A synchronization algorithm based on cyclostationarity and pilots in OFDM systems

The range of the frequency offset estimation algorithms using pilots only proposed in earlier papers is limited unless initial acquisition is assisted. So in this paper, we propose a new, semi-blind algorithm based on pilots and cyclostationarity. First, the cyclostationarity of the OFDM signal which contains pilots is proved. Then the algorithm for estimating the carrier frequency offset based on the cyclic autocorrelation function of the cyclostationary signal is proposed. Compared with those algorithms using pilots directly, this new algorithm can get larger frequency offset estimation up to half of the bandwidth of the OFDM system without initial acquisition, and the symbol timing can be estimated as well.