Detection, Synchronization, and Doppler Scale Estimation with Multicarrier Waveforms in Underwater Acoustic Communication

In this paper, we propose a novel method for detection, synchronization and Doppler scale estimation for underwater acoustic communication using orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) waveforms. This new method involves transmitting two identical OFDM symbols together with a cyclic prefix, while the receiver uses a bank of parallel self-correlators. Each correlator is matched to a different Doppler scaling factor with respect to the waveform dilation or compression. We characterize the receiver operating characteristic in terms of probability of false alarm and probability of detection. We also analyze the impact of Doppler scale estimation accuracy on the data transmission performance. These analytical results provide guidelines for the selection of the detection threshold and Doppler scale resolution. In addition to computer-based simulations, we have tested the proposed method with real data from an experiment at Buzzards Bay, MA, Dec. 15, 2006. Using only one preamble, the ...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: JSAC
• Authors: Sean F. Mason, Christian R. Berger, Shengli Zhou, Peter Willett
• Keywords: Detection Threshold, Doppler Scale Estimation, JSAC 2008, Underwater Acoustic Communications