Methods to extend the frequency lock range of a received rf signal using a preamble-based frequency estimate

摘要

A method (300) is presented to extend a frequency lock range of a received RF signal in a satellite receiver (12). One step (300) in the method includes analyzing data information (143a) of a preamble (145a) associated with the received satellite RF signal (302). Another step (304) includes determining an estimated frequency value (304) that is a function of the analyzed data information (143a) that further includes at least a portion of the frequency error formed therein. A further step (306) includes comparing the determined estimated frequency value (184) to a predetermined threshold value (123). Another step (308) includes using the determined estimated frequency value (184) when the determined frequency value (184) is greater than the predetermined threshold value (123) to operatively control tracking mode electronic circuitry (190) disposed in the satellite receiver (12) to attain frequency lock on the received satellite RF signal.