High sensitivity acquisition algorithm for DSSS signal with data modulation

In direct sequence spread spectrum communication both for satellite-to- ground and inter-satellite links, the system constrains due to radio frequency spectral occupation, channel data throughput and link performances in terms of data channel coding which might result in a signal structure where the symbol duration is shorter than the pseudo code period. This can generate some difficulties in the DSSS signal acquisition due to the polarity inversion caused by the data modulation. To eliminate the influence due to polarity inversion, this paper proposes a novel acquisition algorithm based on the simultaneous search of the code phase, data phase and Doppler frequency. In the proposed algorithm the data phase is predicted and the correlation period for the coherent integration can be set equal to the symbol duration. Then non-coherent accumulation over different symbol is implemented in order to enhance the acquisition algorithm sensitivity; the interval of non-coherent accumulation is the least common multiple between the symbol duration and the pseudo code period. The algorithm proposed can largely minimize the SNR loss caused by data polarity inversion and enhance acquisition performance without a noticeable increase in hardware complexity. Theoretical analysis, simulation and measured results verify the validity of the algorithm.