The acquisition and reacquisition behavior in reception of Differentially-Encoded Multi-Phase-Shift Keyed (DE-MPSK) signals will be analyzed with random and deterministic data patterns. Acquisition/reacquisition strategies will be devised for a DE-MPSK signal format which meets NWC data link requirements. Expected performance will be estimated and a determination made of whether experimental verification will be needed in Phase II. Candidate verification methods will include: 1) analysis, 2) simulation by software or digital hardware, and 3) laboratory test using special purpose equipment with dedicated modems or general purpose test equipment. Performance, cost, flexibility, and accuracy will be estimated for the selected method and an implementation plan for Phase II testbed and experiments will be prepared.
