A Frequency Offset Estimation Technique for Frequency-Selective Fading Channels

Rapid frequency offset estimation is required in burst communication systems. High speed data systems in fading environments suffer from significant multipath spread. The performance of traditional open loop frequency estimation techniques is severely degraded by multipath propagation. We present a new data-aided technique for frequency offset estimation in the presence of strong multipath. The technique allows estimation of the frequency offset with no knowledge of channel coefficients. Results comparing the new technique with the maximum likelihood estimation technique in a frequency selective Ricean fading environment are presented.