A new timing synchronization and cell search procedure resistant to carrier frequency offsets for 3GPP-LTE downlink

A timing synchronization and cell search procedure for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP-LTE) standard is proposed. First, initial timing detection utilizing the secondary synchronization signal (SSS) is performed and the fractional carrier frequency offset (FCFO) is compensated. Second, joint synchronization based on primary synchronization signal (PSS) and integer carrier frequency offset (ICFO) compensation is conducted. At the final step, SSS detection is conducted and the physical-layer cell identity (Cell-ID) is derived. This procedure proves to be effective at combating carrier frequency offsets and has low computational complexity. The lack of clear advantages of detecting PSS as the first step in the timing procedure makes one ponder reasons for the current signal arrangement in the LTE standard.