Ranging and bit error rate performance of a fast frequency hopping data link using sequentially balanced modulation

A spread spectrum fast frequency hopping data link under a hostile jamming environment requires clever modulation approaches to achieve high ranging accuracy while simultaneously transmitting low command-type data rates. Sequentially balanced modulated achieves this goal using a simple hardware implementation while maintaining both continuous and noncontinuous burst-type operation. Both range and data are determined using a vector phase comparison technique. The modulated waveform offers the range accuracy obtainable with tone phase comparison techniques and is compatible with frequency hopping in spread spectrum systems and provides performance superior to that of schemes using direct sequence PN.<>