UMTS Air Interface Protocols and Channel - SECTION SIX

UMTS Air Interface Protocols and Channels
UMTS System Overview

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1. PROTOCOLS THE GENERAL STRUCTURE 1.1 UMTS Planes and Strata 1.2 UMTS Radio Interface Protocol Structure 1.3 Channels RADIO RESOURCES CONTROL (RRC) 2.1 Radio Resources Control Services 2.2 Three Logical Entities within RRC 2.3 RRC Service States within the User Equipment 2.4 RRC Functions PACKET DATA CONVERGENCE PROTOCOL (PDCP) BROADCAST/MULTICAST CONTROL PROTOCOL (BMC) RADIO LINK CONTROL 5.1 Radio Link Control (RLC) Services 5.2 RLC Functions MEDIA ACCESS CONTROL (MAC) 6.1 MAC Overview 6.2 Three MAC Logical Entities 6.3 MAC Functions PHYSICAL LAYER 7.1 W-CDMA Physical Layer Services 7.2 Physical Layer Functions 7.3 Multiplexing in the Physical Layer CHANNELS 8.1 Logical Channels 8.2 Transport Channels 8.3 The Physical Channels 1 3 5 7 9 11 15 19 21 23 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 47 57
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1. PROTOCOLS THE GENERAL STRUCTURE

1.1 UMTS Planes and Strata
Information carried across the UMTS Radio Interface will include that for processes controlled directly by the core network, such as mobility management (mm), connection management (cm) and session management (sm). Such information passes transparently through the UTRAN without interaction, and forms the Non Access Stratum, at the higher layers of the protocol stack. Information which is seen by and interacts with processes within the UTRAN forms the Access Stratum. The protocol structure of the UMTS radio interface can be further divided into two planes. The Control plane involves processes and protocols related to signalling and control of the data transport, whereas the user plane is devoted to processes acting on the actual user data, including the data transfer itself.

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Non-Access Stratum
MOBILE EQUIPMENT
Access Stratum
UTRAN
Access Stratum
CORE NETWORK
Air Interface
Iu Interface
Control Plane User Plane
Fig. 1 Planes & Strata

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1.2 UMTS Radio Interface Protocol Structure

At the lowest level is the physical layer, also referred to as Layer 1 in terms of a standard OSI protocol stack. Above this lie the MAC (Media Access Control) layer, and then the RLC (Radio Link Control) protocols. Both of these layers map onto Layer 2 of the OSI Model, the Data Link layer, and as such are responsible for the reliable transmission of information across the physical link below. These three layers are common to both the User and Control Planes in the protocol architecture. It is above these layers that the Control and User plane protocols differ. In the User Plane, and still part of Layer 2, two protocols can act on data. These are PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol), which supports packet data access, and BMC (Broadcast and Multicast Control) which supports broadcast and multicast access. A third option in the user plane is for direct communication between the higher layers of the non-access stratum and the RLC protocols. In the Control plane, the next layer above Radio Link Control level is Radio Resource Control (RRC). This is equivalent to Layer 3 in the OSI model, i.e. the network layer, responsible for setting up/releasing connections and hence providing the higher layers (non-access stratum) with a data pipe. The term peer entities is used to refer to the same protocol levels/logical entities which are in communication, but located in different physical network entities. For example the peer entity of RRC in the terminal could be the RRC layer located in the Node B for one particular process, or the RRC layer in the RNC for another. In certain situations, the MAC layer may be split between the Serving RNC and the Node B.

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Control Plane
User Plane
L3 RRC
PDCP BMC Control
RLC
L2
MAC
L1 Physical Layer
W-CDMA Transmission
Located in the terminal and either Node B (idle mode) or SRNC (connected mode)
Fig. 2 Radio Interface Protocols (Access Stratum)

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ACCESS STRATUM
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NON-ACCESS STRATUM
1.3 Channels
Layers in a protocol stack communicate with each other by means of Service Access Points (SAPs). These are the input/output points of interfaces between the layers and hence define the interconnection between the different layers. In defining such interconnection, SAPs provide a range of well defined services. Moving from higher layers into the RLC, there will exist one connection (one SAP) per radio bearer. At lower levels in The UMTS Radio Interface Protocol structure, SAPs between the various layers define Channels, and it may be that channels entering a layer may combine (or separate) onto fewer (or more) channels leaving it, through a mapping function carried out by the protocol layer. SAPs between the RLC and MAC layers define the Logical Channels. The set of logical channels is defined in order to transmit each specific type of information that may be required for communication with the higher layers. A logical channel therefore determines the kind of information which will be used within it. SAPs between the MAC and physical layers define the Transport Channels. In moving down from MAC, these describe how the data is to be transmitted over the air interface, and with what characteristics. SAPs between the Physical layer and the actual transmission medium define the Physical Channels. Each physical channel will have a specific transmission purpose and characteristic, and it is these physical channels which are differentiated using channelisation codes in the W-CDMA spreading process. Depending on the W-CDMA mode (FDD or TDD), and whether processes refer to uplink or downlink connections, different numbers of each of these types of channels may be in operation at different times. However, in every case, there will be a defined mapping between operating higher and lower layer channels, performed by the various layers between them.

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Control Plane Signalling Radio Bearers
User Plane Radio Bearers
RLC
Logical Channels
MAC
Transport Channels
Physical Layer Physical Channels (separated by codes) = Service Access Points
W-CDMA Radio Transmission
Fig. 3 Channels
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2. RADIO RESOURCES CONTROL (RRC)

2.1 Radio Resources Control Services
Most of the control signalling between the user terminal and the UTRAN consists of RRC messages. These messages carry all the information required to set-up, modify and release protocol entities within the layers below. RRC signalling also controls the mobility of the user terminal when in connected mode, through cell updates, handovers, and the associated measurements on which these are based. All higher layer signalling (Mobility Management, Call Management, Session Management) is also encapsulated into RRC messages for transmission over the radio interface. The RRC includes various control interfaces enabling it to configure the characteristics of the lower layer protocol entities, and thus affect the parameters for setting up logical, transport and physical channels for example. The control interfaces are also used to command the lower layers to make certain types of measurements, and for the lower layers to report back these results and any error messages to the RRC.

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Control signalling between UTRAN and user terminal Set-up, modification and release of lower layer protocols Control of mobility of connected terminal Control of parameters for Channels Measurement Commands to lower layers Encapsulation of Non-Access Stratum Signalling
NAS Signalling
ACCESS STRATUM
UE
RRC *UTRAN LAYERS 1&2* CONTROL PLANE
CORE NETWORK
* Terminates either at Node B or Serving RNC within UTRAN
Fig. 4 Radio Resources Control Services

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2.2 Three Logical Entities within RRC

Radio Resources Control provides a number of services to the higher layers within the non-access stratum. These are classified into three types, handled by three different entities defined within the RRC protocol: broadcast services, targeted at multiple users and broadcasting non access stratum information in a certain geographical area. The Broadcast Control Function Entity (BCFE) is responsible for broadcasting system information, and one is implemented for each cell. paging and notification services, targeted at specific users in a certain geographical area. The Paging & Notification control function entity (PNFE) handles this paging, and one PNFE is allocated for each cell. Paging messages are intended for idle mode terminals, and if a message is incoming from the higher layer, PNFE checks whether the paged terminal already has a RRC signalling connection. dedicated control services, supporting specific service types and their required radio interface operation. This includes the establishment and release of a connection, and the transfer of messages using this connection. The Dedicated Control Function Entity (DCFE) handles all these functions and signalling, which are specific to one UE.

