Differential encoding based synchronization estimation for OFDM system

A novel synchronization estimator is proposed for differential encoding orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Exploiting differential encoding, our synchronization estimator is carried out with a cost function which is independent of channel knowledge. Using only one specially designed training symbol and differential encoding, the algorithm can efficiently estimate frequency offset. The timing offset can also be obtained by using the special structure of training symbol. More importantly, it is able to achieve reliable synchronization estimation by using only two received data blocks, which makes it very attractive especially for short burst communications. The simulation results show that, the proposed algorithm not only reduces the number of the training symbols but also improve the accuracy of frequency offset estimation, while compared with conventional algorithms.