Joint frame synchronization and frequency offset estimation in OFDM systems

A new joint frame synchronization and carrier frequency offset estimation scheme in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is proposed in this paper, where both frame synchronization and carrier frequency offset estimation can be performed by using only ONE training symbol. Frame synchronization and carrier frequency offset acquisition are performed simultaneously in the proposed scheme. Reliable frame synchronization is obtained in the proposed scheme even in low SNR. The maximum carrier frequency offset acquisition range of the proposed scheme can be up to one half of the total signal bandwidth. The same training symbol can also be utilized to carrier frequency offset Fine Adjustment, which estimates the remaining carrier frequency offset after acquisition with higher accuracy. The performance comparison of the proposed Fine Adjustment algorithm and Schmidl´s algorithm by using computer simulation illustrates and verify the superior performance of the proposed algorithm with regard to estimation accuracy.