Combining PN Spread Spectrum with an Adaptive Array

Combining spread spectrum and adaptive arrays offers enhanced interference-resistance for future communication systems. The novel method pursued here uses identical programmable pseudo-noise matched filters followed by a sampled-matrix-inversion spatial algorithm using pre-formed steering vectors. This method potentially has full processing gain during the acquisition phase of tactical systems. Theoretical computer calculations for various interference conditions with a 4-element linear array indicate that one gets a near-optimum SNR pattern if one uses the largest of 4 or 5 apriori steering vectors. A simulation experiment resulted in an output SNR that was within 2.6 dB of optimum. Emerging LSI devices and array processors will make powerful approaches such as this feasible in the future.