Sparse Code Multiple Access, SCMA basics

With SCMA, different incoming data streams to be transmitted are directly mapped
to code-words of different multi-dimensional cookbooks, where each code-word re
presents a spread transmission layer. This is effectively how the CDMA works
In this way the multiple data streams can share the same time-frequency resource
s of OFDMA signal.
The sparsity of code-words makes the near-optimal detection feasible through the
iterative use of a Message Passing Algorithm, MPA.
In SCMA, coded bits are directly mapped to multi-dimensional sparse code-words s
elected from layer-specific SCMA codebooks.
SCMA enables overloading of the number of devices used. This occurs when the num
ber of overlaid layers exceeds the code-word length. However the low complexity
of multi-layer detection enables excessive code-word overloading.
As a result of the optimization of the overloading factor along with modulation-
coding levels of layers, the system provides a more flexible and efficient link-
adaptation mechanism.
Additionally, the signal spreading feature of SCMA can improve link-adaptation a
s a result of less coloured interference.
The complexity of detection of SCMA is controlled by two main factors:
The sparseness level of SCMA code-words.
The use of multidimensional constellations with a low number of projection point
s per dimension.
SCMA advantages
Sparse code multiple access, SCMA is a multiple access that promises some signif
icant advantages. It is able to support large levels of connectivity, it provide
s reduced transmission latency and it is also able to provide energy saving.