Pilot signal design algorithm for efficient symbol time offset estimation in an OFDM system

This paper presents novel pilot signal design algorithms for efficient symbol time offset estimation in an OFDM system. Evenly spaced pilot signals in the frequency-domain have large correlation in the time-domain, and the ML function of the symbol time offset estimator induces an inaccurate value of time offset. Novel pilot signal design algorithms—Sine Algorithm, Shift Algorithm, and Sine and Shift Algorithm—are developed in terms of positions and values of pilot signals so that the accuracy of the symbol time offset estimator can be improved. Simulation results show that these algorithms decrease the variance of estimate, especially in a time dispersive channel, improving the system performance.