a method for maintaining spread spectrum chip sequence synchronization , over arbitrary time periods , without the use of traditional closed loop strategies . the technique can be accomplished entirely in software or with the addition of a minimum of electronic components . the receiver periodically forces a chip code reposition optimization to jog the receiver - chip sequence into a high level of synchronization after some period of time in which the receiver &# 39 ; s chip sequence alignment has run open loop with respect to the transmitter - chip sequence embedded in the received spread - spectrum signal . the reposition technique allows the use of very low cost crystals for the chip sequence generator time base in both receiver and transmitter , and also provides time cues in which to optimize time - of - flight radio position fixes .