Maximal Length Sequences for Frequency Hopping

Normally, frequency hopping sequences for spread-spectrum communication systems are obtained by selecting groups of elements of binary m sequences. An alternative to using groups of binary m-sequence elements is developed. It involves obtaining nonbinary m sequences with the number of desired hopping frequencies equal to the number of symbols in the finite field which the nonbinary m sequence is over. The grouping of elements of binary m sequences does not necessarily have the m sequences. In addition, the autocorrelation function of the nonbinary m sequence has a maximal period, whereas the frequency hopping sequences obtained from the grouping of elements of binary m sequences may not have a maximal period. >