The M-sequence (maximum length sequence) is often used as a ranging signal in radar and other systems. This paper considers the case where an M sequence ranging signal is detected by an MPD (matched pulse detector), which is a digital correlator, and analyzes the probabilities for miss detection and for false detection due to bit error. Previously, this correlation function has not been derived analytically. In this paper, a procedure is presented where the threshold for the miss detection and false detection probabilities is determined by a simulation result for the correlator. An experiment is attempted in which a single M-sequence is detected in satellite communication using VSAT (very small aperture terminal). It is shown that the experimental results and analysis almost agree for a single M-sequence with a 31-bit code length. © 1998 Scripta Technica. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 82(2): 82–89, 1999