A generalized frame synchronizer

A modification of the class of frame synchronizers which maximize a likelihood function is proposed. If the stage following the frame sync unit is able to distinguish incorrect from correct syncs, then supplying several alternative frame starting positions effectively improves the synchronization performance. The performance of such a scheme is evaluated analytically and using simulations. As an example system, a frame sync unit followed by a decoder is assumed. The improvement achieved can amount to several decibels, and is excellent at high signal-to-noise ratios. The average overhead, required in the subsequent processing stages is evaluated and shown to be small at signal-to-noise ratios of interest. No changes need to be made to the frame structure, and only slight modifications of the receiver, are necessary.<>