Digital correlation detector for low-cost Omega navigation

Abstract

Techniques to lower the cost of using the Omega global navigation network with phase-locked loops (PLL) were developed. The technique that was accepted as being "optimal" is called the memory-aided phase-locked loop (MAPLL) since it allows operation on all eight Omega time slots with one PLL through the implementation of a random access memory. The receiver front-end and the signals that it transmits to the PLL were first described. A brief statistical analysis of these signals was then made to allow a rough comparison between the front-end presented in this work and a commercially available front-end to be made. The hardware and theory of application of the MAPLL were described, ending with an analysis of data taken with the MAPLL. Some conclusions and recommendations were also given.