Integer Frequency Offset Estimation of OFDM Systems

A blind-mode integer frequency offset estimation algorithm is proposed for an OFDM system. Imperfect integer frequency offset estimation causes ambiguity in the data sub-carrier position. Morelli's blind integer frequency offiet estimation algorithm exploits the likelihood function by comparing the power in sub-carriers. It, however, shows performance degradation when there is the fractional frequency offset. The proposed algorithm solves this by using interpolation in the frequency domain. In this algorithm, it is exploited that the effect of the frequency offset is shown as a shift of power spectrum. By calculating the covariance of over-sampled samples, most approximate samples to integer point are obtained. It enables integer frequency offset estimation less affected by fractional frequency offset.