Minimum Mean-Square Error Timing Recovery Schemes for Digital Equalizers

Abstract

Two algorithms are presented for optimum timing recovery in digitally implemented equalizers. The first one is a polarity-type algorithm based on the conventional minimum mean-square error criterion. A theoretical analysis is made to characterize the algorithm phase detector and evaluate its steady-state phase jitter variance. Influence of various channel and system design parameters on the algorithm performance is illustrated using phase jitter probability densities obtained by means of computer simulations. Interaction of the algorithm with decision-directed carrier recovery is also examined. It is shown that interaction with carrier recovery may considerably degrade the timing acquisition performance, and a second algorithm is then presented which eliminates this interaction. The second algorithm is based on the minimization of a modified mean-square error criterion which provides a measure of the intersymbol interference, independently of the carrier phase. Decision-directed timing and carrier recoveries are thus decoupled and the system startup period is considerably reduced. Phase detector characteristic and steady-state jitter performance of the second algorithm are evaluated by analytical means and computer simulations, as in the first algorithm.