AMR VOICE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT BASED ON PLVA

Feature Implementation Final Report

AMR Voice Quality improvement Based on PLVA – Trial
Introduction

AMR Voice Quality Improvement Based on PLVA feature as an improvement to the

Viterbi algorithm method of decoding to decode convolutional codes. Because both
voice and signaling use convolutional codes for channel encoding, the PLVA algorithm
can improve the voice service quality and user experience without affecting power
control or system capacity.

This feature introduces more robustness to voice services in weak coverage scenarios
and its impact is more in the area with higher BLER.

The AMR Voice Quality Improvement Based on PLVA feature does not depend on other
features and can be used in conjunction with other features.
 AMR Speech Decoding Using the PLVA:
In Viterbi Algorithm only the most optimal patch is used during the
decoding procedure, where as in PLVA instead of selecting only the
most optimal path, the PLVA selects the top N (N is 4 in this document)
optimal paths and performs CRC on the data decoded on these paths.

The PLVA only exports data that passes the CRC. If the data decoded
on these paths fails the CRC, the PLVA exports the data decoded on
the most optimal path, which is the same path selected by the Viterbi
algorithm.

The PLVA outperforms the Viterbi algorithm because it chooses the

data decoded on multiple paths, which include the optimal one
selected by the Viterbi algorithm. Therefore, when the data decoded
by the Viterbi algorithm is correct, the data decoded by the PLVA is
also correct. However, when the data decoded by the PLVA is correct,
the data decoded by the Viterbi algorithm is not necessarily correct
because there are occasions when the data decoded on the optimal
path is incorrect whereas the data decoded on other paths selected by
the PLVA is correct. In simulations where the PLVA selects four paths,
the signal-o-noise ratio (SNR) is 0.2 to 0.8 dB greater than that
produced by the Viterbi algorithm.
Area Selection/Testing Methodology

▪ For this purpose area selected where there is highest BLER rate and
lowest VQI
▪ Testing was done using following methodology (Fixed Point Testing)
▪ Long Call (Only at 1 point ) – 5 Mins
▪ Short call At every point : 1 min calls with 20s interval

▪ Testing was done using following methodology (Drive test)

▪ Long Call (Only at 1 point ) – 50 Mins
▪ Short call At every point : 1 min calls with 20s interval
 KPIs Benchmark
Significant improvement is observed in VQI Excellent and same percentage is reduced from VQI Good as expected. All major KPIs are
following normal trend.
 KPIs Benchmark
Significant improvement is observed in VQI Excellent and same percentage is reduced from VQI Good as expected. All major KPIs are
following normal trend.
Fixed Point Testing Benchmark
Almost 14 percent improvement is observed in MOS in
static testing

Overall MOS has been improved

Drive Testing Benchmark
MOS 4 to 4.5 has been improved up to 19%
in Long call and 50% improved in short call.
Overall MOS has been improved in both
long and Short call
MTC Avg. MOS
Scenarios
Pre Test Post Test
3G Locked Long Call 3.68 3.72
3G Locked Short Call 3.40 3.96

PRE LONG CALL POST LONG CALL PRE SHORT CALL POST SHORT CALL
Conclusion

▪ After implementing this feature, Significant improvement is observed in

statistical results as well as in field testing results with no degradation in
any of the KPI.
▪ It is recommended to carpet this feature for voice quality improvement in
the network.
Thank You