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.
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.
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
Ec/Io = (2/10) = 0.2 = -7 dB
Conclusion: As the traffic load in the sector increases, the Ec/Io worsens.
Let us now consider another situation. Instead of one, we have five sectors signal arriving at
the mobile (for simplicity, all with the same level of -90 dBm).
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.
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.