CDMA Systems Using Zero Correlation Zone Code

Zero-Correlation-Zone (ZCZ) codes differ from traditional spreading codes because they contain a region in their correlation functions where the correlation values are null. In these regions the spreading codes are considered ideal, and because of the ZCZ the inter-symbol interference (ISI) and multiple-access interference (MAI) are reduced leading to an increase in capacity and bitrate. This thesis will present a study of ZCZ codes and then will propose a new CDMA system that employs the use of ZCZ codes in particular Loosely Synchronous (LS) codes. This new system shall have its performance compared with an equivalent existing CDMA system (IS-95) and the results shall be shown and discussed. In this comparative study the thesis will also present and examine a tracking performance comparison between ZCZ codes and a traditional spreading code such as m-sequences. It is shown that the performance of the new CDMA system employing ZCZ codes outperforms the traditional CDMA system in a multi-user multipath environment. It is also found that based on the study performed there appears to be no advantage in tracking between a ZCZ code and m-sequences however a more comprehensive study in a multi-user environment is still needed before a conclusion on tracking can be made.