Method for clocks synchronization for receiving pulse position encoded

Abstract

A method for clock synchronization for receiving pulse position encoded signals in which a clock signal defines slots or windows of time in which to receive pulse signals. The signal received within a slot is measured to obtain a value representing the amount of signal received within that slot. The values from adjacent slots are compared to determine into which slot the signal most fully fits, and to determine a clock correction value which would change the phase of the clock to make the slots more accurately center on the received pulses. During a time period in which clock adjustment will not affect received pulses, the clock correction value is applied to the clock. In a preferred form, the measurement of pulses, comparison between slots, and clock correction are all performed digitally. A list of energy values is maintained for all slots within a frame, so that the maximum energy value can be selected for assigning a pulse position to a slot within that frame.