3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

(http://www.radio-electronics.com/)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-electronics-com)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/radioelectronicscom)
News feed (/rss.php)

Twitter (http://twitter.com/RadioElec)

Newsletter (/newsletter/)

Google+ (https://plus.google.com/102744187429709400446?prsrc=3)
Search

CELLULAR / MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS (HTTP://WWW.RADIOELECTRONICS.COM/INFO/CELLULARTELECOMMS/)

3G UMTS Data Channels: physical; logical; transport

- in order to carry the required data across the radio access network, data is carried in
various channels. These are split into three groups: physical channels; logical channels;
transport channels.
3G UMTS / WCDMA TUTORIAL INCLUDES
UMTS WCDMA Tutorial (umts_wcdma_tutorial.php)

3G history (3g-history.php)

Network architecture (umts-wcdma-network-architecture.php)

UTRA / UTRAN (utra-utran-umts-radio-access-network.php)
Physical layer / radio interface (umts-wcdma-radio-air-interface.php)
Frequency bands (umts-wcdma-frequency-bands-frequencies.php)
CDMA multiple access (umts-wcdma-cdma-technology.php)

Modulation (umts-wcdma-modulation.php)

Data channels (umts-wcdma-channels.php)

UMTS TDD (wcdma-umts-tdd.php)

TD-SCDMA (3g-tdscdma-tutorial-basics.php)

UMTS handover (umts-wcdma-handover-handoff.php)

There are many 3G UMTS channels that are used within the UMTS system. The data carried by the UMTS /
WCDMA transmissions is organised into frames, slots and channels.
In this way all the payload data as well as the control and status data can be carried in an efficient manner.

3G UMTS channel structures

3G UMTS uses CDMA techniques (as WCDMA) as its multiple access technology, but it additionally uses time
division techniques with a slot and frame structure to provide the full channel structure.

http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

1/9

3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

A channel is divided into 10 ms frames, each of which has fifteen time slots each of 666 microseconds length. On
the downlink the time is further subdivided so that the time slots contain fields that contain either user data or
control messages.
On the uplink dual channel modulation is used so that both data and control are transmitted simultaneously.
Here the control elements contain a pilot signal, Transport Format Combination Identifier (TFCI), FeedBack
Information (FBI) and Transmission Power Control (TPC).
The channels carried are categorised into three:

Logical Channels: The logical channels define the way in which the data will be transferred
Transport Channels: The 3G transport channels along with the logical channel again defines the way in
which the data is transferred
Physical channels: The physical channels carry the payload data and govern the physical characteristics
of the signal.
The channels are organised such that the logical channels are related to what is transported, whereas the
physical layer transport channels deal with how, and with what characteristics. The MAC layer provides data
transfer services on logical channels. A set of logical channel types is defined for different kinds of data transfer
services.

3G UMTS Logical Channels:

The 3G logical channels include:

Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) (downlink). This channel broadcasts information to UEs relevant to
the cell, such as radio channels of neighbouring cells, etc.
Paging Control Channel (PCCH) (downlink). This channel is associated with the PICH and is used for
paging messages and notification information.
Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH) (up and downlinks) This channel is used to carry dedicated control
information in both directions.
Common Control Channel (CCCH) (up and downlinks). This bi-directional channel is used to transfer
control information.
Shared Channel Control Channel (SHCCH) (bi-directional). This channel is bi-directional and only found
in the TDD form of WCDMA / UMTS, where it is used to transport shared channel control information.
Dedicated Traffic Channel (DTCH) (up and downlinks). This is a bidirectional channel used to carry user
data or traffic.
Common Traffic Channel (CTCH) (downlink) A unidirectional channel used to transfer dedicated user
information to a group of UEs.

3G UMTS Transport Channels:

The 3G UMTS transport channels include:

Dedicated Transport Channel (DCH) (up and downlink). This is used to transfer data to a particular UE.
Each UE has its own DCH in each direction.
Broadcast Channel (BCH) (downlink). This channel broadcasts information to the UEs in the cell to
enable them to identify the network and the cell.
Forward Access Channel (FACH) (down link). This is channel carries data or information to the UEs that
are registered on the system. There may be more than one FACH per cell as they may carry packet data.
Paging Channel (PCH) (downlink). This channel carries messages that alert the UE to incoming calls, SMS
messages, data sessions or required maintenance such as re-registration.
http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

2/9

3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

Random Access Channel (RACH) (uplink). This channel carries requests for service from UEs trying to
access the system
Uplink Common Packet Channel (CPCH) (uplink). This channel provides additional capability beyond
that of the RACH and for fast power control.
Downlink Shared Channel (DSCH) (downlink).This channel can be shared by several users and is used
for data that is "bursty" in nature such as that obtained from web browsing etc.

