Pilot-Aided Joint Time Synchronization and Channel Estimation for OTFS

Abstract: This letter proposes a pilot-aided joint time synchronization and channel estimation (JTSCE) algorithm for orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) systems. Unlike existing algorithms, JTSCE employs a maximum length sequence (MLS) rather than an isolated signal as the pilot. Distinctively, JTSCE explores MLS's autocorrelation properties to estimate timing offset and channel delay taps. After obtaining delay taps, closed-form expressions of Doppler and channel gain for each propagation path are derived. Simulation results indicate that, compared to its counterpart, JTSCE achieves better bit error rate performance, close to that with perfect time synchronization and channel state information.