Performance of RAKE Reception with Decision Aided Channel Estimation Using the UMTS P-CPICH

Abstract

A decision aided (DA) scheme is proposed in order to estimate the complex channel coefficients (needed for coherent combining in a RAKE receiver) using the UMTS downlink primary common pilot channel (P-CPICH). Thus, the rough estimates resulted after descrambling the corresponding signal are further refined by way of the above mentioned DA scheme. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to comparatively assess the performance of maximal ratio combining (MRC) and equal gain combining (EGC) RAKE reception, underlining the optimal choice of DA parameters.