Ambiguity Function Analysis of Pilot-Embedded Random OFDM Signals

This paper investigates the statistical ambiguity functions (AFs) of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveforms that incorporate deterministic unit-modulus pilot symbols and random data payloads for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). We derive analytical expressions for the mean squared discrete periodic ambiguity function (DP-AF) and fast-slow-time ambiguity function (FST-AF) of such pilot-embedded OFDM signals. Our analysis demonstrates that, under a fixed signal length and constellation scheme, the mean squared DP-AF depends jointly on the pilot patterns, pilot symbols and number of pilots, while the mean squared FST-AF relies only on the number of pilots. Numerical simulations closely match the theoretical expressions. Furthermore, in numerical results, we show that different pilot patterns correspond to DP-AF with distinct characteristics, offering relevant considerations for pilot design in communication-centric ISAC systems.