Timing Synchronization and Data Detection for MIMO OTFS/OTSM Systems Under Spatial Correlation

Traditional multi-carrier systems employ a cyclic prefix (CP) to mitigate multi-path interference but discard it at the receiver, resulting in energy loss. Unique Word (UW) is a superior alternative, offering signal protection and synchronization in every transmission block. This study introduces a UW-based synchronization method for MIMO systems using Orthogonal Time Frequency Space (OTFS) and Orthogonal Time Sequency Multiplexing (OTSM), tailored for linearly time-varying channels. It presents an efficient time synchronization and detection strategy optimized for hardware constraints like carrier frequency offset (CFO). By integrating maximum ratio combining (MRC), this method reduces multipath and inter-antenna interference, enhancing signal quality. Additionally, it includes a strategic frame design to minimize interference and enable efficient parallel processing. This innovative detection approach significantly enhances MIMO OTFS/OTSM performance, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize wireless communication, particularly in single-user MIMO OTFS/OTSM systems on spatially correlated channels.