Delay-Lock Tracking of Stochastic Signals

The measurement and tracking of the delay between two versions of a stochastic signal by cross-correlation techniques is considered. Such techniques have broad applications, e.g., interferometry, noncontact speed and distance measurement, etc. The paper begins by discussing the functional diagram of the tracking system. From this diagram a mathematically equivalent model of the system is derived and its similarities to the well known baseband model of the phase-locked loop are discussed. Using Fokker-Planck (F-P) techniques the performance of the system, as a function of fundamental system parameters, is computed and graphically illustrated. These results are then compared with experimental results obtained by computer simulation.