Method and apparatus for tracking signals in a wireless communication system

A method for tracking a mobile station in a wireless communication system, comprising:

• determining if the mobile station is in soft hand-off;
• ignoring a lock state of a rake antenna if the mobile station is in soft hand-off;
• and
• transmitting a predetermined power control pattern if the mobile station is not in soft hand-off.

A wireless apparatus, comprising:

• a filter to filter a received signal from a first propagation path;
• a comparator having a plurality of inputs, and at least one output operative to compare the received signal to a threshold value if a first finger is out of lock;
• and
• filter adjustment means operative to adjust the filter means in response to the comparison means.

A lock detector, comprising:

• a lock filter having at least one input and at least one output;
• a first comparator having a plurality of inputs, and at least one output, wherein a first of said plurality of inputs is operably connected to said at least one output of said lock filter;
• a first threshold generator having at least one output operably connected to a second of said plurality of inputs of said first comparator;
• a second comparator having a plurality of inputs, and at least one output;
• a second threshold generator having at least one output operably connected to a first of said plurality of inputs of said second comparator;
• and
• an AND gate having a plurality of inputs and at least one output, wherein a first of said plurality of inputs is operably connected to said at least one output of said second comparator and said at least one output is operably connected to a first of said at least one input of said lock filter.

A rake receiving means with multiple fingers, comprising:

• means for determining a lock state for a first finger of the multiple fingers;
• means for determining a comparison of received signal energy for the first finger to a threshold value if the first finger is out of lock;
• and
• means for adjusting a lock filter for processing signals received on the first finger in response to the comparison.