WCDMA PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel Explained

This page describes the PDSCH, or Physical Downlink Shared Channel, with respect to the WCDMA/UMTS system.

The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) is used to carry the Downlink Shared Channel (DSCH) transport channel and is shared by users based on code multiplexing. As the DSCH is always associated with one or several DCHs, the PDSCH is always associated with one or several downlink DPCHs. It is responsible to transmit user data from base station (i.e. NodeB) to multiple UEs simultaneously.

WCDMA PDSCH functions

• PDSCH carries DSCH to deliver user specific data in the downlink.
• It employs code multiplexing to allow multiple users to share same physicak channel efficiently. Data of each of these users are differentiated based on their unique codes.
• PDSCH works along with DPCCH to manage control information and to ensure synchronized communication.