Decoder-assisted noncoherent frame synchronization for burst OFDM-based packet transmission

This paper proposes a noncoherent decoder-assisted (NDA) frame synchronization methodology for OFDM packets using the list-synchronization technique [MMK Howlander et al., 2001] for serially concatenated coded differential modulation (SCCD) systems [KR Narayanan et al, 1999], where a conventional MMSE rule based on the supplementary guard interval [M Speth et al., 1998] synchronizer in the time domain generates a list of most probable packet starting positions, and the following synchronizer makes a refined decision. The second synchronizer is decoder-assisted, accepting soft-decision from the decoder in the frequency domain based on the combination of choosing and discarding technique. Preliminary simulation results of the proposed scheme are provided to demonstrate the methodology