Blind Feedforward Timing Estimation for Constant-Modulus Signalling in Time-Varying Fading Channels

Abstract

A simple low-complexity algorithm is proposed for blind feedforward symbol timing estimation in time-varying flat-fading channels, assuming constant modulus signalling. Its important properties are brought out using asymptotic analysis. It is shown that at high Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNRs), the algorithm results in a timing estimate with negligible bias. It also has a Mean-Square-Error (MSE) performance that is superior for short data records and small roll-off factors to that of the Square-Law-(SQL-) and the CycloStationarity-(CS-) based algorithms available to date. Computer simulations are presented to demonstrate effectiveness of the algorithm.