EP-4740307-A1 - CODE MODULATED SPREAD SPECTRUM COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

The present invention comprises a method of transmitting data wirelessly by converting data into code symbols and then using code symbols as spreading codes on an underlying waveform. Code symbols may be created using pseudorandom noise algorithms. Code length, transmit power, and correlator output confidence may be adjusted to achieve higher reliability. Exemplary embodiments include ground-to-satellite communications and vehicle-to-vehide communications. Low power requirements and other aspects of the present invention make the invention suitable for stealth communications.

Inventors

• BUCKLE, ROBERT
• BRIDGES, CHRISTOPHER

Assignees

• Buckle, Robert
• Bridges, Christopher

Dates

Publication Date

20260513

Application Date

20240708

Claims (20)

1. 1. A method for transmitting a series of units of binary data from a set of units of binary data using radio telecommunications equipment comprising the steps of: a. choosing a plurality of code symbols to form a set of code symbols, wherein each said code symbol has a code length, each said code symbol comprises a number of binary values equal to said code length, and each unit of binary data in said set of units of binary data is associated with at least one of said code symbols in said set of code symbols; b. obtaining a next unit of binary data from said series of units of binary data; c. selecting, from said set of code symbols, a next code symbol, wherein said next code symbol is associated with said next unit of binary data; d. spreading said next code symbol on a waveform to produce an encoded waveform; and e. transmitting said encoded waveform at a first power level; f. receiving said encoded waveform; g. performing a correlation on said encoded waveform for a plurality of code symbols in said set of code symbols to produce a set of correlations; and h. decoding a decoded unit of data based on said set of correlations, wherein said decoded unit of data is equal to said next unit of binary data,
2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each said next unit of binary data contains between 8 and 32 bits,
3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said performing step is performed using a plurality of correlators wherein each of said plurality of correlators is uniquely associated with one of said code symbols in said set of code symbols.
4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said code length for each said code symbol in said set of code symbols is between 32 and 65,536.
5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said first power level is no more than lOdb above a noise floor.
6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said decoding step comprises calculating a confidence value for each correlation in said set of correlations, comparing each such confidence value to a threshold, and determining said decoded unit of data based on a highest such confidence value that exceeds said threshold.
7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said binary data includes one or more parity bits; wherein said decoding step comprises the step of calculating an error rate based on said one or more parity bits; and wherein said method further comprises the step of adjusting one or more of said first power level, said threshold, and said code length.
8. 8. The method of claim 3, wherein said code length for each of said plurality of code symbols defines an excess code length relative to said set of units of binary data and said excess code length is at least 24.
9. 9. A communications system comprising: a processor; a software defined radio operatively coupled to said processor, a memory operatively coupled to said processor, and an antenna operatively coupled to said software defined radio, wherein said memory comprises instructions that, when executed by said processor, configure said communications system to: a. obtain a first next unit of binary data from a first series of units of binary data; b. choose a plurality of code symbols to form a first set of code symbols, wherein each said code symbol has a first code length, each said code symbol comprises a number of binary values equal to said first code length, and each unit of said first series of units of binary data is associated with at least one of said code symbols in said first set of code symbols; c. select, from said first set of code symbols, a first next code symbol, wherein said first next code symbol is associated with said first next unit of binary data; d. spread said first next code symbol on a first waveform to produce a first encoded waveform; and e. transmit said encoded waveform at a first power level.
10. 10. The communications system of claim 9, wherein said memory comprises instructions that, when executed by said processor, configure said communications system to: a. receive said first encoded waveform; b. correlate said first encoded waveform for a plurality of said code symbols in said first set of code symbols to produce a first set of correlations; and c. decode a first decoded unit of data based on said first set of correlations.
11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein each said first next unit of binary data contains between 8 and 32 bits.
12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein performing said correlation is performed using a plurality of correlators wherein each of said plurality of correlators is uniquely associated with one of said code symbols in said first set of code symbols.
13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said first code length for each said code symbol in said first set of code symbols is between 32 and 65,536.
14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein said first power level is no more than lOdb above a noise floor.
15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein said decoding step comprises calculating a confidence value for each correlation in said first set of correlations, comparing each such confidence value to a threshold, and determining said first decoded unit of data based on a highest such confidence value that exceeds said threshold.
