A new algorithm for fast synchronization in a burst mode PSK demodulator

In burst mode communication systems rapid carrier and clock synchronization is essential. The authors propose a dedicated algorithm for initial estimation of synchronization parameters in a PSK demodulator which works in a single channel per carrier (SCPC) mode. The algorithm is based on a very short special carrier preamble modulated by a known pattern, which allows the reference parameters to be estimated simultaneously and directly. The algorithm was implemented, together with the whole PSK demodulator, on a Texas Instruments TMS320C31 digital signal processor (DSP). Since the demodulator is entirely digital and thanks to its implementation by means of low power VLSI technology it is suitable for portable communication applications.