On the architecture of a robust multi-path searcher for WCDMA systems

A robust multi-path searcher for the 3GPP WCDMA system is proposed in this paper. In the proposed multi-path searcher, a fast searcher quickly estimates the multi-path delays. A sounding system and a novel path-selection algorithm enhance the reliability of the output path delays. According to the simulation results, the multi-path searcher can detect the signal power fast even if the multi-path delays abruptly change. Additionally, the architecture of the robust multi-path searcher has low-complexity for hardware design.