Deep Learning-based Data-aided Activity Detection with Extraction Network in Grant-free Sparse Code Multiple Access Systems

Abstract: This letter proposes a deep learning-based data-aided active user detection network (D-AUDN) for grant-free sparse code multiple access (SCMA) systems that leverages both SCMA codebook and Zadoff-Chu preamble for activity detection. Due to disparate data and preamble distribution as well as codebook collision, existing D-AUDNs experience performance degradation when multiple preambles are associated with each codebook. To address this, a user activity extraction network (UAEN) is integrated within the D-AUDN to extract a-priori activity information from the codebook, improving activity detection of the associated preambles. Additionally, efficient SCMA codebook design and Zadoff-Chu preamble association are considered to further enhance performance.