Frame synchronization for PSAM on Rayleigh fading channels

Pilot symbol assisted modulation (PSAM) is a method to reduce the effects of fading in mobile communications by periodically inserting known symbols in the data stream. The receiver uses these pilot symbols to derive its amplitude and phase reference. One aspect of this procedure which has not received much attention in the literature is the method used by the receiver to locate the pilot symbols. This paper satisfies that need by investigating optimum and sub-optimum frame synchronization techniques for the case of an M-QAM data symbol set and a PSK pilot sequence.