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Message Routing
DCFE (Dedicated) (Per UE with RRC Connection)
PNFE (Paging & Notification) (Per Cell)
BCFE (Broadcast) (Per Cell)
Fig. 5 RRC Logical Entities

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2.3 RRC Service States within the User Equipment

The two basic operational modes of a user terminal with respect to RRC are idle mode and connected (or dedicated) mode. In idle mode, the peer entity of the RRC within the terminal is the RRC layer at the Node B, whereas in connected mode the peer entity is the RRC layer at the Serving RNC. Idle Mode: After turning on its power, a terminal stays in idle mode until it transmits a request to establish a RRC connection. In this mode, the terminal can receive system information and cell broadcast messages. It is identified by non-access stratum identities such as the IMSI (international mobile subscriber i.d.), or a TMSI (temporarily allocated Mobile Station I.D.) and the UTRAN has no information about the individual idle mode terminals. Therefore it can only address all such terminals in a cell by using a paging message. Connected mode, following the establishment of a RRC connection, can be further subdivided into service states, on the basis of the kind of channels the terminal is using. Cell_DCH: A dedicated* physical channel is allocated to the terminal, and the terminal is known by its serving RNC by means of a User Radio Network Temporary Identifier (U-RNTI) and a Cell RNTI (C-RNTI). Cell_FACH: No dedicated physical channel is allocated to the terminal, and other common* channels are instead used for transmitting signalling messages, plus small amounts of user data. The terminal can also listen to the broadcast system information, for general signalling messages. The terminal can perform cell reselections, sending a cell update message to the RNC and is identified by the C-RNTI on a cell level. Several terminals in a cell are separated within the MAC layer. Cell_PCH: The user is only reachable via paging messages, and listens to the broadcast channel and to cell broadcast services. In case of a cell re-selection, the terminal will change to the Cell_FACH state in order to perform the cell change and inform the RNC and then fall back to Cell_PCH if no other activity is triggered. Since the paging channel includes a discontinuous reception functionality, the advantage of Cell_PCH is that battery consumption is less than in the Cell_FACH state.

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IDLE MODE No information within UTRAN
RRC Connection Release
RRC Connect
RRC Connect
Cell_FACH Common channels Known by RNC C-RNTI
Cell_DCH Dedicated channel Known by RNC: C-RNTI, U-RNTI
CONNECTED MODE
Cell Update
Fallback
URA Update
Fallback
Cell_PCH Power save mode
URA_PCH Power save mode
Fig. 6 RRC Service States

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URA_PCH is a similar mode to Cell_PCH, except that the terminal does not execute a cell update after each cell re-selection, but instead reads UTRAN Registration Area (URA) identities from the broadcast channel. Only if this URA changes does it need to inform the serving RNC. A UE leaves one of these connected modes and returns to idle mode when the RRC connection is released or at a RRC connection failure.
* A dedicated channel is one whereby the identity of the user terminal is known simply on the basis of the channel itself (i.e. through unique allocation of the frequency, code and, if applicable, time slot). So an essentially point-to-point link exists between UTRAN and terminal. Connections other than Cell_DCH are based on common channels, ones intended for use by a number of users, and hence are point to multipoint. Signals intended for specific users within a common channel must be identified in band.

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IDLE MODE No information within UTRAN
RRC Connect
RRC Connect
Cell_FACH Common channels Known by RNC C-RNTI
Cell_DCH Dedicated channel Known by RNC: C-RNTI, U-RNTI
CONNECTED MODE
Cell Update
Fallback
URA Update
Fallback
Cell_PCH Power save mode
URA_PCH Power save mode
Fig. 6 RRC Service States

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2.4 RRC Functions

In order to provide the necessary services, a number of functions are performed within RRC. These are as follows: Broadcasting of signalling and control information, originating from both the access stratum (i.e. from the Node B or RNC) or the non-access stratum (the core network). Paging & notification, for one of three purposes: the set-up of calls or sessions originating from the core network changing the RRC state of a terminal indicating changes in system information The establishment, maintenance and release of RRC connections. Only one (or zero) connection can exist between the UTRAN and any one terminal. Where multiple higher-layer signalling connections exist between the terminal and the core network, these will share a single RRC connection. The establishment, maintenance and release of radio bearers and resources, through control of transport and physical channels. Although the channel establishment services are actually performed in the lower layers, RRC provides control by means of its control interfaces to these layers. Various mobility functions, including tracking the user terminals location, performing various handover functions, cell updates and terminal identification updates. Initial cell selection & re-selection in Idle mode. Downlink Outer loop power control (setting Signal to Interference Ratio targets), and open loop power control (initial power estimates). Arbitration of radio resources shared between multiple users on the uplink dedicated channel. Management of radio resources between the different cells. Routing of higher layer packet data units, for example, messages related to mobility, session and connection management. Control of security functions (ciphering & deciphering) performed in the RLC or MAC layers. Control of congestion.

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Broadcasting Control Information Paging and Notification Establishment, maintenance and release of RRC Connection Control of Transport and Physical Channel resources Mobility functions Cell selection and re-selection in Idle Mode Downlink Outer and Open Loop power control Radio Resource Arbitration between users Radio Resource Management between cells Routing Non-Access Stratum data Control of RLC & MAC Security functions Congestion Control QoS Control Integrity Protection of signalling messages Control of terminal measurement reporting Timing Advance in TDD mode Various ODMA mode functions
Fig. 7 RRC Functions

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QoS control Integrity protection of signalling messages, using a check-sum algorithm. Control of terminal measurement reporting, i.e. letting it know what to report and when, and forwarding of these reports to the RNC. Optional timing advance in TDD mode, used to avoid interference between consecutive timeslots in large TDD cells. Since other practical considerations mean that TDD is likely to be used only for small cells, this is unlikely to be used in practice. Various additional functions, such as slow dynamic channel allocation & relay, which are relevant to the ODMA relay mode of operation.

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Broadcasting Control Information Paging and Notification Establishment, maintenance and release of RRC Connection Control of Transport and Physical Channel resources Mobility functions Cell selection and re-selection in Idle Mode Downlink Outer and Open Loop power control Radio Resource Arbitration between users Radio Resource Management between cells Routing Non-Access Stratum data Control of RLC & MAC Security functions Congestion Control QoS Control Integrity Protection of signalling messages Control of terminal measurement reporting Timing Advance in TDD mode Various ODMA mode functions
Fig. 7 RRC Functions

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3. PACKET DATA CONVERGENCE PROTOCOL (PDCP)

The PDCP only exists for packet switched domain services, in the user plane. Its functions are as follows: Mapping of packet data units from a higher level network protocol onto one RLC entity at the layer below. Currently the network protocols IPv4 and IPv6 are supported, although the overall aim of PDCP is to make the different possible network layer protocols transparent to the underlying transmission. Therefore in future it is likely that updates will enable support for other or entirely new protocol mapping within the PDCP. Compression or decompression of any redundant control information such as TCP/IP headers. This header compression tends to be the main function of PDCP, and is used for increasing efficiency within the channels below. The services offered to the higher layers by PDCP are called radio bearers.

