Robust Time Synchronization Scheme Combating Frequency Offset for IEEE 802.16a OFDM Systems

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a promising technology for the next generation high-speed wireless communication. However, carrier frequency offset (CFO) induced by Doppler frequency drift and mismatch of the transceivers oscillators influences the time synchronization for OFDM systems. In this paper a robust time synchronization scheme compatible to IEEE 802.16a specification is proposed. It uses the symmetrical cross-correlation structure to eliminate the impact of frequency offset totally and to capture the accurate starting position of the FFT windows rapidly. Computer simulations demonstrate that the synchronization scheme is very efficient in combating large CFO