of correlation values of its neighbors relative to the peak location divided by a geometric mean of the correlation values.