Apparatus and method employing time-multiplexed searcher finger monitoring for active set and other base stations

Abstract

A method is disclosed to operate a spread spectrum receiver with an active set of base stations. The method includes monitoring a current serving base station of the active set with a Set Searcher and simultaneously monitoring individual ones of remaining base stations of the active set with a C/I (carrier-to-interference ratio) Searcher. One of the remaining base stations is designated as a Candidate base station for potentially replacing the current serving base station and is monitored continuously by a first set of fingers of the C/I Searcher. The other remaining ones of the base stations of the active set are monitored in a time multiplexed manner by a second set of fingers of the C/I Searcher. The method further includes detecting that one of the remaining ones of the base stations of the active set is received with a stronger signal than the Candidate base station, and designating the detected one of the base stations as a new Candidate base station, and beginning the continuous monitoring of the new Candidate base station while monitoring the other remaining ones of the base stations of the active set, including the previous Candidate base station, in the time multiplexed manner. A spread spectrum receiver that operates in accordance with the method is also disclosed.