HSDPA Max data rate is 14.4 Mbps.How it is calculated?

Most people are aware that the theoretical maximum for HSDPA is 14.4Mbps, so lets see how
we reach 14.4Mbps:

n UMTS, in each slot the maximum number of bits transmitted is 2560. The correct term to use
is chips rather than bits. If you want to know where this 2560 comes from or why chips then
please refer 3GPP TS 25.211

There are 15 slots per 10ms frame so since the TTI for HSDPA is 2ms, there will be 3 slots. So
there will be a total of 7680 chips.
QPSK has 2 bits per symbol = 7680 * 2 chips for 2ms = 15360 chips/2ms = 15360 * 1000 /2
chips per second

Now the SF is fixed at 16

= (15360 * 1000) / (2 * 16)

= 480 Kbps

Terminal that uses 15 QPSK codes will get 480 * 15 = 7.2Mbps

On other hand 16 QAM will have 4 bits per symbol so the rate would be 7.2 * 2 = 14.4Mbps

Other Way to calculate is:-

As you know BW is 3.84mcps.

And SF is fixed to 16 in HSDPA so for 1 code it will come at 3.84*10^6 / 16

Now, if a UE uses 5 codes simultaneously then 5*3.84*10^6/16=1.2*10^6 symbol/sec

For QPSK 1sym=2bit then ;

1.2*10^6 symbol/sec*2bit/sym=2.4 Mbps

For 16QAM 1sym=4bit then ;

1.2*10^6 symbol/sec*4bit/sym=4.8 Mbps
How 14.4 Mbps derived in HSDPA?

In Rel 5, HSDPA theoretical data rate is 14.4 Mbps.

lets have a look at how this data rate is achieved.

In W-CDMA, the chip rate that is being used is 3.84Mcps. That is equal to 3840000 Chips per
second. For HSDPA the default spreading factor, SF=16. So for sending one bit, 16 bits will be
send. This is done inorder to spread the signla in 5Mhz bandwidth.

Assume that the codecs are using 16QAM modulation scheme, so while sending one symbol, we
effectively sending 4 bits. Now lets have a look at the below shown equation.

HSDPA Data rate = ((No: of chips transmitted in one sec / Spreading factor) * No of bits
transmitted in one symbol)) * Number of Scrambling codes that can be decoded by the mobile
(UE)
Here No: of chips transmitted in one sec = 384000
Spreading factor = 16
No of bits transmitted in one symbol = 4 (if 16 QAM is being used.)
Number of PDSCH Channels a UE can simultaneously listen =15.

Now just perform the simple math, andHSDPA data rate = (( 384000/ 16 )*4)15 = 1440000 i.e is
14.4Mbps.

Assume that QPSK modulation scheme is used in the codecs, so no of bits per symbol will
become 2, and the HSDPA data rate will be 7.2 Mbps.
No of PDSCH channels a UE can listen depends upto the Physical layer category of the UE.
A Cat 15 UE can liasten upto 15 PDSCH channels simultaneously, and there by it can attain a
max of 14.4 Mbps.

Additional Information:
In Rel 7 onwards 64 QAM is also implemented. Then 6 bits can be transmitted in each symbol.
Thereby attaining a data rate of 21.6 Mbps [ (( 384000/ 16 )*6)15 ]
For more info regarding UMTS Ch9ip rates please refer 3Gpp spec – 25.211.