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To NAS Control Plane
To NAS User Plane
RRC Radio Bearers PDCP BMC
Signalling Radio Bearers
RLC
L2
MAC
L1 Physical Layer
Mapping higher layer protocols onto RLC Compression/decompression of headers Offers Radio Bearers to higher layers
Fig. 8 Packet Data Convergence Protocol Services

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4. BROADCAST/MULTICAST CONTROL PROTOCOL (BMC)

BMC is used to convey messages from the Cell broadcast Centre, and lies in the user plane of the protocol architecture. On the UTRAN side, the BMC must store Cell Broadcast Messages received over the CBC-RNC interface (IuBC), and schedule transmission on to the users. On the terminal side, BMC delivers received messages to the upper protocol layers in the user equipment. In Release 99 the only service specified is the SMS Cell Broadcast service derived from GSM. The service offered by the BMC to higher layers in the protocol stack is called a radio bearer.

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To NAS User Plane
RRC Radio Bearers PDCP BMC
RLC
MAC
Physical Layer
Store and forward of Cell Broadcast Messages (SMS Cell Broadcast in Release 99) Deliver received messages to higher layers in the terminal, via radio bearers
Fig. 9 Broadcast/Multicast Control Protocol Services

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5. RADIO LINK CONTROL

5.1 Radio Link Control (RLC) Services
The RLC is responsible for connection management and control of radio links, providing segmentation & retransmission services for both user and control data. In the control plane, the services provided to higher layers are known as Signalling Radio Bearers, used as they are by the RRC for signalling transport. In the User plane, services provided by RLC are known simply as Radio Bearers. For packet user data, or broadcast, the Radio Bearer would include the service-specific protocol layers (PDCP or BMC). But for circuit switched type user data the Radio Bearer service is provided directly by RLC for other higher-layer user plane functions, such as speech codec. Each RLC instance is configured by RRC to operate in one of three modes of data transfer. These are: Transparent Unacknowledged Acknowledged Each mode provides a different set of services defining the use of that mode by the higher layers. Transfer of user data is a service which is common to all three modes. Transparent mode is defined for quick and dirty data transfer across the radio interface, and is the only one of the three modes which does not involve the addition of any header information onto the data unit. Erroneous data units are discarded or marked as erroneous. Transparent mode is the mode normally used by both the PNFE and BCFE entities within RRC, for paging/notification and cell broadcast messaging. In Unacknowledged mode, as in transparent mode, no retransmission protocol is used, and so data delivery is not guaranteed. Received erroneous data can be either marked or discarded, depending on configuration. For both Transparent mode data transfer & unacknowledged mode data transfer, RLC provides a function for the segmentation of large data units into smaller ones (and re-assembly at the receive end). The segment lengths are defined when the channel is established. In unacknowledged mode, segment lengths are given by a length indicator which is within the header added to the data unit. Unacknowledged mode additionally provides a service whereby small packet data units can be concatenated together (again indicated within a header field), a ciphering service, and a sequence number check which allows the receiver to check whether or not data has been lost.

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To NAS User Plane
RRC Radio Beare PDCP BMC
RLC
MAC
Physical Layer
Transparent Unacknowledged Acknowledged
Fig. 10 RLC Services

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Acknowledged mode provides a much more reliable mechanism for transferring data between two RLC layer entities, by including further services. These include in-sequence delivery of data units, detection of duplicate data units, error correction and flow control. The RLC can also set QoS levels and notify higher layers of unrecoverable errors. Acknowledged mode is the mode used mainly by the DCFE entity within RRC, for dedicated control functions, although in some cases the other modes can be used, for example unacknowledged mode for RRC release, or transparent mode for cell update or RRC connection re-establishment requests. For all three modes, CRC (cyclic redundancy check) error detection is performed on the physical layer, and the result is delivered to RLC along with the actual data. [CRC is a method for checking the accuracy of a digital transmission over a communications link. The sending entity performs a calculation on the data and attaches the resulting value. The receiving entity performs the same calculation and compares its result to the original value. If they do not match, a transmission error has occurred].

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RRC
USER
Transparent
Header Retransmission Segmentation Concatenation Ciphering CRC Check Missing Data Check (MAC)
Unacknowledged

Acknowledged

In-sequence Delivery Duplication Detection Error Correction QoS Setting
User data uses AM (e.g. Packet based services), UM (e.g. VoIP), or Tr (e.g. streaming) Normal RLC Modes used by each RRC entity are shown DCFE will use a number of Signalling Radio Bearers to distinguish and prioritise different signalling types (e.g. prioritise UE-UTRAN signalling over UE-CN)
Fig. 11 RLC Data Transfer Modes

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5.2 RLC Functions

In order to provide the necessary services, a number of functions are performed within RLC. These are as follows: segmentation & reassembly of variable length higher layer data units into (or from) smaller RLC units. The size of these is set according to the smallest possible bitrate for the service which is using the RLC entity. For variable bit-rate services, for a time interval in which the bit-rate is higher than the smallest one, several RLC units will be transmitted. concatenation, in the case where higher layer data units do not fill a whole number of RLC units. In this case the first segment of the next higher layer unit may be added to the RLC unit containing the last segment of a previous higher layer unit. padding, used where concatenation is not applicable (transparent mode) yet higher layer units again dont fill the RLC units. This simply involves adding padding bits to the remainder of the RLC data field. transfer of user data, supporting the transparent, unacknowledged and acknowledged modes, and controlled by a QoS setting. error correction, relevant to acknowledged mode, where retransmission can occur. in-sequence delivery, preserving the order of higher layer data units which are to be transferred using acknowledged mode data transfer. detection of duplicated received RLC data units, and making sure that only one is delivered on to the higher layer. flow control, which allows an RLC receiver to control the rate at which the peer RLC entity at the transmission end can send information. sequence number checking, in unacknowledged mode, which makes sure that reassembled data units are not corrupted. If they are, then they will be discarded. detection of, and recovery from, errors which occur during operation of the RLC protocol. ciphering is performed in the RLC for acknowledged and unacknowledged mode data transfer. (For transparent mode transfer, ciphering is performed in the MAC.) suspend/resume of data transfer, used during the security procedure, and commanded by the RRC via the control interface.

