Patent attributes
A communication device can reliably find a frequency and establish frequency synchronization, despite relying on a variable reference frequency, and may do so, e.g., by searching only during one or more periods of frequency stability. Once gained, such synchronization may be held continuously. An acquisition unit receives from a control unit information about a frequency change of a reference signal. The acquisition unit may nonetheless continue to search for, e.g., a satellite at the frequency that had been in use before the frequency change of the reference signal. An acquisition unit in such a device may search over extended periods, e.g., by using two or more frequency-stable periods. The acquisition unit may, e.g., transmit information about a change in the reference frequency to a tracking unit to maintain synchronization with the satellite.
