What is a Subcarrier in LTE?

In LTE (Long-Term Evolution), a subcarrier is a narrowband frequency component used in OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) for data transmission. Each subcarrier carries part of the transmitted data, and multiple subcarriers together form the LTE signal.

How Are Subcarriers Used in LTE?

1.       Data Transmission:

• Carries modulation symbols (QPSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM).
• Multiple subcarriers send parallel data streams.

2.       Reference Signals (RS):

• Some subcarriers are used for channel estimation.

3.       Control Channels:

• Certain subcarriers carry PDCCH, PBCH, PCFICH, and PUCCH.

4.       Synchronization Signals:

• PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal) and SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal) use specific subcarriers.

Common Issues & Debugging Using QXDM:-