16. 16. The system of claim 10, wherein said memory comprises instructions that, when executed by said processor, configure said communications system to: a. obtain a second next unit of binary data from a second series of units of binary data; b. choose a second set of code symbols, wherein each said code symbol in said second set of code symbols has a second code length, each said code symbol comprises a number of binary values equal to said second code length, and each unit of said second series of units of binary data is associated with at least one code symbol in said second set of code symbols; c. select, from said second set of code symbols, a second next code symbol, wherein said second next code symbol is associated with said second next unit of binary data; d. spread said second next code symbol on a second waveform to produce a second encoded waveform; e. transmit said second encoded waveform at a second power level; f. receive said second encoded waveform; g. correlate on said second encoded waveform for each said code symbol in said second set of code symbols to produce a second set of correlations; and h. decode a second decoded unit of data based on said second set of correlations.
17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein said first encoded waveform and said second encoded waveform are received together as a joint waveform.
18. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each said first next unit of binary data contains between 8 and 32 bits and wherein each said second next unit of binary data contains between 8 and 32 bits.
19. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein performing said correlation is performed using a plurality of correlators wherein each of said plurality of correlators is uniquely associated with one of said code symbols in said first set of code symbols or one of said code symbols in said second set of code symbols.
20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein said first code length for each said code symbol in said first set of code symbols is between 32 and 65,536 and wherein said second code length for each said code symbol in said second set of code symbols is between 32 and 65,536.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE - Utility Patent Specification - Prepared by: RAYMOND G. AREAUX (Reg. 33,643) J. MATTHEW MILLER III (Reg. 66,178) Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, LLC. 1100 Poydras Street Energy Centre Suite 3100 New Orleans, LA 70163 (Telephone: 504/585-3803) (Facsimile: 504/585-3801) (P/A File 10: 24971) Code Modulated Spread Spectrum System and Method for the Wireless Transmission of Data CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/525,284 (Buckle) filed July 6, 2023, which is incorporated by reference as if set forth in full below. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless transmission of data using spread spectrum techniques. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Wireless communications systems are widely deployed and provide various types of data transmission. These systems may utilize code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), or other known methods for converting data into a signal that can be transmitted, received, and converted back into data. The present invention provides an alternative method, referred to herein as code modulated spread spectrum ("CMSS") for utilizing one or more portions of the electromagnetic spectrum to transmit data wireless and, we speculate, provides a number of unique advantages over other methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] Disclosed herein is a method for transmitting a series of units of binary data from a set of units of binary data using radio telecommunications equipment comprising the steps of: a. choosing a plurality of code symbols to form a set of code symbols, wherein each said code symbol has a code length, each said code symbol comprises a number of binary values equal to said code length, and each unit of binary data in said set of units of binary data is associated with at least one of said code symbols in said set of code symbols; b. obtaining a next unit of binary data from said series of units of binary data; c. selecting, from said set of code symbols, a next code symbol, wherein said next code symbol is associated with said next unit of binary data; d. spreading said next code symbol on a waveform to produce an encoded waveform; e. transmitting said encoded waveform at a first power level; f. receiving said encoded waveform; g. performing a correlation on said encoded waveform for a plurality of code symbols in said set of code symbols to produce a set of correlations; h. decoding a decoded unit of data based on said set of correlations, wherein said decoded unit of data is equal to said next unit of binary data. Also disclosed is a method wherein each said next unit of binary data contains between 8 and 32 bits. Also disclosed is a method wherein said performing step is performed using a plurality of correlators wherein each of said plurality of correlators is uniquely associated with one of said code symbols in said set of code symbols. Also disclosed is a method wherein said code length for each said code symbol in said set of code symbols is between 32 and 65,536. Also disclosed is a method wherein said first power level is no more than lOdb above a noise floor. Also disclosed is a method wherein said decoding step comprises calculating a confidence value for each correlation in said set of correlations, comparing each such confidence value to a threshold, and determining said decoded unit of data based on a highest such confidence value that exceeds said threshold. Also disclosed is a method, wherein said binary data includes one or more parity bits; wherein said decoding step comprises the step of calculating an error rate based on said one or more parity bits; and wherein said method further comprises the step of adjusting one or more of said first power level, said threshold, and said code length. Also disclosed is a method wherein said code length for each of said plurality of code symbols defines an excess code length relative to said set of units of binary data and said excess code length is at least 24. [0005] Disclosed herein is a communications system comprising: a processor; a software defined radio operatively coupled to said processor, a memory operatively coupled to said processor, and an antenna operatively coupled to said software defined radio, wherein said memory comprises instructions that, when executed by said processor, configure said communications system to: a. obtain a first next unit of binary data from a first series of units of binary data; b. choose a plurality of code symbols to form a first set of code symbols, wherein each said code symbol has a first code length, each said code symbol comprises a number of binary values equal to said first code length, and each unit of sa