Carrier frequency error estimation using a bank of estimators with limited acquisition range

Abstract

Techniques and systems for extending the capture range of frequency offset error detection are described. For instance, the present disclose describes efficient frequency estimation structures (e.g., zero crossing minimum/maximum (min/max) structures) that may extend carrier frequency offset error capture range by running a bank (e.g., a set) of parallel capture range structures trialing different frequency errors. In some aspects, a set of frequency offset estimation circuits and a set of correlation circuits (e.g., 1-bit correlators) may be used on parallel streams to perform correlation operations on each branch of a received bit stream to determine correlations with known preamble patterns (e.g., to accurately estimate large frequency offset errors).