Method of tracking time intervals for a communication signal

Abstract

An improved tracking system, illustrated as a delayed lock loop. The time intervals of a communication signal are tracked by first sampling the communication signal. A standard and a sample, advanced relative to each other by i sample positions from a sample position representing an assumed arrival position ta of a time interval, are correlated over a correlating length of k samples. Also, the standard and a sample retarded relative to each other by the i sample positions from the assumed arrival time tp are also correlated over k samples. A timing error is determined from the correlations. A predication of the arrival time tp of the next interval is determined from the error. One or more of the correlation length k or the i sample position is modified based on the predicated arrival time tp. The process is repeated using any of the modified correlation length k and/or sample position i. The timing error may also be used for descrambling and despreading.

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