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Segmentation and re-assembly Concatenation Padding Data transfer Error correction In-sequence delivery Duplicate detection Flow control Sequence number check Error recovery Ciphering Suspend/resume data transfer
Fig. 12 RLC Functions

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6. MEDIUM ACCESS CONTROL (MAC)

6.1 MAC Overview
The MAC layer offers data transfer services to the RLC layer via Logical Channels. These Services are characterised by the type of data that is transmitted, and are mapped onto the Transport Channels by MAC. The MAC layer is responsible for selecting an appropriate transport format (TF) for each transport channel. Between peer MAC entities, the transport service is unacknowledged and un-segmented. MAC will select an appropriate TF for each transport channel, depending on the source rate of the logical channel to which the transport channel is to be mapped. A TF will be applicable during a specified transmission time interval. Single TFs may be associated with transport channels which have a very slow changing or fixed rate, whereas fast changing transport channels will be associated with a TF Set, which includes one TF for each rate during the transmission time interval. Each TF defines the format offered by the physical layer to MAC (and vice versa) for the delivery of a set of Transport Blocks, each block typically corresponding to a RLC data unit. This format will describe a combination of encodings, interleaving, bit rate and mapping of the transport onto the physical channels. MAC also performs radio resources allocation and re-allocation, under the control of RRC. As well as actions regarding transport formats, this additionally includes changing the identity information of the mobile equipment and any measurement reporting and quality information provision as requested by higher layers through control interfaces.

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RLC Data Units
RRC
Fixed-rate Logical Channel
Multirate Logical Channel
MAC Mapping & TF Mapping & TFCS
Radio Resource Allocation Functions
Transport Channel
Transport Channel
TF Transport Format (Describes a combination of encodings, bit rate, interleaving and mapping) TFCS Transport Format Combination Set
Fig. 13 MAC Overview

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6.2 Three MAC Logical Entities

The MAC layer has three subdivisions (three logical entities), each related to particular groups of logical channels. MAC-b handles information mapped from the logical and transport channels associated with broadcast. There is one MAC-b entity in each user terminal, and one in the Node B for each cell. MC-c/sh handles messages carried on common and shared Channels. There is one MAC-c/sh in each terminal which is using shared channels, and one in the controlling RNC for each cell. MAC-d handles dedicated channels, those allocated specifically to a mobile which is in RRC connected mode. There is one MAC-d entity in the terminal, and one for each terminal in the Serving RNC.

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Logical Channels
MAC-b (Node B)
MAC-c/sh (CRNC)
MAC-d (SRNC)
Transport Channels
Broadcast Information
Common & Shared Channels
Dedicated Channels (RRC Connected)
Fig. 14 MAC Logical Entities

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6.3 MAC Functions

MAC performs the following functions: mapping between the logical and transport channels. selection of Transport Formats for each transport Channel. priority handling between data flows related to one user terminal, achieved by selecting high or low bit rate transport formats for the different data flows. priority handling between different user terminals for common or shared downlink transport channels. For dedicated transport channels, such priority handling has already been performed by RRC as part of the reconfiguration function. identification of different user terminals, on occasions when dedicated-type data from logical channels is carried over common transport channels. To do this, the C-RNTI or UTRAN RNTI (U-RNTI) is included in the MAC header. This process is relevant to actions such as paging or random access attempts, for example. Ciphering is performed within MAC if a logical channel is using the transparent RLC mode. multiplexing/demultiplexing of higher layer data units into/from transport blocks delivered to/from the physical layer on common transport channels. Service multiplexing for these common channels cannot be done in the physical layer, hence this function falls within MAC. multiplexing/demultiplexing of higher layer data units into/from sets of transport blocks delivered to/from the physical layer on dedicated transport channels. Although the physical layer makes it possible to multiplex any type of service, multiplexing within MAC is only possible for services with the same QoS parameters. Traffic volume monitoring, reporting to the RRC. Measurements reported to the RRC may be used to trigger reconfiguration of radio bearers and transport channels if the amounts of data being transmitted are too high or too low to make most efficient use of the assigned bearers/channels. dynamic transport channel type switching, which involves switching between common and dedicated transport channels, based on decisions derived from RRC. Access service class selection, used to prioritise usage of the Random Access channel.

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Mapping between logical and transport Channels Selection of Transport Formats Priority handling (between data flows/terminals) Terminal identification where dedicated logical channel data maps to common transport channels Ciphering (transparent RLC mode) Multiplexing/demultiplexing of higher layer data to/from transport blocks or sets delivered to/from the physical layer on transport channels Transport volume monitoring Switching between common and dedicated transport Channels Access service class selection
Fig. 15 MAC Functions
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7. PHYSICAL LAYER
7.1 W-CDMA Physical Layer Services
Physical Layer Services are offered to the MAC layer above as transport channels, which define how and with what characteristics data are transferred over the air interface. The physical layer maps these transport channels onto different physical channels. The physical layer also sets up certain physical channels which have no mapping to the higher layers, but which are nevertheless essential to system operation and which carry information relevant to physical layer procedures. The physical layer must support variable bit-rate transport channels, be able to offer bandwidth-on-demand services, and multiplex several services onto a single connection. Processes within the physical layer relate to achievable performance, for example capacity and coverage issues, and have a major impact on equipment design, complexity and cost.

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Transport Channels
PHYSICAL LAYER
Mapping & Multiplexing
Physical Channels
Fig. 16 Physical Layer Overview

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7.2 Physical Layer Functions

The Physical layer performs a number of functions, summarised below: The mapping of transport channels onto physical channels. Each transport channel arriving at the physical layer is accompanied by a Transport Format Indicator (TFI). The Physical layer combines different TFIs from different transport channels into a Transport Format Combination Indicator (TFCI). The TFCI is transmitted within a physical control channel to inform the receiver which channels are active for a particular frame, whilst the actual transport block is transmitted within a physical data channel. Within the receiving physical layer, the TFCI is decoded and the resulting TFIs are given to the higher layers for each active transport channel. User data transmission and signalling data transmission entering in transport channels, which are then multiplexed by the physical layer. Multiplexing and demultiplexing of Coded Composite Transport Channels (CCTrCh). A CCTrCh is made up of a single physical control channel, and one or more physical data channels. Spreading/despreading & Modulation, separating different transmissions from a single source using channelisation codes. The application of further scrambling codes is used to separate transmissions from different sources, although without further spreading. Forward error correction encoding/decoding, and error detection on transport channels, which is indicated to higher layers through control interfaces. Interleaving and de-interleaving of transport channels Rate Matching, a process of matching the number of bits to be transmitted with the number of bits available in a single frame. Processes of puncturing or repetition are used in order to achieve this. Fast closed loop power control, in order to overcome the uplink near-far problem, and execute soft handover. Open loop power control, in order to estimate power requirements when a mobile first sets up a connection. Macro-diversity combining. Power weighting & combining of physical channels. Frequency & Time synchronisation. Measurement and measurement reporting for higher layers (for example Signal Interference Ratio, Interference Power, Transmit Power and so on). RF Processing. Various specific TDD operations, including Timing Advance and synchronisation.

