The implementation of a CDMA system on a FPGA-based software radio.

Abstract

This dissertation exammes two of the rlsing technologies in the world of wireless, cellular communications - CDMA and the software radio. This thesis covers many of the issues related to these two emerging field s of wireless communications, establish ing a theoretical framework for the broader issues of implementation. To this end, the thesis covers many of the basic issues of spread spectrum communications, in addition to establishing the need for, and defining the role of, the software radio. Amalgamation of these two key areas of interest is embellished in a presentation of many of the concerns of implementing a specific CDMA system on a particular type of software radio - the Alcatel Altech Telecomms Flexible Radio Platform. Of primary concern in the research methodology embraced in this thesis is the mastering of a variety of analysis and implementation tools. Once the theoretical background has been substantiated by current expositions, the thesis launches along a highly deterministic route. First, the research issues are tested in a mathematical environment for suitability to the given task. Second, an analysis of the appropriateness of the technique for the software radio environment is undertaken, culminating in the attempted deployment within the hardware environmenl. Rigorous testing of the input/output mapping characteristics of the hardware instantiations created in this manner complements the research methodology with a viability study. This procedure is repeated with many elements of the CDMA system design as they are examined, simu lated, deployed and tested.