An efficient frequency offset estimator for timing and frequency synchronization in OFDM systems

Abstract

In this paper, by modifying a conventional method which requires two training symbols, we propose a timing and frequency synchronization algorithm for OFDM systems which requires one training symbol. While the frame/symbol timing is obtained by using the conventional method, the carrier frequency offset is efficiently estimated by the proposed method. Key features of the proposed method are presented in terms of missing probability and estimation error variance of the carrier frequency offset estimator in AWGN and frequency selective fading channels. It is shown that the proposed method not only reduces the number of training symbols but also possesses better performance than the conventional method without increased complexity.