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Mapping Transport Channels to Physical Channels and combining Transport Format Indicators (TFCIs) Data transmission Multiplexing of Transport Channels Spreading/despreading and Modulation Forward Error Correction Transport Channel error detection Interleaving/de-interleaving of Transport Channels Rate Matching Fast Closed Loop power control Open Loop power control Macro-diversity combining Power weighting and combining of physical channels Frequency & Time Synchronisation Measurement reporting RF Processing Specific TDD operations (Timing Advance)
Fig. 17 Physical Layer Functions

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7.3 Multiplexing in the Physical Layer

Services are multiplexed dynamically within the physical layer, so that the data stream is continuous. Considering the uplink example, the functional steps involved in multiplexing can be summarised as follows. The first steps are performed on each transport channel CRC attachment, to be checked and an indication passed up to the higher layers at the receiving side. Concatenation or segmentation of transport blocks. Channel coding. Radio Frame equalisation, which ensures that data can be divided into equal-sized blocks when transmitted over more than a single 10ms frame. This is done by padding the necessary number of bits until the data can be divided into equal sized blocks per frame. Interleaving. Radio frame segmentation. Rate Matching. Different transport channels are then mutliplexed on a frame-by-frame basis, with each transport channel providing data in 10ms blocks for this operation. There may then be segmentation into different physical channels if more than one spreading code used, followed by 10ms frame interleaving, applied to each physical channel. Finally, the output from this interleaving is mapped onto the physical channels. The number of bits at this stage for a physical channel is exactly the number that the spreading factor of that frame can transmit (or zero if the physical channel is not to be transmitted). The processes of downlink multiplexing are similar to the uplink, although with some slight differences in the order of some functions, plus an indication function associated with the support for discontinuous transmission.

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CRC Attachment Transport Block Concatenation/Segmentation Channel Coding Radio Frame Equalisation Interleaving Radio Frame Segmentation Rate Matching Transport Channel Multiplexing Physical Channel Segmentation Interleaving Physical Channel Mapping Other Transport Channels
Fig. 18 Physical Layer Multiplexing (uplink example)

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8. CHANNELS
8.1 Logical Channels
Moving down through the UMTS radio interface protocol stack, the first set of channels which are defined are the Logical Channels. These are offered by the MAC layer to the RLC protocols, and a set of logical channel types is defined for the different kinds of data transfer services. Each logical channel type is therefore defined by the type of information transferred, and fall into one of two basic groups. These are: Control Channels, for control plane information Traffic Channels, for user plane information
8.1.1 Logical Traffic Channels:

There are just two channels defined for user plane information, as follows: CTCH Common Traffic Channel This is a point-to-multipoint channel, and hence is relevant to communication on the downlink only. It is used for transferring dedicated user data intended for all or a group of specified terminals. DTCH Dedicated Traffic Channel The DTCH channel contrasts with CTCH in being a point-to-point channel it is dedicated to just one mobile for the transfer of user information. This channel can exist in both downlink and the uplink directions.

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uplink CTCH Common Traffic Channel DTCH Dedicated Traffic Channel
downlink
MAC
PHYSICAL
Fig. 19 Logical Traffic Channels

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8.1.2 Logical Control Channels:

In the Control Plane, there are five logical channels, as follows: BCCH Broadcast Control Channel The BCCH is used to carry control and signalling information which is to be broadcast, and therefore is only applicable in the downlink direction. When mapped through the lower layers, it will eventually be carried on a physical channel which uses the same channelisation code in all cells (specifically a channel known as the Primary Common Control Physical Channel, PCCPH). This means that its messages can always be read by a mobile terminal, once the terminal has detected a base stations unique scrambling code, which it does during its initial cell search. PCCH Paging Control Channel This channel is used to carry paging requests. It is therefore a downlink-only channel and is used either when the network does not know the location cell of the mobile equipment, or when the mobile is in the RRC connected state Cell_PCH, utilising sleep mode procedures to preserve battery power. (Also applies to URA_PCH, which is similar to the Cell_PCH state except that location updates to the UTRAN are performed on an UTRAN Routing Area (URA) basis, rather than a cell basis). CCCH Common Control Channel CCCH is a channel used for transmitting control information between the network and mobiles, and is applicable in both the uplink and downlink directions. As a common channel, it is a resource which carries control information to and from a number of different mobiles. It is commonly used by mobiles which currently have no RRC connection with the network, and by those accessing a new cell after cell re-selection. DCCH Dedicated Control Channel By contrast with CCCH, DCCH is a multi-purpose, point-to-point channel which is used to carry dedicated control information, i.e. information specific to a single mobile. It is established when a RRC connection is set-up, and is applicable in both uplink and downlink directions.

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uplink BCCH Broadcast Control PCCH Paging Control CCCH Common Control DCCH Dedicated Control
downlink
content broadcast information paging requests control information control info for a single mobile
MAC
PHYSICAL
Fig. 20 Logical Control Channels

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8.1.3 Logical Channels for ODMA Mode

ODMA (Opportunity Driven Multiple Access) is another possible access scheme which can be applied in UMTS, although not fully specified in R99 and unlikely to be used in the early deployments. It is really just a relaying protocol rather than a pure access scheme, whereby a terminal which lies outside cell coverage can use another mobile terminal as a relay to transmit to the base station. It is only likely to prove feasible in the TDD scheme, where reception and transmission are in the same frequency band if implemented in FDD, it would require terminals to be able to receive in their normal transmission band and vice versa, which is impractical to implement. There are a number of logical channels which can be defined for future ODMA operation. These are a single traffic channel for user data, ODTCH (ODMA Dedicated traffic channel), and two control channels: OCCCH (ODMA Common Control Channel) and ODCCH (ODMA Dedicated control channel). Both OCCCH & ODCCH are used for transmitting control information between terminals, the difference being that OCCCH carries information common to a number of terminals, whereas ODCCH is point-to-point, intended for a specific terminal.

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Traffic (user data) ODTCH (ODMA Dedicated Traffic) OCCCH (ODMA Common Control) ODCCH (ODMA Dedicated Control)
Control
point-to-point
Only feasible in TDD Mode.
MAC
PHYSICAL
Fig. 21 Logical Channels ODMA Mode

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8.2 Transport Channels

Transport Channels are the output from the MAC layer and the input to the physical layer. The choice of transport channel depends on the requirements of the message to be transmitted, and so they will tend to have specific characteristics in terms of their direction (uplink/downlink), power control requirements, data capacity and so on. The mobile equipment is able to have one or more Transport Channels simultaneously in the uplink and/or the downlink. Transport Channels can be divided into Common and Dedicated types.
8.2.1 Dedicated Transport Channels

Dedicated Transport Channels describe an essentially point-to-point link between the UTRAN and a particular mobile. Such a channel is for dedicated use, for a single user only. The Mobile Equipment to which the transport channel belongs is identified by virtue of the code and frequency (FDD), and the code, frequency and time slot (TDD) for the physical channel onto which it is mapped. For current specifications within UMTS, there is only one dedicated transport channel, DCH, which is used in both the uplink and downlink, and in both the TDD and FDD modes. DCH carries all the information coming from the higher layers which is intended for the given user. This includes user data for the actual service plus any higher layer control information. The content carried within DCH is not visible to the physical layer, and so both user and control data are treated the same way. DCH is characterised by features such as fast power control, the capability for fast data rate changes on a frame-by-frame basis, the possibility of transmission to a certain part of the cell or sector using beam-forming, and the support of soft handover. For future ODMA operation within the TDD mode, an ODMA dedicated channel (ODCH) will be available as another dedicated transport channel, applicable for both uplink and downlink.

