Simulation and design of a simple burst demodulator for a random-access TDMA packet terminal

The design methodology used in developing the STARCOM low-bit-rate burst modem is outlined. A phase-locked loop approach based on the principle of optimum detection and estimation theory was selected. The configuration is highly nonlinear, and there is no simple closed-form analytical description of these loops. However, the differential equations derived for the joint tracking loops provide the basis for a simulation program. This program provides the capability for generating a filtered data signal consisting of a preamble, synchronization unique word, and random data, as well as Gaussian random noise. The program also simulates the correlation of the unique word detector to determine the effect of nonlinear loop acquisition transients on unique word miss probability.