Patent ID: 7027495

Claim:
A method for processing received communication signals in a wireless telecommunications system which utilizes a time frame format where base stations transmit in a down link pilot timeslot a synchronization code selected from a predetermined number X of downlink synchronization codes of Y sequential elements, where X and Y are integers greater than 15, at a predetermined chip rate, where downlink communication signals are received and sampled at a sampling rate which is at least as fast as the chip rate, the method comprising: receiving communication signal samples with a synchronization code determination circuit that has a plurality M of Y element correlators, where M≦X/2, at an input rate which is at least as fast as the chip rate and processing sets of sequential samples at a processing rate faster than the sample input rate including: receiving in parallel by said correlators communication signal samples at the sample input rate and correlating each set of samples with at least two synchronization codes of the set of X downlink synchronization codes; detecting and tracking positive correlations of said correlators of downlink synchronization codes with sequential sample sets; and outputting from each said correlator code correlations for each set of samples at at least twice the sample input rate such that collectively said correlators output correlation data for all X synchronization codes before processing further communication signal samples.