3G UMTS Physical Channels:

The 3G UMTS physical channels include:

Primary Common Control Physical Channel (PCCPCH) (downlink). This channel continuously
broadcasts system identification and access control information.
Secondary Common Control Physical Channel (SCCPCH) (downlink) This channel carries the Forward
Access Channel (FACH) providing control information, and the Paging Channel (PACH) with messages for
UEs that are registered on the network.
Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) (uplink). This channel enables the UE to transmit random
access bursts in an attempt to access a network.
Dedicated Physical Data Channel (DPDCH) (up and downlink). This channel is used to transfer user
data.
Dedicated Physical Control Channel (DPCCH) (up and downlink). This channel carries control
information to and from the UE. In both directions the channel carries pilot bits and the Transport Format
Combination Identifier (TFCI). The downlink channel also includes the Transmit Power Control and
FeedBack Information (FBI) bits.
Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) (downlink). This channel shares control information to UEs
within the coverage area of the node B.
Physical Common Packet Channel (PCPCH) This channel is specifically intended to carry packet data. In
operation the UE monitors the system to check if it is busy, and if not it then transmits a brief access burst.
This is retransmitted if no acknowledgement is gained with a slight increase in power each time. Once the
node B acknowledges the request, the data is transmitted on the channel.
Synchronisation Channel (SCH) The synchronisation channel is used in allowing UEs to synchronise with
the network.
Common Pilot Channel (CPICH) This channel is transmitted by every node B so that the UEs are able
estimate the timing for signal demodulation. Additionally they can be used as a beacon for the UE to
determine the best cell with which to communicate.
Acquisition Indicator Channel (AICH) The AICH is used to inform a UE about the Data Channel (DCH) it
can use to communicate with the node B. This channel assignment occurs as a result of a successful
random access service request from the UE.
Paging Indication Channel (PICH) This channel provides the information to the UE to be able to operate
its sleep mode to conserve its battery when listening on the Paging Channel (PCH). As the UE needs to
know when to monitor the PCH, data is provided on the PICH to assign a UE a paging repetition ratio to
enable it to determine how often it needs to 'wake up' and listen to the PCH.
CPCH Status Indication Channel (CSICH) This channel, which only appears in the downlink carries the
status of the CPCH and may also be used to carry some intermittent, or "bursty" data. It works in a similar
fashion to PICH.
Collision Detection/Channel Assignment Indication Channel (CD/CA-ICH) This channel, present in
the downlink is used to indicate whether the channel assignment is active or inactive to the UE.

http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

3/9

3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

By using the logical, physical and transport channels it is possible to carry the data for the control and payload in
a structured manner and provide efficient effective communications. The 3G UMTS channels are thus an
essential element of the overall system.

By Ian Poole (https://plus.google.com/104687638164370436625?rel=author)

<< Previous (umts-wcdma-modulation.php) | Next >> (wcdma-umts-tdd.php)

Share this page

Share

Share

Tweet

21

Want more like this? Register for our newsletter (/newsletter/)

MORE CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS TUTORIALS
3G LTE (/info/cellulartelecomms/lte-long-term-evolution/3g-lte-basics.php)
LTE Advanced (/info/cellulartelecomms/lte-long-term-evolution/3gpp-4g-imt-lte-advanced-tutorial.php)
UMTS / W-CDMA (/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umts_wcdma_tutorial.php)
GSM (/info/cellulartelecomms/gsm_technical/gsm_introduction.php)
3G HSPA (/info/cellulartelecomms/3g-hspa/umts-high-speed-packet-access-tutorial.php)
CDMA2000 (/info/cellulartelecomms/3gpp2/cdma2000-1xrtt-basics-tutorial.php)
GPRS (/info/cellulartelecomms/gprs/gprs_tutorial.php)
EDGE (/info/cellulartelecomms/gsm-edge/basics-tutorial-technology.php)
Femtocells (/info/cellulartelecomms/femtocells/femto-cells-tutorial-basics.php)
5G ideas (/info/cellulartelecomms/5g-mobile-cellular/technology-basics.php)
HetNets (/info/cellulartelecomms/heterogeneous-networks-hetnet/basics-tutorial.php)
SON (/info/cellulartelecomms/self-organising-networks-son/basics-tutorial.php)
Backhaul (/info/cellulartelecomms/cellular-mobile-backhaul/basics-tutorial.php)
VoLTE (/info/cellulartelecomms/lte-long-term-evolution/voice-over-lte-volte.php)
Basic concepts (/info/cellulartelecomms/cellular_concepts/mobile-basics-concepts.php)
What is 3GPP (/info/cellulartelecomms/3gpp/what-is-3gpp.php)

http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

4/9

3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

Latest news
RF contact probe for high-speed data
connectors (/news/test-measurement/rfcontact-probe-for-high-speed-data-6944)
NetComm M2M Router certified for use
on Verizon Wireless Private Network
(/news/wireless-technology/netcommm2m-router-certified-for-use-6943)
Microchip launches new LoRa Module
(/news/wireless-technology/microchiplaunches-new-lora-module-6928)
Cost-effective reference solution for
multi-emitter signal simulation
(/news/test-measurement/cost-effectivereference-solution-for-multi-emittersignal-6942)
Miniature 5 W power supply meets
international medical safety standards
(/news/power-management/miniature-5w-power-supply-meets-6941)
. . . . More News (http://www.radioelectronics.com/news.php)
INDUSTRY CURRENTS BLOG (/INDUSTRYCURRENTS/)

http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

5/9

3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

Geoff Carey | MIMOtech

Full duplex radio: key to backhaul
(/industry-currents/posts/full-duplexradio-key-to-backhaul)
As backhaul seeks to increase capacity with
the expected data explosion that is
happening, full duplex seems to offer a
useful increase in capacity.

