The Suitability of Modern CMOS Gate Array Circuits as Correlators and Matched Filters for Spread-Spectrum Signals

Real-time correlation and matched filtering have become key processes in modern spread-spectrum communication systems. These powerful correlation techniques were usually performed with the help of SAW-devices. Although these analog components have reached a high technical standard, digital implementations of spread-spectrum correlators and matched filters become increasingly interesting as progress in micro-electronics continues. The intention of the present paper is to examine if and to what degree SAW-components in spread-spectrum systems can advantageously be replaced by digital CMOS gate array correlators and how far this semicustom design approach can improve the overall system performance.