Method and apparatus for scanning other frequency pilot signals in a code division multiple access communication system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is a novel and improved method and apparatus for detecting a pilot signal on a second frequency while monitoring a first frequency having an assigned paging slot and a plurality of non-assigned paging slots.
The method comprises the steps of monitoring the assigned paging slot of the first frequency and scanning for the pilot signal on the second frequency during at least one of the non-assigned paging slots of the first frequency.
If the pilot signal is detected while scanning the second frequency, the pilot signal is processed normally.
The method also includes entering a sleep mode for a remainder of the non-assigned paging slots.
In a preferred embodiment, scanning for the pilot signal on the second frequency occurs in a non-assigned paging slot immediately following the assigned paging slot.
In an alternate embodiment, scanning for the pilot signal occurs in a non-assigned paging slot immediately preceding the assigned paging slot.
The apparatus of the present invention may be used in a wireless communication receiver, referred to herein as a mobile station.
The apparatus includes a searcher receiver for monitoring the assigned paging slot of said first frequency and a searcher controller for retuning the searcher receiver to the second frequency and scanning for the pilot signal on the second frequency during at least one of the non-assigned paging slots.
The searcher receiver processes the pilot signal if the pilot signal is detected.
Furthermore, the searcher controller causes the wireless communication receiver to enter a sleep mode for a remainder of the non-assigned paging slots.