Joint channel estimation and OFDM synchronization in multipath fading

We consider the problem of channel estimation and symbol and frequency synchronization for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems in multipath fading environment with pilot data. We developed an algorithm to estimate the channel, symbol timing and frequency offset simultaneously by using a technique based on maximum-likelihood theory. Unlike existing joint algorithms which operate on frequency domain (FFT demodulated data), our algorithm works on raw received data, avoiding the need of a coarse synchronization algorithm. Thus, it is much simpler yet robust. Simulation results also show that our algorithm is more accurate and reliable than existing algorithms.