Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Timing Synchronization in Multi-Band Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Ultra-Wideband Systems

Problem statement: MB-OFDM UWB systems have attractive features and received a great attention. It has the capability of sending/receiving data at rates in access of 100 Mbits sec^-1. Owing to the sensitivity of OFDM systems to synchronization errors, a fast synchronization algorithm is required to discern for the start of OFDM symbol. Existing approaches to OFDM time synchronization rely on their proposed preamble. Approach: In this study, a comprehensive algorithm for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) timing synchronization suitable for Multi-Band OFDM Ultra-Wideband (MB-OFDM UWB) systems was proposed. Firstly, we proposed a technique for packet detection in the multi-band scenario. Secondly, a new timing metric for timing synchronization is proposed. Then, we propose a technique for frame synchronization. Finally, time frequency code identification and low-complexity timing refinement technique was proposed. Results: The performance of the timing synchronization (coarse synchronization and timing refinement) is evaluated in terms of Mean Squared Error (MSE) in MB-OFDM UWB Channel Models (CM1, CM2, CM3 and CM4). It was found that the proposed method performs better than existing approaches. Conclusion: A suitable timing synchronization steps for MB-OFDM UWB systems was proposed. The proposed method can be applied on any preamble signal.