Mobile device assisted handoff system for code division multiple access and wideband code division multiple access networks

Abstract

A system and method for providing hard handoff in a mobile communication system wherein there are provided a plurality of spaced apart base stations, each base station equipped for communication with mobile stations at a different frequency from the other of the base stations and a mobile device for intermittent communication with one of the base stations. The mobile device includes a first normally operating circuit, preferably a PLL, for providing an operating frequency at the mobile device having a relatively slow tuning period for communication with the one of the base stations and second normally non-operating circuitry, preferably a DDS, for providing a frequency different from the frequency for communication with the one of the base stations having a rapid tuning period relative to the first circuitry. The second circuitry is activated during periods of non-communication of the mobile device with the one of the base stations to test for candidate base stations for handoff at a the frequency different from the frequency for communication with the one of the base stations and communication is switched to the candidate base station using said second circuitry for providing the different frequency responsive to an indication of one of improved signal strength or signal integrity from the candidate base station. Responsive to the switch to communication with the candidate base station, the frequency of the first circuitry is changed to the different frequency. Also, responsive to the first circuitry settling at the different frequency, the different frequency from the first circuitry is provided and the second circuitry is disabled.