Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate scrambling of downlink reference signals utilizing a pseudo-random sequence (PRS) corresponding to a primary synchronization code (PSC) and secondary synchronization code (SSC) combination. In an aspect, a method includes receiving a scrambled downlink reference signal, determining a pseudo-random sequence based on received PSC and SSC, and descrambling a portion of subframes of the downlink reference signal according to the pseudo-random sequence and a determined cyclic prefix length for one or more of the portion of subframes.