Alleyne, Jochen Raoul

The design, development and performance of an acoustic modem using spread spectrum modulation techniques in order to reduce multipath interference is detailed in this thesis. The design also includes a method to correct for Doppler shifts in the received data. Finally, error detection and correction are utilized in order to improve the robustness of the transmitted data. The results of field experiments with the modem are used to analyze the performance of the modem under a variety of conditions. These results are then used as a basis from which to draw conclusions about the spread spectrum technique.

This document serves as a dissertation for the Doctor of Philosophy in Ocean Engineering degree at Florida Atlantic University's Department of Ocean Engineering. This dissertation documents the design, development, and performance analysis of an acoustic receiver system that incorporates a decision directed learning filter for acoustic multi-phase shift keying signals. The system makes use of advanced signal processing, inclusive of spatial diversity and decision directed learning techniques in order to decode digital acoustic data. Error correcting techniques are also employed as well as methods of analyzing the efficiency of the system.