Low-complexity frequency synchronization for GSM systems: Algorithms and implementation

Carrier frequency synchronization of a mobile station (MS) is a crucial task at the beginning of the cell selection procedure and during normal operation. Constant monitoring of the base-stations surrounding the MS requires robust synchronization concepts with low computational complexity. In the GSM standard, periodically transmitted frequency correction bursts (FB) provide the necessary information for synchronization. This paper presents a combined low-complexity approach for FB detection and carrier frequency estimation, which achieves high detection probability and frequency estimation accuracy. A thorough performance assessment on a GSM/EGPRS2 testbed proves the suitability of the corresponding FPGA hardware implementation.