Soft synchronization of direct sequence spread-spectrum signals

A new technique for soft synchronization of direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) signals is presented. The technique, referred to as the dominant mode despreading (DMDS) algorithm, exploits the eigenstructure of a frequency-channelized DSSS signal to estimate the spreading code and underlying message sequence of the signal. Unlike other despreading techniques, the estimate of the code and data improves steadily with the number of code repeats. The technique is applicable to arbitrary spreading codes and message sequences and can operate in environments containing arbitrary levels of white background noise, and for signals with arbitrary unknown timing phase or carrier frequency offset. The technique requires the DSSS signal to have a constant-modulus spreading code and unrelated message and code-repeat rates. This paper introduces the basic technique, theoretically analyzes the algorithm to prove convergence under infinite time-average conditions, and demonstrates the algorithm via computer simulation for a single DSSS signal received in the presence of white Gaussian noise.