Systems and methods for processing a received radio signal in a communication system are described. Initial time synchronization is acquired using a trace operator. Then, a number of channel taps for use in further processing is determined based on the initial time sync, also using a trace operator. A final synchronization position is then selected using the number of channel taps and, if multiple branches are employed to receive the signal, using a determinant-based technique. Finally, a channel estimate is determined using the final synchronization position.