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1 Overview
AMR audio codec is a patented speech coding scheme adopted by the 3GPP as the standard
codec for UMTS. Channel encoding for AMR voice services uses convolutional codes. The
Viterbi algorithm is used by most vendors and previous Huawei products. In RAN14.0,
Huawei introduces the AMR Voice Quality Improvement Based on PLVA feature to decode
convolutional codes. The PLVA algorithm outperforms the Viterbi algorithm. Because both
voice and signaling use convolutional codes for channel encoding, the PLVA algorithm can
improve the voice service quality without affecting power control or compromising system
capacity. The feature introduces more robustness to the voice service which is more noticeable
in poor radio condition, and improves the uplink coverage for signaling on the DCH.
The AMR Voice Quality Improvement Based on PLVA feature does not depend on any other
feature and can be used with any other feature.
2 Technical Description
2.1 AMR Speech Encoding and Decoding
AMR is a speech coding standard widely used in the GSM and UMTS communications systems. At the UMTS
physical layer, convolutional codes are used to perform channel encoding for AMR voice services and power control
is used to ensure AMR voice quality.
Figure 2-1 Channel encoding and power control for UMTS AMR voice services in the uplink
Figure 2-2 Channel encoding for classes A, B, and C of narrowband AMR services
Figure 2-2
Figure 2-1
As shown in Figure 2-6, CRC is performed on the AMR voice data of class A and therefore the data can be
decoded using the PLVA. The mean opinion score (MOS) of class A AMR voice data is improved by reducing
the BLER. CRC is not performed on classes B and C AMR voice data and therefore classes B and C AMR
voice data can only be decoded by using the Viterbi algorithm. The PLVA exports and sends the decoded data,
Viterbi CRCI, and PLVA CRCI to the RNC. The Viterbi CRCI is used for OLPC. The PLVA CRCI serves as
the BFI, indicating whether a speech frame is erroneous.
This dual-CRCI mechanism does not affect power control. In addition, the performance of the AMR voice
data of class A is improved, maximizing the speech quality. Note that this feature decreases the uplink BLER
and improves the MOS of AMR voice service by using PLVA, and it has no impact on the downlink.
3 Network Impact
System Capacity
No impact.
Network Performance
This feature increases MOSs of AMR voice services which are more noticeable in areas with poor coverage, and improves
the uplink coverage for signaling on the DCH.
4 Activation Observation
The VS.PLVA.User counter informs operators of the number of UEs using this feature. If the value of VS.PLVA.User
counter is not 0, this feature is effective.
5 Performance Monitoring
The gain produced by this feature is reflected by a noticeable increase in the MOS. Take 12.2 kbit/s AMR voice services as an
example. In the uplink simulations, if the BLER is 1%, the MOS is increased by about 0.08; if the BLER is greater than 10%,
the MOS is increased by about 0.35. (The BLER increase is generally caused by UE power limitation, fast channel change, or
strong interference.) In addition, the MOS increase is generally the same under different channel fading conditions.
Figure 5-1 describes the MOS comparison for AMR 12.2k voice (Simulation Result in the uplink).
Figure 5-1 MOS comparison for AMR 12.2k voice (simulation result in the uplink)
Fixed-point test in the lab and drive test are available, which are described as follows:
•Fixed-point test in the lab
To conduct a fixed-point test in the lab, perform the following steps:
1.Deactivate this feature and calculate the MOS.
2.Under the same conditions, reactivate this feature and calculate the MOS in the same way.
The MOS gain is obtained by the average value calculated in step 2 minus that calculated in step 1. The MOS gain is about
0.2.
•Drive test
To conduct a drive test in the lab, perform the following steps:
1.Determine a test route, deactivate this feature, and calculate the MOS.
2.Under the same conditions, reactivate this feature and calculate the
MOS in the same route.
The MOS gain is obtained by the average value calculated in step 2
minus that calculated in step 1. The MOS gain is over 0.1.
License Control
Feature ID Feature Name NE Sales Unit
Item
Summary ::
•Average MOS increase by 0.02 value for both RNC’s- from 4.045 to 4.060 & from 4.047 to
4.062 for HARNCH01 & RRRNCH02 respectively.
•The Percentage sample in Excellent range increase by 3% From 88.31% to 91.37% & from
88.83% to 91.76% for HARNCH01 & RRRNCH02 respectively.
(5, 4) = Excellent
(4, 3) = Good
(3, 2) = Accept
(2, 1) = Poor
(1, 0) = Bad