PPM phase bearing-events for direct frame phase extraction

A novel technique for extracting the optical fibre PPM frame phase is devised, implemented and theoretically characterised. The method is shown to combine design simplicity with performance adaptability for various PPM word sizes and is thus considerably more suited than previously suggested methods. Use is made of a class of naturally occurring PPM sequences that are identified and termed Min sequences. Original theoretical and practical results are reported that demonstrate the technique and its use in a self-synchronised PPM system.