Multicarrier reverse link timing synchronization system, device and method

A subscriber unit that transmits multicarrier signals including:

• (A) a reverse link timing synchronization signal generator, coupled to a transmitter, for generating a formatted reverse link symbol timing synchronization message for a reverse link timing synchronization channel, with the reverse link timing synchronization channel having at least a plurality of adjacent reverse link carrier frequencies, and for generating a reverse link symbol timing synchronization burst containing the formatted timing synchronization message,
• B) a timing reference adjustment unit, coupled to the transmitter, a receiver, and the reverse link timing synchronization signal generator, for adjusting a transmit timing of the reverse link signal in response to a timing offset message from a forward link received signal,
• C) the transmitter, coupled to the reverse link timing synchronization signal generator and the timing reference adjustment unit, for transmitting multicarrier reverse link signals including the reverse link timing synchronization signal, and:
• D) the receiver, coupled to the timing reference adjustment unit, for receiving a forward link signal containing the timing offset message.

A base unit for receiving multicarrier signals including:

• (A) a receiver, for receiving a reverse link symbol timing synchronization burst containing a reverse link symbol timing synchronization message received on a reverse link timing synchronization channel, with the reverse link timing synchronization channel having a plurality of adjacent reverse link carrier frequencies,
• B) a reverse link timing synchronization signal analyzer, coupled to the receiver, for measuring a timing of a reverse link timing synchronization message, and for comparing the measured timing to a predetermined reference timing to determine a timing offset value,
• C) a timing offset message generator, coupled to the reverse link timing synchronization signal analyzer, for generating a timing offset message responsive to the timing offset value, and
• D) a transmitter, coupled to the timing offset message generator, for transmitting a forward link signal containing the timing offset message.

A method for reverse link symbol timing synchronization of multicarrier signals including the steps of:

• A) generating a formatted reverse link symbol timing synchronization message for a reverse link timing synchronization channel, with the reverse link timing synchronization channel having at least a plurality of adjacent reverse link carrier frequencies, and for generating a reverse link symbol timing synchronization burst containing the formatted timing synchronization message,
• B) adjusting a transmit timing of a reverse link signal in response to a timing offset message from a forward link received signal,
• C) transmitting multicarrier reverse link signals including the reverse link timing synchronization signal, and
• D) receiving a forward link signal containing the timing offset message.