In a mobile communication system using a code division multiple access (CDMA) method, spreading code detection and frame/slot timing synchronization (cell search) is conducted by using a long code masked symbol. The spreading factor of the long code masked symbol is set to a value lower than spreading factors of other ordinary symbols. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the circuit scale and power dissipation of the mobile terminal and raise the speed of cell search.

A receiver receives signals and noise over a frequency spectrum of a desired received signal. The desired received signal is spread using code division multiple access. The received signals and noise are demodulated to produce a demodulated signal. The demodulated signal is despread using a code uncorrelated with a code associated with the desired received signal. A power level of the despread demodulated signal is measured as an estimate of the noise level of the frequency spectrum.

A receiver receives signals and noise over a frequency spectrum of a desired received signal. The desired received signal is spread using code division multiple access. The received signals and noise are demodulated to produce a demodulated signal. The demodulated signal is despread using a code uncorrelated with a code associated with the desired received signal. A power level of the despread demodulated signal is measured as an estimate of the noise level of the frequency spectrum.