Optimal Power Allocation for SCMA Downlink Systems Based on Maximum Capacity

Sparse code multiple access (SCMA) is a novel type of non-orthogonal multiple access technology that combines the concepts of CDMA and OFDMA. The advantages of SCMA include high capacity, low time delay, and high date rate. In this paper, a power allocation algorithm is proposed for SCMA downlink systems where each tone is taken by more than one user to maximize the system’s sum capacity. In SCMA systems, users are divided into different user groups. Thus, our proposed algorithm includes three-level power allocation. Since the power allocation problem is non-convex, the complexity of finding the optimal solutions is prohibitive. The Lagrange dual decomposition method is employed to efficiently solve the non-convex optimization problem. Results show that the optimized algorithm can significantly improve the sum capacity.