A Novel Timing and Frequency Offset Estimation Scheme for OFDM Systems

A novel structure of training symbol is proposed for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. With the proposed training symbol, which has repeated sample blocks and a sign pattern on each block, both timing offset and frequency offset estimations can be obtained. In particular, the frequency synchronization is accomplished using two successive stages to obtain both the fractional and integral parts of frequency offset with an estimation range of plusmnN/4 sub-carrier spacing. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the performance of the proposed scheme is, in most of the investigated cases, substantially superior to the traditional schemes, or has negligible differences. In addition, the proposed synchronization mechanism has a relatively low system complexity, making a good comprise between performance and complexity.