A robust frame synchronization scheme for Broadband Power-line Communication

In this paper, several frame synchronization schemes is examined under the scenario of Broadband Power-line Communication (BPL) with their merits and demerits illustrated. A method, mainly based on algorithm proposed by Minn with modification, is proposed and simulated under channels proposed by Open PLC European Research Alliance (OPERA). Threshold is set according to simulations for frame synchronization as well as Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) identification. The proposed estimator has a RMS (Root Mean Square) of start point estimation three orders lower at least in comparison with legacy Schmidl and Cox estimator. Optimization schemes are also proposed to increase the hardware efficiency for the estimator. As much as 75% multiplications could be saved with only a slight degradation in estimation accuracy for the proposed estimator.