Digital Signal Processing of SARSAT Signals Using the MEM and FFT

Abstract

<p> This thesis investigates the processing of emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signals which are used in search and rescue satellite-aided tracking (SARSAT) systems. Essentially, the system relies on the transmission of ELT signals from a distressed platform being relayed through an orbiting satellite to an earth station where signal processing can be performed. </p> <p> The methods of signal processing investigated here include both linear and nonlinear. The linear methods include the window function, the autocorrelation function, the digital filtering and the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The nonlinear processing is based on the Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) . In addition, additive white Gaussian noise has been added to simulate the performance under different carrier-to-noise density ratio conditions. </p> <p> For a single ELT signal, it is shown in the thesis that the MEM processor gives good spectral performance as compared to the FFT when applied to all types of modulation. When multiple ELT signals are present, the MEM also provides certain benefits in improving the spectral performance as compared to the FFT. </p>