Abstract: A method of obtaining coarse synchronization in a frequency hopped/direct sequence spread spectrum (FH/DSS) time division multiple access (TDMA) data link network includes tuning the receiver to a first frequency used in the data link network. Then, signal strength of signals received on the first frequency during a sample time period is observed to obtain a sample energy pattern. An expected energy pattern during a time uncertainty window is determined based upon a known hopping pattern. Then, the sample energy pattern is compared to a first portion of the expected energy pattern, with the first portion of the expected energy pattern corresponding to a first time period within the time uncertainty window. A determination is then made as to whether the first time period is a coarse synchronization candidate based upon the comparison. If it is determined that the time period is a coarse synchronization candidate, one or more additional comparisons on different frequencies can be used to verify the hypothesis.

Abstract: A method of demodulating a frequency hopped waveform is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an analog radio frequency signal, converting the analog signal to a digital pulse signal, and determining the I and Q bits in the digital pulse signal. The method also comprises derotating the Q bits by a ninety (90) degree phase shift. The method further comprises deriving an approximate phase angle for the pulse from the I and derotated Q bits.

Abstract: An communication scheme is disclosed. A collection of data samples is gathered and stored. One or more communication slot opportunities for the participant are identified in the time division communication scheme. Gathered data can be retrieved by an agent at a time just prior to communication. The agent can retrieve data according to a priority scheme. The retrieved data can then be loaded into a packet and transmitted in the communication slot opportunity to which its agent is related. The agents can be queued instead of the actual data to be communicated. Further, agents can be queued such that each level in the queue relates to a different communication slot opportunity. In addition, a plurality of agents can be activated to gather data to be communicated in a single communication slot.