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Uplink Downlink TDD FDD
(ODCH for ODMA mode)
Higher layer information (user data and signalling) Fast Power Control Fast Data-Rate Changes Use of beam-forming Support for soft handover
MAC
PHYSICAL
Fig. 22 Dedicated Transport Channel, DCH

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8.2.2 Common Transport Channels 1

Common Transport Channels are intended for use by a number of users, and hence are not to be used for a dedicated connection between the fixed network and any specific mobile. The link is point-to-multipoint (UTRAN to multiple mobiles), and the resource is divided between all the users within a cell. There are four common transport channels in particular which are required for even the basic operation of a UMTS network, in both TDD and FDD modes. These are: RACH Random Access Channel The Random Access Channel is used for initial access, when a mobile requests to set up a connection. It provides a common channel in that all mobiles sending these initiation requests are able to make use of it. RACH is applicable only on the uplink, and must be able to be heard over the whole cell coverage area. To achieve this means that it is limited to low data rates. The ability to support 16kb/s RACH is a mandatory requirement for terminals, regardless of the types of services they provide. As part of this initial access, RACH is also used for open loop power control. RACH can also be used by the mobile for the transfer of small amounts of user data. FACH Forward Access Channel FACH is used for messages from the Node B to the mobiles known to be within one cell, once a random access message has been received. It is used for open loop power control, and can also be used to transfer small amounts of user data, and thus can be regarded as the downlink companion to RACH. There can be more than one FACH channel within a cell, although one of these must have a low data rate to enable reception by all terminals. Additional FACH channels can have higher data rates, and FACH channels are capable of changing data rates on a frame-by-frame basis (i.e. every 10ms). PCH Paging Channel PCH is used to broadcast paging and notification messages into an entire cell (or a group of cells). A mobile is able to remain in sleep mode, to conserve battery power, whilst still able to receive PCH messages by monitoring only certain paging messages which have been allocated to it, and sleeping whilst other paging messages are being transmitted. The paging channel is used when the network wants to initiate communication with the terminal, for example when an incoming call or data arrives from the core network.

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uplink RACH Random Access FACH Forward Access PCH Paging BCH Broadcast
downlink
FDD
TDD
usage initial access requests small user data access acknowledgement small user data paging and notification available access codes and slots
Open Loop Power Control

MAC
PHYSICAL
Fig. 23 Essential Common Transport Channels

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BCH Broadcast Channel BCH is used to communicate with all the mobiles within a cell, with the most typical messages being those which inform the mobiles of the available random access codes and access slots which exist within the cell. A terminal cannot register with the cell without decoding this channel. The nature of this information means that BCH needs to be heard by all the mobiles within the cell coverage area, and that even low-end terminals must be able to decode the message. Thus the power must be relatively high and the data rate must be kept low.

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uplink RACH Random Access FACH Forward Access PCH Paging BCH Broadcast
downlink FDD
TDD usage initial access requests small user data access acknowledgement small user data paging and notification available access codes and slots
Open Loop Power Control

MAC
PHYSICAL
Fig. 23 Essential Common Transport Channels

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8.2.3 Common Transport Channels 2

As well as those transport channels which are required for basic operation of the UMTS network, there are some further transport channels which may optionally apply. For FDD mode of access there are two further channels, which are: DSCH Downlink Shared Channel DSCH carries dedicated control or user traffic data, but rather than being a dedicated channel, is a channel resource which can be shared by several users, on the downlink. As with the unshared DCH, it supports fast power control as well as variable bit-rate on a frame-by-frame basis, and does not need to be heard within the whole cell area. The latter means that technologies such as beam-forming antennae can be used. DSCH will not exist alone, and will always be associated with an unshared (lower bit rate) dedicated channel (DCH) which carry the physical control channel, including the signalling for fast power control. Shared channels cannot use soft handover. CPCH Common Packet Channel CPCH is an extension of the RACH channel, and is intended to carry packet-based, bursty user data, in the uplink direction. It is applicable to the FDD mode only. Like RACH, it is shared by a number of mobiles in the cell. The main differences from RACH are that fast closed loop power control is used in the physical layer, its data rate can be changed on a fast basis, collision detection can be applied, and it need not apply to the whole cell area i.e. beam-forming techniques can be applied. CPCH transmissions may last for several frames, whereas RACH transmissions tend to be much shorter, just one or two frames. In TDD mode only, the Downlink Shared Channel (DSCH) has an equivalent, known as USCH, the Uplink Shared Channel. As with DSCH, USCH is used to carry dedicated control or traffic data, and is shared by several mobiles. As with DSCH it can utilise beam-forming, fast power control and variable data rate. Finally, in ODMA mode only, ORACH, the ODMA Random Access Channel can be used as a relay link channel for random access requests.

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FDD DSCH (Downlink Shared)
TDD
uplink
downlink
usage Usually packetbased, bursty dedicated user data/control data
CPCH (Common Packet) USCH (Uplink Shared) ORACH (ODMA Random Access)
packet-based bursty user data
dedicated user/ control data
(ODMA)
random access request relay
Fig. 24 Optional Transport Channels

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8.2.4 Mapping of Logical Channels onto Transport Channels

In the downlink direction in both FDD and TDD modes, the paging and notification logical channel PCCH maps directly onto the transport channel PCH. Similarly, the downlink logical channel for broadcast information, BCCH maps directly onto the transport channel BCH, in both TDD and FDD modes. However it is also possible to map BCCH onto the transport channel FACH, for small amounts of broadcast information. The logical channels CTCH and CCCH, the common traffic and control channels, both map onto the FACH transport channel in the downlink direction, for both FDD and TDD modes. The logical channel CTCH and the transport channel FACH are not applicable on the uplink, so in this case CCCH maps solely onto RACH, again in both FDD and TDD modes. The dedicated logical control and traffic channels DCCH and DTCH map onto transport channels DCH and, optionally, DSCH and FACH in the downlink of both FDD and TDD. In the uplink, FACH and DSCH are not applicable transport channels, and so mapping is to DCH once again, but in this case also to RACH. In the case of FDD, additional mapping is optional to CPCH and, in the case of TDD, to USCH. Applicable in TDD mode only, the logical shared control channel SHCCH, is mapped to RACH on the uplink and to FACH or DSCH on the downlink. ODMA channel mapping follows an equivalent pattern as the TDD mode, with the ORACH transport channel equivalent to the RACH transport channel in FDD and TDD, and ODCCH, OCCCH and ODTCH equivalent to DCCH, CCCH and DTCH respectively.

