A Low-Complexity Time Synchronization Algorithm for MIMO ZP-OFDM in Urban Impulsive Noise Environments

Abstract

The zero padding (ZP) variants of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) exhibit a lower bit error rate (BER) and higher energy efficiency compared to their cyclic prefix (CP) counterparts. However, the employment of ZP-OFDM demands strict time synchronization, which is challenging in the absence of pilots or CP. Moreover, time synchronization in OFDM systems is even more challenging when impulsive noise is present. It is well known that urban noise, which consists largely of impulsive noise generated by spark plugs used in internal combustion engines, switching and industrial activities, and discharge of high voltage distribution lines, has a strong influence on digital mobile communications. In this paper, we propose a new low-complexity approximate maximum likelihood (A-ML) timing offset (TO) estimator for ZP multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)-OFDM in impulsive-noise environments. Performance comparison of the A-ML estimator with existing TO estimators demonstrates a superior performance in terms of lock-in probability with similar computational complexity. Also, compared to the optimal ML TO estimator, it offers a significantly lower computational complexity with negligible performance loss. The A-ML estimator can be employed for both frame and symbol synchronization.