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A Data-Aided Symbol Timing and Frequency Offset Estimation Algorithm for OFDM Systems

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Abstract

In this paper the problem of data-aided symbol timing and frequency offset estimation in OFDM systems is considered. A synchronization scheme based on a pilot symbol containing two identical parts obtained by transmitting BPSK data symbols on the even subcarriers and setting zero on the remaining subcarriers is proposed. In this case, if the number of subcarriers is sufficiently large, the pilot symbol can be modeled as a noncircular (NC) complex Gaussian random vector (CGRV). By exploiting the joint probability density function of NC-CGRVs, the joint maximum likelihood estimator for the parameters of interest is derived. Since its implementation complexity is high, a simpler synchronization scheme is obtained. Moreover, refined symbol timing and frequency offset estimators, that assure relevant performance in multipath channels, are proposed.

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Correspondence to T. Fusco.

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T. Fusco was born in Naples, Italy, on March 22, 1977. She received the Dr. Eng. degree (summa cum laude) in electronic engineering from the Second University of Napoli in 2002. Since November 2002 she has been a Ph.D. student at the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering of the University of Napoli Federico II. Her current research and study interests lie in the area of statistical signal processing, with emphasis on parameter estimation problems in the context of OFDM communications.

M. Tanda was born in Aversa, Italy, on July 15, 1963. He received the Dr. Eng. degree (summa cum laude) in electronic engineering in 1987 and the Ph.D. degree in electronic and computer engineering in 1992, both from the University of Napoli Federico II. Since 1995, he has been an Appointed Professor of Signal Theory an the University of Napoli Fe-de-ri-co II. Moreover, he has been an Appointed Professor of Electrical Communications (from 1996 until 1997) and Telecommunication Systems (from 1997) at the Second University of Napoli. He is currently Associate Professor of Signal Theory at the University of Napoli Federico II. His research activity is in the area of signal detection and estimation, multicarrier, and multiple access communication systems.

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Fusco, T., Tanda, M. A Data-Aided Symbol Timing and Frequency Offset Estimation Algorithm for OFDM Systems. Wireless Pers Commun 35, 201–212 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-005-8749-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-005-8749-3

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