Non-binary spread spectrum signals with good delay-tracking features for satellite positioning

This paper derives an algorithm to design new signal-in-space formats to be possibly used in next-generation constellations of satellites. Considering recent advances in spread spectrum signal generation and detection, it is possible to investigate new strictly band-limited non-binary waveforms which aim at minimizing the error on time delay estimation (TDE), and thus at maximizing positioning accuracy. This paper elaborates on a criterion proposed by the authors to improve TDE accuracy for the additive white Gaussian noise channel, focusing on multipath aspects. Preliminary theoretical analysis on a two-ray multipath channel is provided to support the proposed algorithm.