Forward & Reverse Link Measurements With The Tektronix WCA200A Series Wireless Communication Analyzers

Summary
The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) specification provides an important pathway to third-generation (3G) global wireless communication systems. The current cdma2000 evolved from the cdmaOne standard under the guidance of the Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2). Originating in North America, cdma2000 technology was quickly adopted around the globe and became the first third-generation technology to be deployed.

This application note addresses only the cdma2000 1xEV-DO (EVolution-Data Optimized) phase and discusses the use of the Tektronix WCA200A Series Wireless Communication Analyzer to make forward and reverse link measurements.

cdma2000 is being introduced in three phases. The first phase (cdma2000 1X) supports 128 Walsh codes for data communications on a single existing 1.25 MHz cdmaOne carrier. The chip rate is 1.2288 Mcps, which is exactly the same as the earlier cdmaOne IS-95 rate. The second phase includes cdma2000 1xEV-DO and 1xEV-DV, which use an additional time domain component to increase data rates within a 1.25 MHz carrier and provide high rate data packet services to meet the demands of high speed web or mail downloading. The third phase (CDMA-3X) specifies 256 Walsh codes and accommodates three adjacent 1.25 MHz carriers (to remain backward compatible with cdmaOne).