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Downlink FDD-Mode
PCCH BCCH CTCH SHCCH CCCH DCCH DTCH
LOGICAL CHANNELS
MAC
PCH
BCH
FACH
DSCH
RACH
CPCH
DCH
USCH
TRANSPORT CHANNELS
Uplink FDD-Mode
LOGICAL CHANNELS
MAC
PCH
BCH
FACH
DSCH
RACH
CPCH
DCH
USCH
TRANSPORT CHANNELS
Downlink TDD-Mode
LOGICAL CHANNELS
MAC
PCH
BCH
FACH
DSCH
RACH
CPCH
DCH
USCH
TRANSPORT CHANNELS
Uplink TDD-Mode
LOGICAL CHANNELS
MAC
PCH
BCH
FACH
DSCH
RACH
CPCH
DCH
USCH
TRANSPORT CHANNELS
Fig. 25 Mapping of Logical Channels onto Transport Channels

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8.3 The Physical Channels

The Physical Channels are available from the lowest layer in the protocol stack, the physical layer, and are the channels which are directly transmitted to the receiving system. Each physical channel has a specific purpose and characteristic, and not all the possible physical channels will exist in both the uplink and downlink directions, or in both the TDD and FDD modes of transmission. In most cases, the transport channels map directly onto a single physical channel, although there are additional physical channels which do not map onto the higher layers and are needed exclusively for operations across the physical radio layer. Orthogonal Channelisation Codes are used in the physical layer to differentiate downlink physical channels transmitted by a Node B within one cell or sector. On the uplink, channelisation codes are used to separate the dedicated physical channels which are being used by a mobile. A code is allocated for each data connection. These channelisation codes provide spreading of the signal over the W-CDMA Radio Interface.

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Directly transmitted to the receiving system Each has specific characteristics Some physical channels do not map to higher layers (i.e. for use within physical layer only) Differentiated using orthogonal channelisation codes (OVSF) Coding provides spreading over W-CDMA
MAC
PHYSICAL
Fig. 26 Physical Channel Basics

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8.3.1 Physical Channels 1

The four essential transport channels, RACH, FACH, PCH and BCH are associated with three physical channels. These are applicable to both FDD and TDD and are: PRACH Physical Random Access Channel PRACH is used to transmit the random access transport channels, containing user specific information required to contact the network for registration, location update, cell update, and in order to initiate a call set-up. It is only applied in the Uplink. P-CCPCH Primary Common Control Physical Channel P-CCPCH is used in the downlink for broadcasting cell-specific information, and is the physical channel carrying the transport channel BCH. The channel bit rate is 30kb/s, and a channelisation code with spreading factor 256 is permanently allocated. In fact the actual bit rate is further reduced, since the P-CCPCH alternates with another downlink physical channel, the Synchronisation Channel (SCH). S-CCPCH Secondary Common Control Physical Channel The S-CCPCH is used for transporting the downlink transport channels PCH (for paging and notification messages) and FACH (for small amounts of data). These two transport channels can either be multiplexed onto one such S-CCPCH physical channel or can use different physical channels. The channelisation code used for Secondary-CCPCH is carried by the PrimaryCCPCH. Two additional essential channels are applicable to both FDD and TDD, on the downlink only, but are unique to the physical layer, with no mapping to higher layers. These are: PICH Paging Indication Channel PICH is used by the UTRAN to indicate to the mobile whether there is a paging message. It has a fixed spreading factor of 256, and is always associated with the Secondary CCPCH to which the PCH transport channel has been mapped. If a paging indication has been detected, then the mobile knows to decode the paging channel. SCH Synchronisation Channel This is used for part of the initial system acquisition process by the mobile, and consists of two sub-channels (Golay-coded). A Primary SCH carries an unmodulated code of length 256 chips, which is transmitted once every slot. This primary synchronisation code is the same for every base station in the system, and is used by the mobile to obtain the timing information for the Secondary SCH.

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mapping uplink PRACH (Physical Random Access) P-CCPCH (Primary Control) S-CCPCH (Secondary Control) PICH (Paging Indication) SCH (Synchronisation) downlink above? purpose carry RACH broadcast: carry BCH carry PCH & FACH Indication of a Paging Message Acquisition & Scrambling Codes
Fig. 27 Physical Channels (FDD and TDD)

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The secondary SCH consists of a modulated code of length 256 chips, and is transmitted in parallel with the P-SCH, and carries information about the long (scrambling) code group to which the long code of the base station belongs. This enables a search of long codes by the mobile to be limited to a subset of all the codes available. The SCH is time multiplexed with the P-CCPCH over the air interface.

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mapping uplink PRACH (Physical Random Access) P-CCPCH (Primary Control) S-CCPCH (Secondary Control) PICH (Paging Indication) SCH (Synchronisation) downlink above? purpose carry RACH broadcast: carry BCH carry PCH & FACH Indication of a Paging Message Acquisition & Scrambling Codes
Fig. 27 Physical Channels (FDD and TDD)

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There are a number of other downlink physical channels which have no mapping to higher layers, but which are applicable only in FDD mode. These are: AICH Acquisition Indication Channel, used by the UTRAN to indicate back to the mobile whether a random access attempt has succeeded (requested via the uplink RACH transport channel). In common with RACH itself, it is a mandatory requirement for system operation. AP-AICH Access Preamble Indication Channel, identical to AICH but used to indicate whether the UTRAN has successfully received a request for access to the CPCH transport channel, the extension to RACH which is used for bursty packet user data. Three further channels also relate to AP-AICH, being relevant specifically to access to the CPCH transport channel: CSICH CPCH Status Indication Channel, used to indicate the availability of each physical channel related to CPCH transport channel access. CSICH utilises the unused part of the AICH channel. CD-ICH and CA-ICH Collision Detection & Channel Assignment Indication Channels, used to indicate the success of a collision detection operation and the status of the channel assignment respectively. These two channels are sent in parallel to the terminal. Finally there is: CPICH Common Pilot Channel This is a mandatory channel, used for cell phase and time reference, and for channel estimation for the common channels (and occasionally for the dedicated channels). Channel estimation refers to the conditions of interference and reception quality. In fact, there is both a Primary and a Secondary CPICH, P-CPICH and S-CPICH respectively, which differ in their usage and the limitations on their physical features. P-CPICH is used as the reference for the downlink channels SCH, P-CCPCH, AICH and PICH. The same channelisation code is always used and is scrambled using the primary scrambling code, of spreading factor 256. One P-CPICH exists in each cell, and is broadcast over the entire cell. The importance of P-CPICH is in measurements for handover and cell selection/re-selection. Reducing the power applied to the channel causes some of

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physical Layer only FDD only downlink only mandatory AICH (Acquisition Indication) AP-AICH (Access Preamble Indication) CSICH (CPCH Status Indication) CD-ICH (Collision Detection Indication) CA-ICH (Channel Assignment Indication) CPICH (Common Pilot) usage indicate success of random access indicate success of access to CPCH indicate availability of physical channels for CPCH indicate collision detection during CPCH access indicate status of channel assignments for CPCH channel estimation, cell phase & time reference for common channels, for handover
Fig. 28 FDD Only Physical Channels

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the terminals to hand over to other cells, while increasing it invites terminals to handover into the cell, or to use that cell as their initial access. S-CPICH may be used as a reference for the S-CCPCH and the Downlink Dedicated Physical Channel, which carries the dedicated transport channel DCH. It will use an arbitrary channelisation code of spreading factor 256, and is scrambled by either the primary or a secondary scrambling code. It may be transmitted over only part of a cell, and hence used for hot-spots or high density traffic areas.

