Method and receiving unit for demodulating a multi-path signal

The a wireless communication system, a receiving unit for demodulating a multi-path signal, a receiving unit comprising:

• an input buffer, the input buffer configured to receive a multi-path signal, and to store data samples associated with a plurality of paths of the multi-path signal;
• an input buffer controller operatively coupled to the input buffer, the input buffer controller being configured to time-align the data samples relative to each other, and to delay the data samples;
• a rake finger operatively coupled to the input buffer, the rake finger configured to de-spread and to accumulate the delayed data samples for a sub-correlation length;
• and
• a sum generator operatively coupled to the rake finger, the sum generator configured to accumulate a plurality of outputs from the rake finger, wherein the plurality of outputs include outputs corresponding to the plurality of paths of the multi-path signal.

In a wireless communication system, wherein a receiving unit is configured to receive a multi-path signal, and wherein a processor operates in accordance with a computer program embodied on a computer-readable medium for demodulating the multi-path signal, the computer program comprising:

• a first routine that directs the processor to store data samples associated with a plurality of paths of the multi-path signal within an input buffer, the input butter being operatively coupled to a rake finger associated with the receiving unit;
• a second routine that directs the processor to time-align the data samples relative to each other;
• a third routine that directs the processor to delay the data samples;
• a fourth routine that directs die processor to de-spread and to accumulate the delayed data samples for a sub-correlation length within the rake finger;
• and
• a fifth routine that directs the processor to combine a plurality of outputs from the rake finger within a sum generator to demodulate the multi-path signal, wherein the plurality of outputs include outputs corresponding to the plurality of paths of the multi-path signal.

In a wireless communication system, a receiving means for demodulating a signal, a receiving means comprising:

• a means for storing data samples associated with a plurality of paths of the multi-path signal;
• a means for time-aligning the data samples relative to each other,
• a means for delaying the data samples;
• a means for de-spreading and accumulating the delayed data samples for a sub-correlation length;
• and
• a means for combining a plurality of outputs from the rake finger within a sum generator to demodulate the multi-path signal, wherein the plurality of outputs include outputs corresponding to the plurality of paths of the multi-path signal.