Cell Search procedure in WCDMA

Cell Search procedure:

During the cell search, the mobile station searches for a cell and determines the downlink scrambling code and common channel frame synchronization of that cell. The cell search is typically carried out in three steps: slot synchronization; frame synchronization and code-group identification; and scrambling-code identification.

Step 1: Slot synchronization.

During the first step of the cell search procedure, the mobile station uses the SCH’s primary synchronization code to acquire slot synchronization to a cell. This can be done with a single matched filter matched to the primary synchronization code that is common to all cells.

Step 2: Frame synchronization and code-group identification.

During the second step of the cell search procedure, the mobile station uses the SCH’s secondary synchronization code to find frame synchronization and identify the code group of the cell found in the first step. This is done by correlating the received signal with all possible secondary synchronization code sequences and identifying the maximum correlation value. Because the cyclic shifts of the sequences are unique, the code group and the frame synchronization are determined.

Step 3: Scrambling-code identification.

During the third and last step of the cell search procedure, the mobile station determines the exact primary scrambling code used by the found cell. The primary scrambling code is typically identified through symbol-by-symbol correlation over the CPICH with all codes within thecode group identified in the second step. Afterthe primary scrambling code has been identified; the primary CCPCH can be detected. And the system- and cell specific BCH information can be read.