TRAINING COURSES (/LEARNING-TRAININGCOURSES/)

Online - Designing
GaN Power Amplifier
MMICs (/learningtrainingcourses/courses_item.php?
id=radioengineering/online--designing-gan-poweramplifier-171)
Learn how to design high
performance GaN power
amplifier MMICs
More training courses
(/learning-trainingcourses/)

RECOMMENDED WHITEPAPER
(/WHITEPAPERS.PHP)
Designing for Li-ion
Batteries in Motor
Applications
(http://www.radioelectronics.com/whitepapers/designingfor-li-ion-batteries-inmotor-15)
Discover all the design
considerations for
integrating brushless DC
motors with Li-ion batteries
in 3-phase motor
applications in this
whitepaper from Intersil.

http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

6/9

3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

More whitepapers
(/whitepapers.php)

Forthcoming Events
CeBit (/event/cebit-22)
Future of Wireless International
Conference (/event/future-of-wirelessinternational-conference-61)
NIWeek (/event/niweek-60)
CTIA Super Mobility Week (/event/ctiasuper-mobility-week-21)
AUTOTESTCON (/event/autotestcon-39)
European Microwave Week
(/event/european-microwave-week-10)
. . . . More Events (http://www.radioelectronics.com/events-exhibitionstrade-shows/)

Popular Articles
Establishing a chain of trust
(/articles/processingembedded/establishing-a-chain-of-trust175)
Embedded World 2016: news, trends,
insight (/articles/processingembedded/embedded-world-2016-newstrends-insight-177)
Mobile World Congress 2016: news,
trends, launches & themes
(/articles/cellular-telecoms/mobile-worldcongress-2016-news-trends-176)
Implementing Master Slave
Synchronization Redundancy
(/articles/telecomsnetworks/implementing-master-slavesynchronization-redundancy-178)
Practical PCB Design using DesignSpark
PCB (/articles/circuit-design/practical-pcbdesign-using-designspark-pcb-143)
. . . . More Articles (http://www.radioelectronics.com/articles.php)
FEATURED BOOK (/BOOKSTORE/FEATUREDBOOK.PHP)
Advances in Multi-Band Microstrip
Filters
http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

7/9

3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

Vesna Crnojevic-Bengin (Editor)

This book entitled: Advances in
Multi-Band Microstrip Filters
combines the work...
Read more . .
(/bookstore/featured-book.php)
USA bookstore (/bookstore/bookshopusa.php)
UK bookstore (/bookstore/bookshopuk.php)

THE WEBSITE
About us (/rec-information/about-us.php)
Privacy Policy (/rec-information/privacy-policy.php)
Submit news / articles (/rec-information/article-submission.php)
Advertise with us (/rec-information/advertising.php)
SECTIONS
News (/news.php)
Articles (/articles.php)
Training (/learning-training-courses/)
Jobs (/electronics-software-jobs/)
Events (/events-exhibitions-trade-shows/)
Bookshop (/bookstore/)
Equipment store (/test-equipment-shop/)
http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

8/9

3/4/2016

3GUMTSChannels|PhysicalLogicalTransport|RadioElectronics.Com

Whitepapers (/whitepapers.php)
CHANNELS
Antennas & propagation (/info/antennas/)
Cellular telecoms (/info/cellulartelecomms/)
Circuit design (/info/circuits/)
Components (/info/data/)
Power management (/info/power-management/)
RF technology (/info/rf-technology-design/)
Test (/info/t_and_m/)
Wireless (/info/wireless/)
Broadcast technology (/info/broadcast/)
Embedded (/info/processing-embedded/)
Design principles (/info/electronics-design/)
Distribution (/info/distribution-supply/)
Formulae (/info/formulae/)
Manufacture (/info/manufacture/)
Satellites (/info/satellite/)
Telecoms & networks (/info/telecommunications_networks/)
History (/info/radio_history/)

Radio-Electronics.com is operated and owned by Adrio Communications Ltd and edited by Ian Poole. All information is Adrio
Communications Ltd and may not be copied except for individual personal use. This includes copying material in whatever form into
website pages. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on Radio-Electronics.com, no liability is accepted
for any consequences of using it. This site uses cookies. By using this site, these terms including the use of cookies are accepted. More
explanation can be found in our Privacy Policy

http://www.radioelectronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umtswcdmachannels.php

9/9