On the effect of random snapshot timing jitter on the covariance matrix for JADE estimation

In this paper, we focus on joint multipath angle and delay estimation (JADE) in an OFDM communication setting. We analyse the effect of Gaussian random snapshot (OFDM symbol) timing jitter on the spatio-frequency sample covariance matrix containing delay and direction information. This sample covariance matrix is an input to the JADE and many other algorithms for signal parameter estimation. The analysis suggests a simple way to compensate for the jitter in the sample covariance matrix. We also present two simple methods for estimating the jitter variance, allowing its compensation. These techniques attempt to restore the low rank nature or other structure in the signal contribution. We then finally present some simulations for the resulting estimation quality of the multipath delays (ToAs) and angles (AoAs) of the incoming signals.