Low-complexity blind synchronization and demodulation for (ultra-)wideband multi-user ad hoc access

Synchronization is a performance-critical factor in most communication systems: from classical narrowband and emerging (ultra) wideband (UWB) point-to-point links to cooperative or ad hoc networking, where access must deal with multi-user interference (MUI) and possibly severe intersymbol interference (ISI). For universal applicability to all these scenarios, we develop a blind synchronization and demodulation scheme which relies on intermittent transmission of nonzero mean symbols. These enable MUI- and ISI-resilient timing acquisition via energy detection and low-complexity demodulation by matching to a synchronized aggregate template (SAT). The resultant SAT receiver offers distinct advantages over RAKE, has low-complexity and lends itself naturally to decision-directed enhancements. Its blind operation nicely fits the requirements of multi-user ad hoc access and its ability to handle ISI is particularly attractive for UWB communications. Analytical performance evaluation and simulations testing our novel scheme in UWB settings confirm its high potential for deployment