Low-complexity time-domain SNR estimation for OFDM systems

Abstract

A low-complexity signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation algorithm for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems in frequency-selective fading channels is proposed. The estimator is based on a conventional preamble having two identical parts. It uses the correlation of the received signal samples to estimate signal power while noise power is estimated using the difference between received samples. Simulation results show that the proposed estimator is robust to the channel's frequency selectivity and its attained accuracy and reduced complexity make it an attractive choice for current wireless OFDM systems. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.