Low Autocorrelation Binary Sequences: Best-Known Peak Sidelobe Level Values

Abstract

Binary sequences are widely used in many practical fields, such as radar applications, telecommunications and cryptography. Finding low autocorrelation binary sequences with good peak side-lobe level (PSL) values is a difficult optimization problem. In this paper we present an improved heuristic algorithm for searching low autocorrelation PSL sequences. A heuristic algorithm can find a sequence with a PSL value, which is not necessarily optimal, but is usually near optimal, and the algorithm finds it in a reasonable amount of time. In the experimental work we applied our algorithm to find binary sequences with low PSL values, and made a comparison with the state-of-the-art algorithms from literature. With our algorithm many sequences with the currently best-known PSL values have been improved. We found new sequences with better, i.e., lower, PSL values.

Keywords

• Binary code
• aperiodic autocorrelation
• peak sidelobe level