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by many professionals. On the opposite side, professionals with a good understanding of this
ratio are able for example, to correctly assess the RF links, and also to perform more extensive
optimizations, obtaining the best possible performance of the system.
So, let's see a little about it?
Eb and No
To begin, we define the basic concepts of Eb and No. They are basic for any digital
communication system, and generally we talk about it when we deal with Bit Error Rate and also
Modulation techniques.
Simply put:
The ratio Eb/No is measured at the receiver, and serves to indicate how strong the signal is.
Depending on the modulation technique used (BPSK, QPSK, etc.) we have different curves for
Bit Error Rate x Eb/No.
These curves are used as follows: for a certain RF signal, which is the bit errors rate that I have?
Is this bit error rate acceptable for my system?
Whereas the gain that digital has, then we can set a minimum criterion of signal to noise ratio, in
order to have each service (Voice/Data) operating acceptably.
In other words, we can theoretically determine how the performance would be for the digital
link.
Note: it is worth remembering here that this is a very complex subject. As always, we try to
introduce to you the most simplified possible through the use of examples and simple concepts.
Okay?
For example, a concept that could be explored here - since we are talking about digital
communication system - is the Noise Figure. But we do not want to repeat here all the theory
explained in the University. Nor was it to have mentioned the noise figure here, but as we talked
about it, just understand as a noise level that every receiver has, and that it is due to the process
of amplification and processing of signal.
Concepts like this, and other even more complex, can be studied, if you wish. But now, let's
continue with our signal to noise ratio.
To proceed, we must know some more definitions. However, this point is quite delicate, as we
enter a conceptual area where we have differences between authors, differences in
translations/countries, where differences in technologies are applied, etc..
Let's try to define in a generic way, and only the main.
E: is the signal (average) energy - do not confuse it with the sinal (average) power.
b, c, s. ..: Energy are the power points in time, therefore related to the measure or 'length'
of the time (the average power is independent of time ).
o Hence it comes Eb, Ec and Es, respectively relating to Bit Chip and Symbol in
different times.
Note: With these concepts, several formulas can be derived with different numerators and
denominators. For example, Es = Eb * k, where k = number of bits per symbol. In QPSK
modulation, where k = 2, Es = 2 * Eb. And the derivations of formulas can reach far more
complex equations, such as the definitions of capacity of an AWGN channel, and further
deductions for equivalences (Ec/No, Eb/Nt, etc. ...). Again, it is not our purpose here today. We
only mention a few concepts, related.
Then come back to the practical level - noting that theoretical approaches can be done more
easily later, after the basics are understood.
So let's keep today in ratios most common: Eb/No and Ec/Io.
As we defined Eb/No is the Average Energy of a bit signal, on the Spectral Density of Noise. It
is primarily a parameter related to the manufacturer for different bearers (based on the channel
model). But it can also vary with the environment (urban, rural, suburban), speed, diversity, use
of power control, application type, etc..
And now we can begin to define Ec/Io, one of the most important systems in CDMA and UMTS.
Note: An important observation is that often when we refer to Ec/Io, we are actually referring to
Ec/(Io + No). What happens is that for practical purposes, we only have Ec/Io, because the
interference is much stronger and the noise can be neglected. Otherwise: for CDMA interference
is like a noise, then both can be considered the same thing.
Okay, let's stop with the issues and concepts, and talk a little about the values of these indicators
and their use in practice.
Regarding Eb/No, it is in the baseband after despreading and decoded only for one user - then we
have a positive amount of energy over the total noise. It is measured at the output of receiver
(NodeB, UE, etc).
Thus we have:
Ec = 2 W
Io = 0 + 2 + 2 = 4 W
Ec/Io = (2/4) = 0.5 = -3 dB
Now assume that several traffic channels are busy (eg use 6 W for traffic channels). This is a
situation of traffic load, we'll see how is Ec/Io.
Ec = 2 W
Io = 2 + 2 + 6 = 10 W
Now have Io = -83 dBm (which is the sum of five signals of -90 dBm). And the power of our
pilot channel remains the same (Ec = -96 dBm).
Thus: Ec/Io = -96 - (-83) = -13 dB
Conclusion: As many more sectors serves the mobile, the Ec/Io worsens.
This situation where we have many overlapping sectors, and with the same level of signal is
known as Pilot Pollution - the mobile sees them all at once - each acting as interferer to each
other.
The solution in such cases is to eliminate unwanted signals, by setting power parameters or
physical adjustments (tilt, azimuth), leaving just dominant signals which should exist at this
problematic place.
And now also understand the measure Ec/Io as the ratio of 'good' energy over 'bad' energy, or
'cleaness' of signal.
But what are the practical values?
The value of Ec/Io fluctuates (varies), as well as any wireless signal. If the value starts to get too
low, you start to have dropped calls, or can not connect. But what then is a good range of Ec/Io
for a sign?
In practical terms, values of Ec/Io for a good evaluation of the network (in terms of this
indicator) are shown in the diagram below.
But the concepts understood here to CDMA and UMTS are very similar - apply - for any
technology, eg GSM, where we use the C/I.
Anyway, this is a topic for another tutorial, we saw today Ec/Io.
Conclusion
Today we had a brief introduction on the Ec/Io ratio, a measurement for decisions in CDMA and
UMTS, and used togheter with the measured Signal Strength.
We have seen that it represents the ratio of signal energy within the duration of a chip of the pilot
channel, on the Spectral Density of Noise + Interference.
This is a very important measure, which somehow ignores the overall strength of the signal, and
focuses on how best to evaluate the pilot channel signal is desired, in relation to noise that
interferes with it.
Returning to our original question: A strong signal level does not necessarily indicate an strong
Ec/Io: it depends on the level of interference.