HSPA+: Features and Testing

By Lynne Patterson

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Evolution of 3GPP Standards ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Higher Order Modulation .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Downlink 2x2 MIMO...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Enhanced CELL_FACH and Improved Layer 2 for Downlink ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Compatible and Incremental ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Where is HSPA+ today? ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Anritsus HSPA+ solution.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 MD8480C Signaling Tester...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 MT8820B Radio Communication Analyzer .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 MS269xA Signal Analyzer ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 MG3700A Vector Signal Generator ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10 ME7873/4F TRX/RRM Conformance Tester.......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Introduction
With 85% of all cellular calls in the world set up using 3GPP access technology, 3GPP is the most successful set of telecommunication standards in the world. High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) Evolution or HSPA+ uses Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology and higher order modulation to deliver twice the data speed and three times the voice capacity of HSPA, the previous-generation 3GPP standard. HSPA+ also provides a logical path to the next-generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Telstra launched the first commercial HSPA+ deployment in Australia in December 2008 with other major carriers following Telstras lead. Anritsu offers a complete line of flexible, ready-to-run products designed for HSPA+ testing to support your deployment plans.

Evolution of 3GPP Standards

3GPP standards have undergone continuous evolution and improvement since the introduction of GSM as a 2G TDMA standard in 1991. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced GPRS) upgraded GSM data services, however the speeds were low (177.6 kbps at best, with 60-80 kbps on average). In 1999, 3GPP introduced UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), also known as WCDMA. The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) format used by W-CDMA offered higher data speeds, greater capacity, and new data service capabilities. 3GPP releases 5 and 6 introduced HSPA (High Speed Packet Access). With enhancements based on spectral efficiency, downlink data speeds of 14.4 Mbps, uplink speeds of 5.7 Mbps, and low latency, HSPA provided a satisfactory mobile broadband user experience for the first time. HSPA Evolution or HSPA+ puts the plus in HSPA by offering twice the data speeds and three times the voice capacity of HSPA. While HSPA already supports a full range of IP services with integrated Quality of Service (QoS), HSPA+ further enhances mobile broadband with higher data rates, lower latency, faster call set-up time, extended talk time and a true always-on experience. HSPA+ supports downlink peak rates up to 28 Mbps (42 Mbps in 3GPP Release 8) and up to 11 Mbps in the uplink.

Release o o

Features Downlink MIMO Higher order modulation o Uplink: 16-QAM o Downlink: 64-QAM Improved Layer 2 Support for Downlink Data Rates Enhanced CELL_FACH Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC) Enhanced Fractional DPCH (F-DPCH) Simultaneous MIMO and 64-QAM CS over HSPA Dual Cell HSDPA Improved Layer 2 Support for Uplink Data Rates Enhanced CELL_FACH

3GPP Release 7 o o o o o o o o o

3GPP Release 8

Table 1: 3GPP Release 7 and 8 HSPA+ Features

By improving the radio link performance, operators can upgrade to HSPA+ and continue taking advantage of their existing infrastructure. As HSPA+ rolls out, the path is set for the eventual switch to LTE as the implementation of certain aspects of the LTE/SAE (System Architecture Evolution) ensures a logical path to LTE. HSPA+ is backwards compatible with all previous releases of W-CDMA specifications, making the upgrade to HSPA+ simple, and smooth. Even with the next generation of 3GPP standards in the form of LTE well underway, HSPA+ development is not at an end. Going forward, future HSPA+ functionality will include higher-order MIMO and multi-carrier usage. With the introduction of HSPA, the end users mobile broadband experience approached a wired experience for the first time and mobile data usage exploded. New data applications and increased demand for broadband services are the drivers for HSPA+. With HSPA+s improvements, the replacement of wired broadband access with wireless broadband access has become a reality. HSPA increased data speeds with high-speed shared channels, 16-QAM downlink modulation, a reduced transmission time interval, hybrid ARQ, and better scheduling. HSPA+ takes advantage of these techniques and adds 64-QAM, 2x2 Downlink MIMO, and Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC) to improve support and performance of interactive data services such as picture and video sharing, and Voice over IP (VoIP). Prior to HSPA, 3GPP voice services used dedicated circuit-switched bearers assigned to users for the duration of the voice call. HSPA introduced shared-packet channels with smaller transmission intervals to transfer VoIP packets more efficiently. HSPA+ improves VoIP capacity by introducing enhancements such as CPC. Optimizing air-interface usage provides a doubling of voice capacity increase without Node B interference cancellation and a tripling of voice capacity with Node B interference cancellation. The move from circuit switched voice to VoIP, while invisible to the end-user, is a key aspect of Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC). With the goal of moving all services and traffic to a common all-IP network, FMC will see the end of circuit-switched connections and a significant reduction in costs and network complexity. VoIP offers seamless connectivity regardless of location and provides cost-reducing capacity increases. Enhancement Downlink 2x2 MIMO o o o Higher order modulation o o Uplink: 16-QAM Downlink: 64-QAm o o o Performance Results Doubles peak data rates Increases downlink capacity Uses more bits per symbol to speed transmission 50% higher downlink peak data rate Doubles uplink data peak rate Increases uplink and downlink capacity

Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC) which includes: o o o o DTX/DRX HS_SCCH Less/HS-SCCH orders New Uplink DPCCH slot format Fractional DPCH (F-DPCH) o o o o

Improves physical layer signaling Improves VoIP capacity Extends talk time by up to 50% Enhances always-on experience

Enhanced CELL_FACH State Operation Table 2: HSPA+ Key Enhancements

o o

Faster cell set up Enhances always-on experience

Higher Order Modulation

In Release 6, HSPA supports 16-QAM modulation (4 bits/symbol) on the downlink and QPSK (2 bits/symbol) on the uplink. HSPA+ introduces 64-QAM on the downlink (6 bits/symbol), which increases the data rates by 50%. On the uplink, 16-QAM doubles data rates from 2 bits per symbol for QPSK to 4 bits per symbol for UEs that are not power limited. Higher-order modulation schemes are sensitive to interference and require a high signal-to-noise ratio. However, higher-order modulation significantly improves the throughput for users in strong coverage areas. As these users receive service quickly and efficiently, Node B has both time and resources to service user equipment (UE) in poor coverage areas. Higher-order modulation complements MIMO in areas where the high signal-to-noise ratio is the result of line-of-sight transmission and the MIMO gain due to scattering is poor.

Figure 1: By increasing the number of bits per symbol from four for 16-QAM to six for 64-QAM, HSPA+ increases downlink throughput by 50%.

Downlink 2x2 MIMO

Downlink 2x2 MIMO increases capacity and data rates by sending two streams of data simultaneously, thus increasing throughput and data rate. With 2x2 MIMO, two antennas transmit the data and two antennas receive the data. To be effective, MIMO needs a high signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver and a profound scattering environment. Scattering is required to ensure that signals arriving at the receiver are uncorrelated. Dense urban environments with few LOS (line of site) opportunities produce the ideal scattering environment. As cells tend to be smaller in dense urban environments, the higher signal-to-noise ratio is also achievable. With 2x2 MIMO, a theoretical peak data rate of 28 Mbps is expected. The MIMO gain applies only to the downlink, no support exists for uplink MIMO. MIMO will not be ubiquitous, but will enhance specific environments where the conditions ensure MIMO gain. MIMO applies only to the HSDSCH.

As it applies to HSPA+, the MIMO implementation is Double Transmit Antenna Array (DTxAA). With D-TxAA, two independent data streams travel simultaneously over the radio channel using the same W-CDMA channel code. With data arriving on two different antennas, the UE must do channel estimation for each radio channel, therefore each transmit antenna sends a different pilot signal. The UE also needs coding information to decode the parallel signals. The High-Speed Shared Control Channel (HS-SCCH) sends this coding information. D-TxAA requires feedback from the UE to assist the base station in selecting the optimum parameters for successful MIMO transmission. The UE sends a Precoding Control Information (PCI), Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) and ACK/NACK information to the Node B via the HS-DPCCH.

Figure 2: MIMO increases throughput by sending two streams of data simultaneously. MIMO and higher-order modulation are both required for maximum data rates, however, simultaneous support of these features is a Release 8 feature. Category 15 (21 Mbps peak data rate) and category 16 (28 Mbps peak data rate) define UEs that support MIMO, but do not support 64-QAM. As stated earlier, categories 17 and 18 support 64-QAM and MIMO, but not simultaneously. Release 8 defines UE categories 19 and 20 for simultaneous MIMO and 64-QAM functionality and theoretical data rates of 42 Mbps.

Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC)

The transfer of data packets is not a constant activity nor is it a periodic function. Periods of activity and inactivity are not predictable and no algorithm can determine when the UE needs to be on and when it can be off. To achieve the always-on experience, Release 7 introduces CPC, a set of functions that allows the maximum amount of time in the CELL_DCH state without compromising the UE battery. CPC consists of two main features, UE DTX/DRX and HS-SCCH-less operation, and several additional features including HS-SCCH orders, a New Uplink DPCCH slot format, and Enhanced Fractional DPCH (F-DPCH).

Synchronized Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) and Discontinuous Reception (DRX) allow the UE to shut off its transmitter and receiver, which improves the UE battery life. DTX and DRX are beneficial for low-rate data applications like VoIP or bursty applications like web browsing, where it is possible to gate off transmission or turn off reception between the data transmissions. Because the UE is off the air during DTX periods (no transmission of the DPCCH), capacity improves due to the reduction of uplink interference at the Node B. In Release 5 HSDPA, the UE monitors the HS-SCCH continuously for downlink data allocations and the receiver is constantly on. In HSPA+, the UE listens only when it needs to based on configurable rules. By switching off the transmitter and receiver, UEs conserve battery power, thus increasing usage time and enhancing the always-on experience of the end user. VoIP produces many small packets and the overhead on the HS-SCCH becomes significant. HS-SCCH-less operation reduces this overhead by removing the HS-SCCH for the first HARQ transmission. UEs using HS-SCCH-less operation decode the downlink data channel without the benefit of the coding format carried on the HS-DSCH. Capacity increases by reducing code usage and the interference associated with the control channel. HS-SCCH orders are small fast commands sent on the HS-SCCH that tell the UE which CPC functions are in effect. A new Uplink DPCCH slot format using only pilot bits and power control bits allows a reduction in DPCCH transmit power because the feedback information (FBI) bits and the transport format combination indicator (TFCI) bits are not sent. Release 6 introduced Fractional DPCH (F-DPCH) to support data-only services. The F-DPCH allows data-only users to code share when transmitting power control information. Code sharing mitigates code limitations; however, the power control bits were restricted to a particular location in the slot. For the power control bits to appear in the correct location, certain timing constraints must be satisfied. These timing constraints reduce the capacity of the F-DPCH to 3-4 users. As CPC significantly increases the number of users, removal of this limitation in Release 7 is mandatory.

Enhanced CELL_FACH and Improved Layer 2 for Downlink

Enhanced CELL_FACH improves support for background traffic such as keep-alive messages and automatic probes and allows twice-as-fast transitions between active and inactive states compared with Release 6. Faster state transitions allow users to setup calls faster and move quickly between inactive and active states. The enhanced Cell_FACH results from moving the paging channel (PCH) and the intermediate Cell_FACH state to the high capacity HSPA channel resulting in reduced latency. Reduced call setup time results when the transition speed from inactive (Cell-PCH) to active (Cell_FACH or Cell_DCH) for both data and voice services are improved. Two functions relieve the limitations associated with Layer 2: the creation of flexible RLC PDU sizes and a new MAC entity called the MAC-ehs, which can support RLC PDU segmentation. Both of these changes allow optimization for the higher data rates supported on the air by HSPA+.

Figure 3: HSPA+ features and their dependencies. Dotted lines indicate that the target function must exist to support the dependent function.

Compatible and Incremental

HSPA+ is forward and backward compatible and it allows operators to derive maximum return from their existing infrastructure and investments. Without MIMO, upgrades do not require new hardware. Due to the compatibility factor, operators can incrementally upgrade their networks, deriving maximum return on investment with each step. HSPA+ is the optimal solution for a 5 MHz carrier and provides similar data and voice capacity as LTE in the 5 MHz block for the same number of antennas. As the specifications evolve, coordination is in progress to ensure that LTE and HSPA+ will successfully interoperate. HSPA+ will become ubiquitous, eventually covering the existing UMTS footprint while LTE will deploy initially in areas requiring additional capacity. Ubiquitous HSPA+ will ensure a consistent user experience anywhere in the network. In the 5 MHz bandwidth, LTE and HSPA+ performance will not be significantly different from the end users perspective.

Where is HSPA+ Today?

HSPA+ first performed publicly at 42 Mbps at CTIA Wireless 2008. Telstra in Australia launched the first commercial HSPA+ in December 2008. Telecom in New Zealand is using HSPA+. CSL Limited, Hong Kongs leading mobile operator, launched an HSPA+ network. Vodafone Portugal, Optimus, and TMN have all launched HSPA+ service in Portugal. Austrian mobile operator A1-mobilcom Austria recently began commercial HSPA+ service in Europe. PCCW, the largest telecom company in Hong Kong, StarHub in Singapore, Telecom Italia, Alfa in Lebanon and Dialog Telekom in Sri Lanka have all announced imminent HSPA+ deployments. AT&T announced its intentions to deploy HSPA+ in 2009 and indicated it will not deploy MIMO. Vodaphone announced that it will upgrade HSPA with software but will not install MIMO. HSPA+ is filling in the UMTS footprint through out the world.

