Multi-dwell architectures for DS-CDMA code acquisition in fading channels

The problem of code synchronization for CDMA cellular networks, such as IS-95 or cdma2000, is addressed. A multi-dwell testing procedure is adopted and optimized in multiple dimensions. The effects of correlated fading, inter-chip interference, frequency offset, multiple-access interference, and noise are taken into account in the determination of false alarm and detection probabilities. Numerical and simulation results, in terms of time for correct acquisition, confirm the accuracy of the proposed approach and show the definitive advantage of multi-dwell architectures.