Weighted Discriminator Function Based Unambiguous Tracking Method for Dual-Frequency Constant Envelope Modulated Signals

The dual-frequency constant envelope modulated (DCEM) signals, represented by alternative binary offset carrier signal, have obvious advantages in code tracking accuracy and anti-multipath performance compared with traditional binary phase shift keying signal, and are attracting more and more attention in the field of global navigation satellite system signal design. However, DCEM signal has a multiple-peaked auto-correlation function, which would lead to the tracking ambiguity problem. To deal with this problem, this paper proposes an unambiguous tracking method based on weighted discriminator function (WDF). This method uses the discriminator functions of noncoherent early minus late power (NELP) and sub carrier phase cancellation (SCPC) to generate a linear WDF without no false-lock points. In addition, a simplified version of the proposed WDF method is also provided for interoperable application. The theoretical code tracking error in thermal noise is derived out and verified. The performance of the proposed WDF is evaluated and compared with SCPC and pseudo correlation function methods with the help of simulation. Results show that our method has a significant improvement in code tracking accuracy. Not only the ambiguity threat is efficiently removed, but also the outstanding performance of DCEM signal is maintained.