Method and apparatus for achieving channel variability in spread spectrum communication systems

A spread spectrum communication system for transmitting a data signal comprising:

• an orthogonal function encoder that combines a data signal with at least an orthogonal function sequence to form a spread signal, wherein the length of said orthogonal function is selected from a group that includes at least one multiple of four that is not an integral power of two within a range of channels supported by said spread spectrum communication system;
• and
• means for adjusting the frequency of said spread signal to a carrier frequency.

A method for increasing the channel variability in a communication system comprising:

• identifying a number of channels for said communication system;
• and
• selecting an orthogonal function sequence for encoding a data signal, wherein the length of said orthogonal function is the smallest multiple of four that is not less than said number of channels.

A method of transmitting spread spectrum signals in a communication system, said method comprising the steps of:

• encoding a data signal with an orthogonal function sequence to form a spread signal, wherein the length of said orthogonal function is selected from a group that includes at least one multiple of four that is not an integral power of two within a range of channels supported by said communication system;
• and
• adjusting the frequency of said spread signal to a carrier frequency.