GSM vs DCS vs PDC: A Comparative Overview

This page will break down the differences between GSM, DCS, and PDC standards, providing a clear understanding of each.

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communication. DCS is short for Digital Communication System. PDC means Personal Digital Cellular. Let’s dive into the specifics of each.

GSM

Here are the key features of the GSM standard:

• Mobile Frequency Range (MHz):
  • GSM 850: 869 to 894 (Rx) & 824 to 849 (Tx)
  • GSM 900: 925 to 960 (Rx) & 880 to 915 (Tx)
  • DCS 1800: 1805 to 1880 (Rx) & 1710 to 1785 (Tx)
  • PCS 1900: 1930 to 1990 (Rx) & 1850 to 1910 (Tx)
• Duplex Scheme: FDD (Frequency Division Duplex)
• Multiple Access Technique: TDMA/FDM (Time Division Multiple Access/Frequency Division Multiplexing)
• Number of Channels: 124
• Number of Users per Channel: 8
• Spacing between RF Channels: 200 KHz
• Modulation Type: GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) with 0.3 Gaussian filter, 8 PSK for EDGE/EGPRS (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution/Enhanced GPRS)
• Channel Data Bit Rate: 270.833 Kbps

DCS

Let’s look at the characteristics of the DCS standard:

• Mobile Frequency Range (MHz): 1805 to 1880 (Receive) and 1710 to 1785 (Transmit)
• Duplex Scheme: FDD
• Multiple Access Technique: TDMA/FDM
• Number of Channels: 374
• Spacing between RF Channels: 200 KHz
• Modulation Type: GMSK with 0.3 Gaussian filtering
• Channel Data Bit Rate: 270.833 Kbps

PDC

Now, let’s explore the features of the PDC standard:

• Mobile Frequency Range (MHz):
  • 810 to 826 (Receive) & 940 to 956 (Transmit)
  • 1429 to 1453 (Receive) & 1477 to 1501 (Transmit)
• Duplex Scheme: FDD
• Multiple Access Technique: TDMA/FDM
• Number of Channels: 1600
• Number of Users per Channel: 3
• Spacing between RF Channels: 25 KHz
• Modulation Type: pi/4 DQPSK (Differential Quadrature Phase Shift Keying)
• Channel Data Bit Rate: 42 Kbps