Abstract: A preemptive processor for a tactical collision avoidance system (TCAS) selects mode S squitter messages from closer airplanes on a priority basis. The receiver has a higher sensitivity level to receive squitter messages at greater ranges. The high-level squitter messages preempt the lower-level squitter messages. The preemptive processor can be implemented as part of a application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the capture performance of frequency and phase locked loops. The invention permits improved capture performance while, at the same time, maintaining the signal-to-noise ratio performance of the loop while the loop is tracking. The invention estimates the transient response of an automatic control loop. This estimate is used to control elements added to a PLL to accelerate acquisition, and eliminate the noise contribution of those added elements while the loop is tracking. The system uses the variation in the gradient of the loop transient response to derive an estimate of the loop's distance from lock. The system then uses this estimate to control loop parameters which affect the loop's acquisition.

Abstract: A digital modem is provided for demodulation of differential phase-shift keyed (DPSK) signals in a land mobile satellite receiver. The DPSK demodulator comprises a coarse frequency and lock detect module for identifying and estimating the frequency of the input signal, a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) for generating in-phase and quadrature signals from the input signal, one pair each of delayed and non-delayed integrate and dump (I&D) modules, a symbol timing module for achieving symbol synchronization by determining the dump time of the I&D modules, a dot product detector for receiving the output of the non-delayed I&D modules and providing a detected data output, and an AFC loop comprising a cross product detector and an AFC loop filter that provides feedback to the NCO and lock detect module. The DPSK demodulator achieves symbol synchronization independent of carrier phase or frequency and at low signal-to-noise ratios.