Ambiguity and sidelobe behavior of CAZAC coded waveforms

CAZAC (Constant Amplitude Zero Autocorrelation) sequences are important in waveform design because of their optimal transmission efficiency and tight time localization properties. Certain classes of CAZAC sequences have been used in Radar processing for many years while recently discovered sequences invite further study. This paper compares several classes of CAZAC sequences with respect to both the periodic and aperiodic ambiguity function. Some computational results for different CAZAC classes are presented. In particular, we note the fact that so-called Bjorck CAZACs have sidelobes at different locations when different shifts are considered. We take advantage of this fact by using an averaging technique to lower sidelobe levels.