The LTE program within the Qualcomm Research Center (QRC) is focused on research of techniques that enhance the performance of LTE (Long Term Evolution). The LTE team has consistently been one of the top contributors to the LTE standards process in 3GPP. In addition to the focus on enhancing the capabilities of the currently defined LTE systems, the LTE program is also involved in leading edge research into the next generation LTE systems (LTE-Advanced). For example, the team has been researching in wide range of areas including coordinated multipoint processing, advanced interference management techniques, and optimized operation of low power nodes such as Pico, Relay and femtocell nodes.
In addition to system design and active participation in LTE standardization in 3GPP, the LTE team in QRC has developed a spec compliant prototype system including eNodeB and UEs. This testbed allows for over-the-air validation and optimization of the proposed enhancements. Moreover, the LTE program, in collaboration with a leading infrastructure vendor, was one of the first to demonstrate a standard compliant over-the-air LTE system (Sept-2008 R8 version) at 2009 Mobile World Congress – a crucial step towards commercialization of LTE.
