Analysis of sampling and quantization effects on the performance of PN code tracking loops

Pseudonoise (PN) code tracking loops in direct-sequence spread-spectrum systems are often implemented using digital hardware. Performance degradation due to quantization and sampling effects is not adequately characterized by the traditional analog system feedback loop analysis. A low-complexity digital PN code tracking loop with one-bit non-commensurate sampling is analyzed, and the steady-state delay error variance is derived. The results are compared with that of an equivalent analog loop.