Non-data-aided carrier-frequency offset estimation for pulse-shaping OFDM/OQAM systems

In this paper we consider the problem of blind carrier-frequency offset (CFO) estimation for pulse-shaping orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems based on offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OQAM). In particular, under the assumption of low signal-to-noise ratio, three maximum-likelihood (ML) CFO estimators for non-dispersive channels are derived. Due to their significant computational complexity a more feasible closed-form CFO synchronization algorithm is considered. The performance of the derived blind estimators is assessed via computer simulations and compared with that of a blind CFO estimator previously proposed in the literature, exploiting the second-order cyclostationarity property of the OFDM/OQAM signal.