Frame detection based on cyclic autocorrelation and constant false alarm rate in burst communication systems

Frame detection is important in burst communication systems for its contributions in frame synchronization. It locates the information bits in the received data stream at receivers. To realize frame detection in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and frequency offset, a constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detector is proposed through exploitation of cyclic autocorrelation feature implied in the preamble. The frame detection can be achieved prior to bit timing recovery. The threshold setting is independent of the signal level and noise level by utilizing CFAR method. Mathematical expressions is derived in AWGN channel by considering the probability of false alarm and probability of detection, separately. Given the probability of false alarm, the mathematical relationship between the frame detection performance and E_b/N₀ of received signals is established. Experimental results are also presented in accordance with analysis.