Correlation peak detector

Abstract

A correlation peak detector including an envelope detector, a peak-holder, a peak scaler, and a comparator detects the envelope of a correlator output signal, derives a peak threshold signal from the peak signal level produced by the correlator output signal, and compares the envelope of the correlator output signal to the peak threshold signal to produce a correlation peak detector output signal which indicates detection of a correlation peak. A minimum threshold signal is generated and provided to the comparator to inhibit detection of false peaks or noise. The comparator produces a correlation peak detector output signal which indicates occurrence of a correlation peak by producing a pulse whenever the magnitude of the envelope of the correlator output signal exceeds the sum of the magnitude of the peak threshold signal and the magnitude of the minimum threshold signal. Pulses in the correlation peak detector output signal may be used to synchronize receiver timing signals with a received signal. Simultaneous detection of peaks in a plurality of correlator output signals is accomplished by individually comparing each correlator output signal's envelope with the peak threshold signal to produce a plurality of correlation peak detector output signals, and combining the correlation peak detector output signals to produce a combined correlation peak detector output signal having a pulse whenever a correlation peak is detected in any of the plurality of correlator output signals.