Abstract

A solution to a problem of false positives in frame synchronization in telecommunication systems involves generating a separate channel estimate based only on the non-SW (all −1) bits of a pilot sequence. This non-SW channel estimate is used to correct received pilot SW symbols. These specially corrected symbols are rake combined separately from other symbols. The result is used exclusively for the frame synchronization detector. Normal channel estimate calculations and rake combining proceeds as usual. This method of frame synchronization only refers to SW bit matches. False positives are decreased using the invention.