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physical Layer only FDD only downlink only mandatory AICH (Acquisition Indication) AP-AICH (Access Preamble Indication) CSICH (CPCH Status Indication) CD-ICH (Collision Detection Indication) CA-ICH (Channel Assignment Indication) CPICH (Common Pilot) usage indicate success of random access indicate success of access to CPCH indicate availability of physical channels for CPCH indicate collision detection during CPCH access indicate status of channel assignments for CPCH channel estimation, cell phase & time reference for common channels, for handover
Fig. 28 FDD Only Physical Channels

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The dedicated transport channel is carried over a Dedicated Physical Channel (DPCH), which is a time multiplex of two separate physical channels: DPDCH Dedicated Physical Data Channel DPDCH is used to transport the dedicated data generated at Layer 2 and above, as carried within the DCH transport channel. This includes the actual user data, and any higher layer signalling. Multiple variable-rate services can be time multiplexed within each DPDCH frame, and the overall DPDCH data rate is variable on a frame-by-frame basis. Although the data rate can be variable, the spreading factor used does not vary on a frame-by-frame basis. The data rate variation is instead taken care of with either a rate matching operation or through discontinuous transmission, where transmission is turned off for part of the time. DPCCH Dedicated Physical Control Channel Associated with DPDCH is DPCCH, the Dedicated Physical Control Channel, which is used to transport the physical control information generated in the physical layer and necessary for the operation of the DPDCH, for example information on the variable data rate. In fact, one or more DPDCHs may be associated with a single DPCCH. In contrast to its partner data channels, the DPCCH has a fixed data rate, with a fixed spreading factor of 256. These channels are applicable on both uplink and downlink, and in both TDD and FDD modes. Three further channels exist, each for the specific physical transmission of three specific transport channels. These are: PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel, used to carry dedicated control or traffic mapped from the DSCH transport channel, and hence applicable in the downlink only for both FDD & TDD. Since a DSCH is always associated with a dedicated transport channel, DCH, this similarly means that the physical channel PDSCH is always associated with a downlink DPCH physical channel. PCPCH Physical Packet Channel, used to transport the packet transport channel CPCH, applicable to the uplink FDD only. PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel, used to transport the uplink shared transport channel, USCH, applicable to uplink TDD only, and temporarily allocated to one or several users.

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FDD DPDCH (Dedicated Physical Data) DPCCH (Dedicated Physical Control) PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel) (Always Associated with DPCH) PCPCH (Physical Packet) PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared)
TDD
uplink
downlink
usage carry DCH data carry physical layer control information for DPDCH carry DSCH
(Always Associated with DCH) carry CPCH carry USCH
DPCH (Dedicated Physical)
Fig. 29 Dedicated and Shared Physical Channels

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8.3.4 Mapping Transport Channels onto Physical Channels

All Transport Channels map directly onto a specific physical channel, except in the case of the transport channels FACH (forward access channel) and PCH (Paging Channel), which are both mapped to share the single S-CCPCH (Secondary Common Control) Physical Channel. Applicability to uplink, downlink, FDD and TDD modes of operation therefore follow that for the transport channels. DPDCH and DPCCH, which carry the DCH dedicated transport channel, including the user data, are the only channels which can apply in every combination of modes and direction. PRACH must exist for uplink FDD & uplink TDD, in order to carry the RACH transport channel. PCPCH may exist in uplink FDD, and PUSCH in uplink TDD, in order to carry the transport channels CPCH and USCH respectively. In the downlink, SCCPCH, PCCPCH will always apply to both TDD & FDD, and carry the paging and broadcast transport channels, PCH and BCH respectively. SCCPCH additionally carries the FACH transport channel. PDSCH may apply in either TDD or FDD downlink, where the DSCH transport channel is being used. In addition to channels mapped directly from the transport channels, the downlink of both FDD and TDD will include the mandatory physical layer channels SCH and PICH. In FDD mode only, the downlink will also include the unmapped physical layer channels AICH and CPICH, which are mandatory, plus AP-AICH, CSICH, CD-ICH and CA-ICH, which may apply if the mobile terminal requests access to the CPCH transport channel.

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Downlink FDD-Mode
PCH BCH FACH DSCH RACH CPCH DCH USCH TRANSPORT
CHANNELS
PHYSICAL LAYER
SCCPCH PCCPCH PDSCH
PRACH
PCPCH
DPDCH
DPCCH
PUSCH PHYSICAL
+ SCH, CPICH, AICH, AP-AICH, PICH, CSICH, CA-ICH, CD-ICH (not mapped above physical layer)
CHANNELS
Uplink FDD-Mode
CHANNELS
PHYSICAL LAYER
SCCPCH PCCPCH PDSCH
PRACH
PCPCH
DPDCH
DPCCH
PUSCH PHYSICAL
CHANNELS
Downlink TDD-Mode
CHANNELS
PHYSICAL LAYER
SCCPCH PCCPCH PDSCH
PRACH
PCPCH
DPDCH
DPCCH
PUSCH
+ SCH, PICH (not mapped above physical layer)
PHYSICAL CHANNELS
Uplink TDD-Mode
CHANNELS
PHYSICAL LAYER
SCCPCH PCCPCH PDSCH
PRACH
PCPCH
DPDCH
DPCCH
PUSCH PHYSICAL
CHANNELS
Fig. 30 Mapping Between Transport and Physical Channels

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PCCH
BCCH
CTCH
SHCCH
CCCH
DCCH DTCH
MAC
PCH
BCH
FACH
DSCH
RACH
CPCH
DCH
USCH
PHYSICAL LAYER
SCCPCH PCCPCH PDSCH
PRACH
PCPCH
DPDCH
DPCCH
PUSCH
+ SCH, CPICH, AICH, AP-AICH, PICH, CSICH, CD/CA-ICH (not mapped above physical layer)
PCCH
BCCH
CTCH
SHCCH
CCCH
DCCH DTCH
MAC
PCH
BCH
FACH
DSCH
RACH
CPCH
DCH
USCH
PHYSICAL LAYER
SCCPCH PCCPCH PDSCH
PRACH
PCPCH
DPDCH
DPCCH
PUSCH
Fig. 31 Channel Mapping A Summary

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PHYSICAL TRANSPORT CHANNELS

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LOGICAL
Uplink FDD-Mode
LOGICAL
Downlink FDD-Mode
PCCH
BCCH
CTCH
CCCH
DCCH DTCH
MAC
PCH
BCH
FACH
DSCH
RACH
CPCH
DCH
USCH
PHYSICAL LAYER
SCCPCH PCCPCH PDSCH
PRACH
PCPCH
DPDCH
DPCCH
PUSCH
+ SCH, PICH (not mapped above physical layer)
PCCH
BCCH
CTCH
CCCH
DCCH DTCH
MAC
PCH
BCH
FACH
DSCH
RACH
CPCH
DCH
USCH
PHYSICAL LAYER
SCCPCH PCCPCH PDSCH
PRACH
PCPCH
DPDCH
DPCCH
PUSCH
Fig. 31 (continued) Channel Mapping A Summary

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LOGICAL
Uplink TDD-Mode
LOGICAL
Downlink TDD-Mode

UMTS Air Interface Protocols and Channel - SECTION SIX

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UMTS Air Interface Protocols and Channel - SECTION SIX

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UMTS Air Interface Protocols and Channels

UMTS System Overview