Anritsus HSPA+ Solution

As 3GPP technology evolves, it is critical that test equipment not only evolves but also stays well ahead. Anritsu recognizes that a labs capital investment in test equipment must be preserved and, with that as a goal, has added HSPA+ to the existing product line through hardware and software upgrades. Anritsus modern test platforms are flexible, upgradeable, and ready to run out of the box. Anritsu has made a significant commitment to all 3GPP technologies and is currently focusing not just on HSPA+, but LTE and EDGE evolution as well.

Figure 4: Anritsu's HSPA+ Portfolio

MD8480C Signaling Tester

The MD8480C with Protocol Test System (PTS) and Rapid Test developer (RTD) continues as the flagship base-station simulator for HSPA+ across the full range of testing. From R&D, through integration and regression, to RF and protocol conformance, the MD8480C is ready to test release 7 functions of HSPA+. Increased Peak Data Rate CPC Enhanced Cell FACH L2 improvement CS Voice Over HSPA 64-QAM &16-QAM MIMO X X X X X Lower user plane latency X X X X X X X Cell capacity increase X UE battery life increase X

Table 3: Release 7 HSPA+ Functions Supported by the MD8480C

MT8820B Radio Communication Analyzer

The MT8820B is Anritsus RF parametric testing workhorse with support for all commercial cellular technologies. Developed with UE integration and manufacturing testing in mind, the MT8820B was first to market 14Mbps for Category 12 HSDPA for physical layer throughput and receiver testing. Now the MT8820B provides the first HSPA+ support up to UE category 14. Table 4 shows test cases supported by the MT8820B as specified by 3GPP TS34.121. 3GPP Test Case 5.2E 5.13.2C 6.3B Test Case Description UE Relative Code Domain Power Accuracy for HS-DPCCH and EDCH with 16-QAM Relative Code Domain Error for HS-DPCCH and E-DCH with 16QAM Maximum Input Level for HS-PDSCH Reception (64-QAM)

Table 4: 3GPP Test Cases Supported by the MT8820B

MS269xA Signal Analyzer

The MS269xA is Anritsus high-performance Spectrum Analyzer, Signal Analyzer, and digitizer in a small, lightweight package. The only high performance Signal Analyzer available with an optional Signal Generator, the MS269xA is the ultimate one-box tester for all 3GPP technologies including the HSPA+ uplink and downlink. Included in the WCDMA and HSPA software packages, the HSPA+ analysis software is ready to test the physical layer of HSPA+ components, modules, and UEs.

MG3700A Vector Signal Generator

The MG3700A has the deepest memory and the widest modulation bandwidth on the market today. Using I/Q data files, the MG3700A has the bandwidth and modulation capabilities to produce HSPA+ signals. Using files from simulation tools such as MATLAB or digitized files from the MS269xA, the MG3700A is a welcomed addition to every HSPA+ test bench.

ME7873/4F TRX/RRM Conformance Tester

The ME7873F has been at the forefront of RF conformance testing since becoming the first GCF approved RF test platform in 2005. Continuing its market leading status, the ME7873F will provide WI-069 and WI-070 test case validations in 2009.

Conclusion
HSPA+ puts the plus in HSPA by doubling the data capacity of HSPA. It provides three times more voice capacity by using VoIP and is 100% backwards compatible with all previous W-CDMA based 3GPP standards. Designed to do more than simply coexist with LTE, HSPA+ and LTE enhance and complement one another as HSPA+ provides a clear path to the eventual deployment of LTE. HSPA+ provides mobile broadband with higher data rates, lower latency, faster call set-up time, extended talk time and a true always-on experience. HSPA+ supports downlink peak rates up to 28 Mbps (42 Mbps in 3GPP Release 8) and up to 11 Mbps in the uplink by employing 2x2 MIMO, higher order modulation, CPC, and other enhancements. Anritsus commitment to fast and accurate testing continues with products tailored for HSPA+ measurements. With a portfolio of test equipment that can take products from the design lab to the conformance test lab, Anritsu is ready for HSPA+.

Anritsu

HSPA+ White Paper 2009 0723