Enhanced PN code tracking and detection using wavelet packet denoising

In an effort to transmit information over communication channels that contain both Gaussian and non-Gaussian noise components, military and commercial applications frequently rely upon the use of direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) techniques. Whilst DSSS is an interference tolerant modulation scheme, situations may be encountered when the processing gain offered by the pseudonoise (PN) spreading code is inadequate. Enhancements to the interference immunity of a DSSS system can be accomplished through the use of signal processing techniques that suppress unwanted interference prior to despreading. To date, the majority of interference suppression techniques developed for DSSS applications, have concentrated on improving detector performance exclusively, and perfect synchronisation between transmitter and receiver is assumed. However, the process of PN code acquisition and tracking within a DSSS receiver is arguably one of the most critical functions within the receiver structure since, if it fails to operate correctly, the wanted signal will not be successfully recovered. An evaluation of the benefits of any interference suppression technique within a DSSS receiver would not be complete without considering at least one level within the synchronisation hierarchy. We examine the improvements in receiver performance, when the process of PN code tracking and detection employs a novel wavelet packet denoising (WPD) procedure for a variety of non-Gaussian channel scenarios.