A Noncoherent Delay-Lock PN Tracking Loop: Impact of RFI and Nonideal Arm-Filter Characteristics

A noncoherent delay-lock PN tracking loop is investigated. The approach used is one in which simulation and analysis are combined to generate tracking performance. Performance data are presented for PN phase jitter standard deviation and compared to theoretical results. The impact of radio frequency interference (RFI) and gain/phase imbalances on PN tracking performance is determined and performance data are given. It is suggested that self-noise terms (introduced via the correlation operation between the incoming signal and local PN code) and nonideal arm-filter characteristics (resulting in gain/phase imbalances) may be significant factors in the investigation of PN tracking performance for those cases in which PN code timing synchronization is a major concern.