Expanding search code acquisition receiver structure, simulation and analysis

In the area of direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications, a code phase search is required for coarse code acquisition. In the case of a typical Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, the receiver acquisition of the C/A code narrows the uncertainty for Precise (P) code acquisition. Depending upon the pdf of the code phase uncertainty, various search algorithms may be employed for P code acquisition. This paper discusses an expanding search code acquisition algorithm which is commonly used for P code acquisition in Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. A detailed baseband receiver simulation of the expanding search receiver structure is presented. The model was developed using the Alta Group´s (formerly Comdisco) Signal Processing Workstation (SPW) and is suitable for hardware implementation. Monte Carlo simulation results using the model are presented and discussed. Analytic results and a PC simulation are used to validate the model