various embodiments relate to a method of determining the presence of a spread spectrum signal , including : receiving n input samples of a signal ; performing a first autocorrelation on the n input samples with a first offset ; performing a second autocorrelation on the n input samples with a second offset ; performing a third autocorrelation on the n input samples with a third offset ; performing a fourth autocorrelation on the n input samples with a fourth offset ; performing a fifth autocorrelation on the n input samples with a fifth offset ; determining if the values of the first , second , and third autocorrelations are decreasing , and determining if the values of the fourth and fifth autocorrelations are less than a threshold value , then determining that a spread spectrum signal is present in the n input samples .